News Investigators/ The Chairman of Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government Area, Olalekan Olu-Akindipe, says Obafemi Hamzat will become Lagos governor.
Mr Olu-Akindipe expressed the confidence on Wednesday at a Mega Youth and Women Empowerment Programme marking his first year in office.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the programme featured the distribution of equipment, food items and cash to residents.
Mr Olu-Akindipe said Hamzat possessed the experience and knowledge required to succeed Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu as governor.
“Definitely, Mr Hamzat will become the next governor of Lagos State because he is the only candidate that knows the job,” he said.
He said Mr Hamzat’s extensive public service experience had prepared him adequately for the governorship responsibilities ahead.
“Hamzat, who is the Deputy Governor of Lagos, has been in government for a very long time.
“He has learnt the job and has also been Commissioner for Works for several years,” he said.
The council chairman also said Hamzat’s more than seven years as deputy governor would strengthen the APC’s electoral prospects.
“I can tell you 100 per cent that we are going to have a rise in our votes in Lagos State,” he said.
Olu-Akindipe said his administration remained committed to ensuring that the benefits of governance reached residents across the council’s nine wards.
He said the empowerment initiative reflected his commitment to grassroots development, inclusive growth and people-oriented governance.
According to him, beneficiaries were selected after officials visited communities to identify residents’ needs across the local government.
“Our criteria for choosing beneficiaries differed. A documentary was shown on how we visited different streets and every nook and cranny,” he said.
He said the council would continue responding to residents’ needs, noting that beneficiaries would always seek additional support.
“The people of Ajeromi-Ifelodun have a large appetite because they are Oliver Twist and will always ask for more,” he said.
Olu-Akindipe said his administration had addressed several aspects of governance during its first 365 days in office.
He identified improved healthcare centres and better education as priority areas requiring greater attention during the next phase.
“We need to improve our healthcare centres and, in schools, we need to train them young,” he said.
The chairman said the empowerment programme distributed 50 deep freezers, 50 industrial machines and 50 stone-processing machines.
Other items included 25 welding machines, 25 shoe-making machines, 100 cake mixers and 25 vulcanising machines.
The beneficiaries also received 100 make-up kits and accessories, 50 solar generators, chairs and a standard canopy.
Additionally, the council distributed 3,000 bags of 10kg rice and ₦10,000 cash to widows and elderly residents.
Olu-Akindipe commended President Bola Tinubu’s administration, saying increased allocations had strengthened local governments’ capacity to deliver development.
“Unlike before, we are no longer facing serious financial burdens. The JAAC allocation that comes in is very huge,” he said.
He urged local governments to ensure that increased resources translated into tangible benefits for residents at the grassroots.
The chairman also expressed confidence in Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, saying the President was committed to improving Nigerians’ welfare.
“I know this is just the President’s starting point because he has assured us that he is ready to wipe our tears away,” he said.
Mrs Shola Adekoya, a fish seller and beneficiary of a deep freezer, commended the council chairman for empowering women and youths.
Adekoya urged other local governments across Lagos State to emulate the initiative and strengthen efforts to reduce poverty.
The event was attended by APC state Chairman, Cornelius Ojelabi, former minister, Musiliu Obanikoro and traditional rulers.
Market leaders and residents of the council area also attended the programme, which marked Olu-Akindipe’s first year in office.
NAN
