By ‘Yemi ‘Nekan
“We need good roads and better schools for our children. The government only remembers us when it’s time for elections.” — Mr. Ibrahim, a commercial motorcyclist in Ijaiye
As the curtain gradually falls on the administration of Hon. Hammed Idowu D. Tijani (HID), who has served as the Chairman of Ojokoro Local Council Development Area (LCDA) since July 25, 2017, residents are once again confronted with a familiar question: Will the next administration finally deliver the long-awaited dividends of democracy?
The imminent assumption of office by Hon. Mrs. Oluyemisi Rosiji as the next chairman of the LCDA has stirred both hope and skepticism among the people. With years of growing discontent over underdevelopment in Ojokoro, many are eager to see whether her leadership will mark the beginning of real change.
A Council Still Searching for Progress
Ojokoro LCDA was created in October 2003 by then-Governor Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, now the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Since then, it has witnessed three democratically elected chairmen, with HID being the most recent. However, for all its years of existence, many believe the council has not lived up to its potential.
From the underfunded education sector to overstretched health centers and poor road infrastructure, the challenges are glaring.
“It’s like we’re forgotten here,”
says Mrs. Janet Olaleye, a school teacher in Kola Alagbado. “Children sit on broken chairs, clinics are short-staffed, and once it rains, many of our roads become rivers.”
For many, it is not just about the problems — it is about the inaction and silence that have followed them over the years.
The Rosiji Factor: Hope or Hype?
Hon. Mrs. Oluyemisi Rosiji steps into the spotlight as a familiar face in community development and grassroots politics. Her background as a community advocate and women’s leader has earned her a loyal base, especially among youths and market women.
She is widely regarded as approachable, decisive, and deeply committed to inclusive governance. But winning hearts is one thing; transforming a community starved of progress is another.
“She has always been a listener and problem-solver,”
notes Mrs. Funke Ajayi, a community leader in Ijaiye. “We believe she can do more with the mantle of leadership.”
Yet, there are questions about how she plans to surmount the deeply entrenched issues that have plagued the LCDA for decades.
The Key Areas Residents Want Addressed
The expectations of Ojokoro residents are not vague — they are clear, urgent, and grounded in daily struggles. Below are key priority areas:
1. Road Infrastructure
From Abule Egba to Sanni Balogun and Ijaiye to Jankara, the state of inner roads is appalling. Residents expect immediate attention to drainage, road rehabilitation, and traffic decongestion.
2. Healthcare
With only a handful of under-equipped health centers serving thousands, there is a pressing need for more facilities, medical staff, and consistent supply of essential drugs.
3. Education
Public primary and secondary schools suffer from overcrowding, poor infrastructure, and outdated learning tools. Revamping schools with modern facilities is a top demand.
4. Youth Empowerment
Residents want sustainable skill acquisition programs, startup grants for young entrepreneurs, and the revival of recreational centers.
5. Sanitation and Security
Better waste management and stronger collaboration with security agencies, including local vigilantes, are vital to ensuring safety and environmental health.
Challenges Await
Hon. Rosiji is likely to face budgetary constraints, administrative bottlenecks, and the burden of restoring public trust. The LCDA’s limited Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and heavy reliance on federal allocation could hinder the pace of transformation — unless strategic partnerships and innovative funding approaches are pursued.
Her administration will also need to embrace accountability and transparency, using technology and community feedback to bridge the long-standing disconnect between the council and the governed.
Conclusion: A Chance to Change the Story
“We just want someone who will take our problems seriously and fix them,”
says Mr. Kayode Akanji, a youth leader in Alagbado. “We’ve waited long enough.”
As Hon. Mrs. Oluyemisi Rosiji prepares to assume office, she carries with her the hope of thousands who are tired of excuses and eager for action. The coming months will reveal whether her leadership will be a turning point in Ojokoro’s history — or another missed opportunity.
One thing is certain: the people are watching, and this time, they are not willing to settle for less.
-Mr “Yemi “‘Nekan writes from Kola Alagbado, Lagos State.
