Lagos: Some communities in Kosofe Constituency I of Lagos State, have urged the government to improve security and provide more markets for improved livelihood.

They made the call at the 10th Lagos State House of Assembly Constituency meeting, held simultaneously across the 40 constituencies of the state on Thursday.

The Theme of the 2025 meeting is: “Governance in Action: The Gains of the Renewed Hope Agenda”.

The residents of Mende community demanded for more markets, adequate security and palliatives to cushion the effects of ongoing economic reforms on them.

A retired banker, Mr Israel Balogun decried security challenges confronting the Mende community and urged the lawmaker representing the constituency to address it.

Balogun said the primary responsibility of government is to provide adequate security for its people.

“I am canvassing for the Mende community security to be reinforced, although there are measures being put in place by the council, that restrict operations of commercial tricycles before 6.a.m and after 7.00p.m,” Balogun said.

Another resident of Oworonsoki, also in Kosofe, Mr Kehinde Saka, sought the Lagos assembly’s intervention on exorbitant house rents affecting residents in the community.

Alhaji Tajudeen Ayinde, appealed to the lawmaker to provide solar street lights in their community.

A physically challenged, Mr Nuhu Oloyede, resident of Araromi area in Gbagada, urged the lawmaker to sponsor a bill that would back creation of centers for people living with disabilities in the 20 Local Government and 37 Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of the state.

He pleaded with the lawmaker to influence the state to prohibit physically challenged persons from constituting nuisance on Lagos streets through begging as a means of survival.

Oloyede begged the lawmaker to provide funds for people living with disabilities and other incentives to remove them from the streets.

The Treasurer of Ebun-Otti community, Mrs Lolo Ihuwmah, urged the lawmaker to provide a community market in Mende area to stop indiscriminate selling on streets.

“Although the state government provides security, it is not enough, that is why we are appealing to the state for improved security through improved patrols by security forces to deter armed robbers.”

A resident of Ogudu also in Kosofe, Mr Tunde Akinyemi, lamented the absence of polling units in some parts of the area.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Kosofe Local Government Area Chairman, Mr Moyosore Ogunlewe said the meeting provided opportunities to reflect on the progress made under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Ogunlewe, who was represented by the Vice Chairman, Mr Oluwole Sosanya, said the gathering is to constructively dialogue on how governance could continue to deliver real dividends to Nigerians.

He commended the constituency’s lawmaker, Mr Sanni Okanlawon, for representing them excellently.

He also commended him for providing a platform where government and the governed could interact, share ideas, and strengthen trust.

Ogunlewe reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to collaborating with the house of assembly, community leaders, and the people, in ensuring that the Renewed Hope Agenda translated into visible improvements in infrastructure and sustainable economic growth in Kosofe.

The Commissioner for Water Front, Lagos State, Otunba Dayo Alebiosu, said that the Odo-Ogun Waterfront Scheme proposed by the Lagos state government would house over 40,000 residents.

Alebiosu urged residents in the Kosofe community to remain calm and support the government in its mandate which would benefit everyone in the long run.

In his response, the lawmaker commended the community for their support so far and assured them of good governance.

Responding to the challenges raised, he said the assembly had passed the reviewed tenancy Law and hoped that Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu would pass it into law.

“We have reviewed the Tenancy Law, after a public hearing, what is remaining is the governor’s assent which will end housing challenges in Lagos.

“We will engage the Ministry of Energy to find out the lighting challenges in other parts of Kosofe and to also look into the Solar issue and resolve them.

“I have initiated more than seven roads in the Kosofe community and I am working hard to do more. I am also working toward facilitating rehabilitation of more.

“The Lagos state government established Office of People Living with Disabilities and disbursed N500 million into it to assist them. In addition, I have employed 150 people in my constituency so far among others,” he said.
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