Mr Olufemi Okeowo, the Chairman of Ifelodun Local Council Development Area (LCDA) in Lagos, has added another 250 Special Assistants (SAs) and Senior Special Assistants (SSAs) to his team. This latest batch of appointments brings the total number of aides appointed since July to over 370, as Okeowo had previously appointed 128 SSAs and SAs just last month. The chairman stated that these appointments are part of his administration's drive to foster a more responsive and inclusive government, aimed at strengthening governance at all levels and ensuring effective policy implementation. He believes these new aides will help deliver the 'dividends of democracy' to the people of Ifelodun.
These appointments are expected to complement Okeowo's existing achievements in areas like infrastructure, healthcare, education, youth empowerment, environmental sustainability, sports, and social welfare. He expressed his readiness to collaborate closely with the newly appointed individuals to advance the council's progress. The chairman also highlighted his administration's efforts in social welfare, noting that the removal of the fuel subsidy has enabled his council to provide N10,000 conditional monthly cash transfers to 1,200 households. Additionally, 100 petty traders are receiving N100,000 in monthly business support grants, and 2,500 households are receiving food palliatives.
Okeowo attributes these increased community support initiatives to the higher allocations local governments are now receiving following the removal of the fuel subsidy. He specifically mentioned that the federal government, under President Bola Tinubu, is showing significant support and commitment to local governments through these increased allocations. According to Okeowo, this has allowed his administration to channel more resources into healthcare, free education, empowerment programmes, palliatives, and infrastructure development for residents. He also pointed out that fuel subsidy payments had previously been a major drain on the nation's economy, a problem he suggests has been addressed.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education in Lagos State, Mr Tolani Alli-Balogun, lauded Okeowo's initiatives. He described them as tangible proof of democratic dividends and heralded a new era for the local government. Alli-Balogun specifically mentioned that the appointment of the 250 SAs and SSAs would contribute to poverty reduction within the Ifelodun LCDA. He also praised the entrepreneurial loan schemes, which are being disbursed as grants, for positively impacting residents.
Residents and community leaders present at the food pack and cash grant distribution voiced their approval of the chairman's grassroots empowerment schemes, infrastructural projects, and food distribution efforts. One beneficiary, Mr John Oke, shared how the food items would provide much-needed sustenance for his family for several days, expressing his gratitude and praying for the continued success of Okeowo's administration.