Reported by Simon Daniel Yusuph l Journalist at Weng Global
The Chairman of Orile-Agege Local Council Development Area (LCDA) in Lagos State, Akinola Abiodun Idowu, has disclosed that his administration inherited 21 ongoing construction and infrastructure projects when it assumed office, saying the council is prioritising their completion to prevent the abandonment of public investments and waste of taxpayers’ money.
Idowu made the disclosure on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, during a media parley organised to mark his administration’s first year in office. He used the occasion to present an account of his government’s activities, highlight ongoing development projects and outline priorities for the remaining years of his tenure.
According to a report by The News Now, the chairman said his administration had adopted a continuation strategy rather than abandoning projects initiated by its predecessor.
The approach is intended to ensure that public resources already committed to infrastructure development deliver tangible benefits to residents.
The disclosure places infrastructure completion among the major priorities of the Orile-Agege administration as it continues to address road conditions, drainage challenges, healthcare infrastructure and other community development needs.
Administration Focuses on Completing Inherited Projects
Addressing journalists at the media parley, Idowu explained that his administration inherited 21 ongoing construction and infrastructure projects upon assuming office in July 2025.
Rather than discontinue the projects because they were initiated by a previous administration, he said the council decided to prioritise their completion.
The decision reflects an important governance principle: public infrastructure should be treated as an investment belonging to the community rather than as the property of the political administration that initiated it.
Abandoning projects whenever political leadership changes can result in financial losses, deteriorating infrastructure and prolonged delays in delivering essential services.
For residents, unfinished roads, drainage systems and public facilities can create additional difficulties, particularly where construction activities disrupt transportation, commercial activities and access to essential services.
The chairman’s position therefore places emphasis on continuity in local government administration and the responsible management of public resources.
However, the council’s ability to complete the inherited projects will depend on available funding, contractors’ performance, project supervision and transparent procurement procedures.
The chairman’s disclosure did not provide a complete breakdown of the financial value, individual completion status or contractors responsible for all 21 inherited projects.
Road Construction and Drainage Projects Remain Key Priorities
Infrastructure development featured prominently in Idowu’s presentation, particularly road construction and rehabilitation across communities within Orile-Agege LCDA.
Among the projects highlighted were interventions around Egbatedo, Dada Akapo Street and Bade Abiona.
The Egbatedo Street project involves improvements to road infrastructure and drainage facilities in the Papa-Ashafa area.
The intervention is intended to address flooding and deteriorating road conditions that have affected residents and businesses.
At Dada Akapo Street, the administration has undertaken road reconstruction alongside the construction of reinforced concrete drainage with covered slabs.
The drainage component is particularly important because poor water channels and inadequate drainage infrastructure can contribute to flooding, damage to roads and disruption of economic activities during heavy rainfall.
The chairman also identified Bade Abiona as part of the administration’s infrastructure programme.
The road interventions are expected to improve accessibility, support transportation and create better conditions for commercial activities within the council area.
In addition to these projects, the administration reported the desilting of 12 drainage channels across the LCDA as part of efforts to improve water flow and reduce environmental problems associated with blocked drainage systems.
These interventions highlight the connection between road development and environmental management at the grassroots level.
More Infrastructure Projects Planned Across Communities
Beyond the major road projects, the Orile-Agege administration identified several other infrastructure interventions during the presentation.
They include the construction of a Primary Healthcare Centre on Gbadamosi Street and the renovation of three existing healthcare facilities.
The projects form part of efforts to improve access to basic healthcare services and strengthen the capacity of public health facilities within the council area.
Other interventions include a borehole project on Adebayo Johnson Street, construction of an area office at Oyewole and an entrance arc on Olakrokun Street.
The administration also listed the rehabilitation of the Independent National Electoral Commission office on Arigbanla Street and the construction of reinforced concrete drainage at Ejire Lane.
Meanwhile, procurement had commenced for the rehabilitation of Shodolamu, Alhaji Oladipupo and Idowu Streets, all located off Oko Oba Road.
According to the report, the bid-opening exercise for the projects took place on October 12, 2026.
The procurement process is an important stage in public infrastructure delivery because it provides an opportunity for contractors to participate in the process under established procedures.
The government will need to ensure that the projects are awarded transparently and executed according to approved specifications and timelines.
Education and Youth Development Feature in First-Year Scorecard
Education and youth empowerment were also among the areas highlighted by the chairman during the media engagement.
According to The News Now, Idowu said the council had provided furniture and learning materials to public primary schools to improve the learning environment.
The administration also partnered with the Apata Humanitarian Foundation to distribute 500 school uniforms and writing materials.
In addition, the council provided free Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) application forms and 500 General Certificate of Education (GCE) forms to support students preparing for further education and examinations.
The interventions are intended to reduce some of the financial difficulties facing families and improve access to educational opportunities.
The chairman also disclosed that 20 beneficiaries secured international training opportunities through a partnership with a Chinese renewable energy agency.
Another programme highlighted was a two-week free skills boot camp designed to equip young people with practical knowledge in different fields.
The training areas included photography, cinematography, graphic design, drone piloting, coding, renewable energy, electric vehicle technology and artificial intelligence animation.
Participants with outstanding performance were reportedly offered opportunities for further training in China and at the Nigerian Institute of Journalism.
The administration also identified sporting and educational activities, including spelling competitions, vocational training graduation ceremonies and the Orile-Agege Community Games.
These initiatives reflect the council’s stated intention to combine infrastructure development with human capital investment.
Healthcare Interventions Target Community Needs
Healthcare development was another component of the administration’s first-year activities.
