By Our Reporter

For Hon. Jimoh Olawale, the Chairman of Apapa Iganmu LCDA, leadership is about determination to confront the challenges facing the people and focusing on solutions. It also entails improving security, laying a good foundation and engendering a more prosperous community.

It would be an understatement to postulate that the executive chairman of Apapa Iganmu LCDA Hon. Jimoh Olawale Saliu has steadily focus on the improvement of lives of residents of the LCDA, bringing an even development across board since assumption of office.

As the administration marks its one year in office and celebrate its landmark achievement, Hon. Jimoh’s accomplishments, which have become an exemplar to others, have undoubtedly won him accolade within and outside the local government.

THE CHALLENGES- FLOODING & WASTE

Undoubtedly, Apapa Iganmu has experienced some challenges in the area of flood, which has brought pains to our people. The recurring flooding has continued to disrupt economic and social activities across the council area.

Without embarking on blame game, it is important to note that Hon. Jimoh did not inherit a council in perfect shape. The Obaale bridge canal, the Gaskiya canal, the Lambert Metal Company, now operating as Sifax, which occupies a major drainage channel leading to the Lagos Lagoon amongst others have remained blocked before the advent of this administration.

Contrary to wide held opinion by some ignorant residents, the on going construction of the Pharmaceutical Village at Whitesand Iganmu, predates this administration, without any input into its existence.

Similarly, it will not be out of place to note that the heap of refuse at the end of Ireti -Owoseni in Badia, ditto the fruit market at Sari off Adeleye junction and the erection of structures along canals and drainage corridors, which obstruct the free flow of water are handiworks of residents. The menace of indiscriminate dumping of refuse and blockage of canal is long-standing and deeply rooted.

Less we forget, the issue of flooding is a global phenomenon, not peculiar to Nigeria, Lagos and by extension Apapa Iganmu LCDA. It will interest you to know that what we witnessed in the community is a child play to that of areas such as Ikoyi, Victoria Island, Ibeju-Lekki, Eti-osa, Ajeromi Ifelodun,Ojo amongst other blighted areas in the state.

THE OLUGBANI SOLUTIONS

However, as people centric leader, committed to the well being of the residents, Hon. Jimoh has made significant and measurable progress contrary to the assertion of some pockets of critics, the natural pull him down (PhD) holders.

For the critics, it’s instructive to state that governance is a shared responsibility. While it is the responsibility of the government to engender good governance, the residents also have a critical role to play by maintaining a good environment worth livable.

As a saying in Yoruba tribe that ” Ariwo oja, koni kama sowo”, meaning market noise doesn’t stop the trader from trading, the criticism only reinforced the Hon. Jimoh’s determination and commitment towards meeting the yearnings of the good people of Apapa Iganmu.

When Hon. Jimoh came on board, he launched the ” Operation Clean -Up Initiative”, in conjunction with the Councillors across the seven Wards, where blocked gutters were desilted and evacuated. This has become a routine exercise on weekly basis. In addition, the “Waste -To- Wealth” initiative organised in partnership with 7UP Bottling Company Plc is a top notch programme that has not only reduced waste products, but put money in the pockets of participants.

On the much talked about flooding of the community, the “Olugbani magic wand”, which made the flood to disappear within few hours on the third day has continued to generate applause from the good people of Apapa Iganmu LCDA. Unknown to many, it caused Hon. Jimoh a sleepless night and officials of the ministry of the environment to clear the blockage at Liverpool axis of the canal for easy passage of the flood to Tincan Island, creating relief for residents of Apapa Iganmu, Ajeromi and neighbouring communities affected by the flood. He capped the efforts with the hiring of Swamp Buggy tractor for three weeks continuous work, clearing silt, debris on system five canal to halt excessive flooding, overflow of floodwaters onto roads and surrounding properties beyond Apapa Iganmu LCDA.These efforts demonstrate commitment, not failure.

Hon Olawale Saliu Jimoh is steadily staying the course, focusing on solutions, not rhetoric.