Apapa-Iganmu LCDA Chairman sets new standard for people-oriented governance through empathy, innovation, and results.

Bamidele Atoyebi

Hon. Jimoh Olawale Saliu, fondly known as Olugbani, has shown himself as a true man of the people a leader whose policies, projects, and programs reflect genuine empathy, careful planning, and a deep understanding of community needs. In just 100 days as Chairman of Apapa-Iganmu Local Council Development Area (LCDA), he has redefined what grassroots leadership should look like.

Olugbani has demonstrated that leadership is not about dumping or pushing policies on people that fail to address their real challenges but about assessing, listening, and responding with actions that meet those needs directly. He has shown that true leadership begins with understanding what social workers describe as needs assessment and continues with delivery that transforms lives.

He is, indeed, dear to the people for first taking time to assess their needs and then formulating policies that address them. In so many areas, he has done exactly that which is why he stands out today as one of the best-performing LCDA Chairmen in recent times.

Under his administration, Apapa-Iganmu has witnessed a new era of inclusive governance built on consultation, feedback, and community participation. The Olugbani Agenda reflects not just leadership but partnership and the results speak volumes.

Education and Youth Development

The Olugbani Summer Classes provided free academic support for students during the holiday period, while 100 free GCE forms were distributed to deserving students identified through community mock exams. The 21st Spelling Bee Competition brought honour to the community as Araromi Secondary School emerged victorious. Plans are also in motion to upgrade the Senator Oluremi Tinubu Public Library and establish a Technical Training Centre at Ireti-Owoseni, in addition to sponsoring 10 NIIT trainees on scholarships to strengthen digital literacy among youths.

Digital Empowerment and ICT

The Olugbani Wealth Creation Centre and ICT Hub at the Oluremi Tinubu Library is already vibrant, providing training, job placements, and digital work opportunities for young people This initiative ensures that Apapa-Iganmu youths are not left behind in the modern digital economy.

Health and Well-being

Olugbani’s administration has restocked local Primary Health Centres with free drugs and deployed NYSC doctors to improve healthcare access. Land has been secured for a General Hospital at Ward C, Badia, while PTML has begun renovating the Ojora Olugbode PHC all geared toward ensuring quality healthcare delivery close to home.

Security and Peace

Peace within the LCDA has been strengthened through proactive engagement with security agencies, community vigilance, and the firm stance of residents against cultism and drug abuse.

Infrastructure Development

The completion of Akinola Street in commemoration of 100 days in office, alongside the near completion of Amusu and Makanjuola Streets, demonstrates clear commitment to better roads and accessibility. The Ireti-Owoseni sand-filling project eased movement for residents, while the Magistrate Court was fully equipped to ensure swift justice delivery.

Environmental Sanitation

Through the Olugbani Clean-Up Initiative, residents of Apapa-Iganmu have joined the hands ward by ward to clear drains, bag waste, and promote cleaner surroundings. His insistence on a zero tolerance for illegal dumping policy has already begun to change environmental habits across the LCDA.

Welfare, Training, and Staff Motivation

Three new staff buses were acquired to enhance service delivery and administrative efficiency. Retirees who served the council since 2002 were finally celebrated an act that speaks volumes about his commitment to fairness and compassion. Staff have also been trained locally and internationally to improve productivity and governance standards.

Sports and Youth Engagement

The Olugbani Boys were screened for the APC Chairman’s Cup, a move designed to harness and showcase local football talent. Plans are also underway to revive the White Sand Stadium, signalling renewed attention to youth and sports development.

Every one of these achievements from education to health, from infrastructure to empowerment reflects a deliberate, people-first philosophy. Hon. Jimoh Olawale Saliu is not governing from above; he is governing with the people. His leadership is collaborative, grounded, and compassionate.

As Apapa-Iganmu celebrates 100 days of purposeful service, the story is not just about one man’s achievements but about a united community rising together under responsive leadership. Olugbani’s administration is a clear example that when a leader listens, consults, and acts with sincerity, governance becomes progress, and public service becomes impact.

Indeed, Hon. Jimoh Olawale Saliu Olugbani has proven that leadership is about empathy, accessibility, and results. His first 100 days have laid a strong foundation for even greater transformation. The people of Apapa-Iganmu can confidently look to the future with hope because their Chairman listens, assesses, and delivers.

Wishing him more years in office, and we pray that he continues to deliver more people-oriented programs.

Bamidele Atoyebi is the Convenor of BAT Ideological Group, National Coordinator of Accountability and Policy monitoring and a publisher at Unfiltered and Mining Reporting