Leaders and Chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party in Lagelu local government have vowed to give necessary support towards the construction of a new Local Council Development Area (LCDA) secretariat complex.
This was as the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Honorable Segun Olayiwola, performed the official foundation laying ceremony yesterday, February 22, at the new site located at N. O. Idowu High School, along Eniosa road, Olounda Abaa.
The Commissioner stated that the new secretariat is a commitment to improving governance and efficiency within the council noting that the move would not only provide a dedicated administrative hub for local LCDA officials but also signal a new era of progress and development within the community.
While also noting that the construction of the new secretariat indicates a precedence for grassroots development by the Sole Administrator and Political Head of the LCDA, the Commissioner added that the construction of the new secretariat would enhance coordination between various departments and create a conducive work environment for staff members.
It was gathered however, that the construction of the new LCDA Secretariat was necesitated by the notice served on the management staff of Lagelu West to vacate the building housing them as it belongs to the federal government of Nigeria.
Speaking to journalists shortly after the foundation laying ceremony,the Commissioner said: “We came in here today to lay the foundation of Lagelu West LCDA and I just want to thank God for the innovation by the Sole Administrator/Political Head, Alhaji Latinwo.
” It is not easy but he has been able to bring something out of nothing which is why I’m rejoicing with him and the people of Olounda Abaa. They’ve been sent out of the federal government building they’re using and there’s no where to go than to start something for themselves, and with what I’m seeing here today, I’m sure God will help them complete it because it’s a very good development.”
While fielding questions from journalists as to the commitment of the state government towards the project, the commissioner noted that there are 34 other LCDAs across the state and the that he could not make any statement of commitment but assured that the project would get support towards its completion.
Also, a political ally of the state Governor and a chieftain of the PDP in Lagelu, Alhaji Babatunde Tijani, accompanied by the party’s chairmanship candidate, Hon. Kamorudeen Mudashiru, told journalists that the new secretariat when completed would facilitate more development to the area.
While commending the Sole Administrator and Political Head of Lagelu West LCDA for his foresight and lofty idea, he assured that Governor Seyi Makinde, who is passionately committed to grassroots development, would do something to support and fast track the completion of the project.
Other notable dignitaries at the event who spoke include Ololounda of Olounda, Oba Samuel Folarin, Baale Alegongo Akobo-ojurin; Chief Kunle Sanda, and Chief D. A. Lawal.
In their separate remarks, they noted that the project was long overdue and called on well meaning sons and daughters of Olounda Abaa home and abroad to rise up to the clarion call to hasten up the construction project in order for the management and members of staff of the LCDA not to stranded without office.
Earlier in his address, the Sole Administrator and Political Head of Lagelu West LCDA, Alhaji Lanre Latinwo also known as ‘Lambash’, who said he preferred material donations than cash appealed for supply of items such as cement, bricks, water, granite, sand and other items that would hasten up the completion of the new secretariat complex.
He noted however, that the project which was estimated to cost a little above 300 million naira was too much for the LCDA to shoulder, hence, the move for the construction of few blocks of administrative offices so that management and members of staff would not be without operational offices.
Alhaji Latinwo, who commended Governor Makinde for the ongoing dualization of 8.3km Akobo, Ojurin/Odogbo Barracks, Olorunda Abaa road and committing almost a hundred billion naira to it sayin Lagelu has been very lucky and benefited immensely from the present government, while soliciting for support towards the construction of the new secretariat.
“Now we have LCDA but we don’t have office. Where I met them using when His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde appointed me, was a building meant for a hospital by the federal government, what made matters worse for us is that about eight months ago they just came one morning and said we should leave the place for the hospital it is meant for moreso, before I came in, my predecessor spent about 17 million on its rehabilitation but all efforts proved abortive and here we are today so, we urgently need all the support we can get for the completion of this legacy project.” Alhaji Latinwo stated.
Also present at the event are the vice to the executive chairman, Mr Biodun Badmus, HLA and other top officials of the LCDA, party stalwarts which include elder Ayobami Gold, Otunba Segun Bioku, Council of Chief of Ololounda of Olounda Abaa and other PDP chieftains.