The chairman highlighted support for measles-rubella vaccination, maternal and child health services, routine immunisation, Vitamin A supplementation and deworming programmes.
The council also collaborated with the Lions Club to organise a free medical outreach for residents.
The exercise provided services including eye examinations, prescription glasses and medications.
Such interventions are important at the local government level because primary healthcare facilities often serve as the first point of contact for residents seeking medical attention.
However, the sustainability of these programmes will depend on adequate staffing, medical supplies, functional equipment and consistent funding.
The planned Primary Healthcare Centre on Gbadamosi Street and renovation of existing facilities will therefore require effective management to ensure that infrastructure investments translate into improved healthcare delivery.
Waste Management and Environmental Sanitation
Environmental sanitation also featured in the chairman’s presentation.
Idowu disclosed that the council provides monthly financial support of N2 million to each of eight Private Sector Participation (PSP) waste operators to strengthen refuse collection and disposal services.
The administration also reported the procurement of two waste compactors to support environmental sanitation activities.
In addition, residents of Ward C reportedly benefited from more than a month of free refuse collection.
The council also introduced measures to address outstanding waste collection bills.
According to the chairman’s presentation, outstanding waste bills covering January 1999 to December 2022 were waived, while a 50 per cent reduction was granted on arrears accumulated between January 2023 and August 2025.
The measures are intended to ease financial pressure on residents while encouraging improved cooperation with waste management operators.
Effective waste collection remains important for public health, environmental protection and the prevention of drainage blockages.
The council’s ability to maintain these interventions will depend on regular waste collection, adequate equipment and cooperation between residents, PSP operators and the Lagos State Waste Management Authority.
Monthly Empowerment Programme Supports 200 Beneficiaries
Economic empowerment was another major issue discussed during the media parley.
Idowu disclosed that the council operates a monthly empowerment programme under which 200 beneficiaries receive N100,000 each to support their businesses and household needs.
If sustained at the stated scale, the programme represents a monthly financial commitment of N20 million and an annual commitment of N240 million.
The chairman also announced a N12 million non-interest loan facility under the PSP scheme.
The council has additionally partnered with Inspire Lagos Food Market to provide a 50 per cent subsidy on selected food items.
The initiative is designed to help residents access essential commodities at reduced prices amid economic pressures.
These programmes demonstrate the administration’s focus on combining infrastructure projects with interventions aimed at supporting household welfare and small businesses.
However, transparent beneficiary selection, proper financial records and monitoring of programme outcomes will be important in ensuring that the resources reach their intended recipients.
Security and Green Transportation Initiatives
On security, Idowu said the council had provided 4,000 streetlights across the LCDA as part of efforts to improve visibility and strengthen community safety.
The administration is also engaging relevant stakeholders on plans to introduce CCTV surveillance.
Street lighting can improve visibility on roads and public spaces, although its effectiveness depends on proper installation, regular maintenance and reliable electricity supply.
The chairman also disclosed that the council had commenced the introduction of electric vehicles, including tricycles and motorcycles, as part of its green energy initiative.
The proposed transition could support alternative transportation options and introduce residents to emerging mobility technologies.
However, successful electric mobility programmes require adequate charging infrastructure, maintenance facilities and arrangements for battery replacement.
Why Project Continuity Matters to Orile-Agege Residents
The disclosure that 21 projects were inherited by the current administration raises a broader question about continuity and accountability in local government administration.
Across Nigeria, abandoned public projects have frequently created financial and developmental challenges for communities.
When projects remain incomplete, the resources already invested may fail to deliver their intended benefits.
Road construction projects that are abandoned can worsen transportation difficulties, while unfinished drainage systems may leave communities exposed to flooding.
Similarly, incomplete healthcare and educational infrastructure can delay access to essential public services.
The decision to prioritise inherited projects therefore has implications beyond the political transition between administrations.
It reflects the responsibility of elected officials to protect public investments and ensure that government programmes serve residents over time.
For Orile-Agege, the critical measure of success will be the number of inherited projects completed, the quality of the work delivered and the improvements residents experience in their communities.
What Happens Next?
Looking ahead, Idowu said his administration would concentrate on completing ongoing projects, advancing proposed interventions through established procedures and sustaining programmes that provide measurable benefits to residents.
The council is also expected to continue engaging Community Development Associations, Community Development Committees, traditional rulers and other stakeholders.
These structures are important because residents and community representatives can help identify local needs, monitor project implementation and communicate concerns to government officials.
The chairman also appealed to journalists to maintain fair, factual and balanced reporting while providing constructive criticism of government activities.
The November 10 media parley and project inspection exercise provided an opportunity for journalists to engage with the administration and assess selected infrastructure developments.
Ultimately, the performance of the Orile-Agege LCDA administration will be judged by the extent to which its commitments translate into completed projects, improved public services and better living conditions.
For residents, the priority remains clear: inherited projects should be completed, new projects should follow due process, and public resources should produce visible and lasting results.
WENG GLOBAL – Stories beyond borders
Sources
- The News Now – Orile-Agege LCDA Chairman Highlights Road Projects, Education, Healthcare, N50m Monthly Empowerment in First-Year Scorecard, November 10, 2026.
- Lagos Television – Orile-Agege LCDA Takes Stock of Achievements, Inspects Projects.
- The News Now – Orile-Agege Chairman Discusses Financial Accountability and Infrastructure Development, November 10, 2026.
- Official website of Akinola Abiodun Idowu – Projects and Achievements.
- Lagos State Government – Local Government and Community Development information.
