Stakeholders discuss solutions for water, housing, jobs in Lagos Island at United Nations Women/ NILDS program

The National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) and the United Nations Women organization held a stakeholders’ meeting on Wednesday, focused on advancing women’s political participation and representation in Lagos Island.

The event, organized by Honourable Princess Lara Oyekan Olumegbon, member representing Lagos Island Constituency 1, served as a platform to address pressing issues in the community, including water supply, housing, and employment.

The meeting, which aimed to bridge the gap between government and grassroots constituents, commenced with a video presentation highlighting some of the humanitarian and educational projects undertaken by Honourable Olumegbon.

Opening remarks were given by Honourable Kashim Aromire, leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos Island. He praised Honourable Olumegbon for her efforts in supporting the constituency after her election, particularly in areas of social amenities, education, and humanitarian relief.

The event was well-attended by community members and dignitaries, including the General Manager, Lagos State Mortgage Boards (Lagos H.O.M.S.) Hon. Bayowa Foresythe, Engr. Mukhtaar Tijani, MD of Lagos Water Corporation, and Ms Sherifat Balogun, Head, fundraising and partnerships at the Lagos State Employment Trust fund, among others.

Tackling Water Scarcity in Lagos Island

One of the key issues discussed was the ongoing water crisis. Engr. Mukhtaar addressed the challenges of providing potable water, noting that water production is expensive and the primary water treatment plants are currently undergoing rehabilitation.

He assured attendees that plans are underway to establish water treatment plants closer to Lagos Island. Foresythe emphasized the collaboration between the Lagos State Ministry of Environment and the Water Corporation in executing these projects and urged residents to avoid vandalism of public infrastructure to ensure the smooth rollout of water services.

Chairman of the APC Lagos Island, Olayiwola Sadiq, echoed the concerns of residents regarding water scarcity. He called on the government to restore water supply throughout the constituency, lamenting the increasing reliance on local water pushers, whose water supply is often unhygienic.

“As for water, what we want the government to do is to restore its supply throughout the constituency, as the issue of local water pushers didn’t use to be a common scenario before now,” Sadiq said. He also praised Honourable Olumegbon for staying close to the people, urging her to continue her good work: “The more you are close to the people, you enjoy them.”

Engr. Mukhtaar also highlighted ongoing efforts with NGOs and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to ensure the success of the water project. He assured the community that potable water would soon be available at affordable rates.

Housing and Employment Initiatives

Honourable Bayowa Foresythe spoke about housing initiatives designed to assist middle- and low-income earners. He praised Honourable Olumegbon for her advocacy on behalf of Lagos Homes and detailed the government’s housing programs, which provide subsidized housing options.

Foresythe gave an example of the Jakande Estate, where properties are subsidized to N10 million, with an initial payment of N500,000 and monthly payments spread over 10 years. He added that some properties, previously valued at N20 million, were reduced to N8 million, making them more accessible to residents.

Sherifat Balogun, representing the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund, highlighted the agency’s commitment to job creation, skills training, and low-interest loans for entrepreneurs. She emphasized that the government provides loans at very low-interest rates, helping small business owners and startups thrive.

Community Engagement and Youth Empowerment

In her remarks, Honourable Olumegbon praised the community for their support and encouraged collaboration with international organizations like the United Nations. She noted that access to clean water is part of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and called on the community to pay taxes to help fund government initiatives.

Olumegbon also emphasized the importance of youth participation in politics, recalling that youths played a significant role in her election campaign. She encouraged young people to remain active in shaping the future of their constituency, stressing that youth are the biggest asset to any community.

UN and NILDS Support for Rural Development

Representatives from the United Nations and NILDS were also present at the event, speaking on their efforts toward rural development. They emphasized the importance of improving infrastructure and access to basic services such as clean water, housing, and employment in underserved communities.

According to the representatives, the collaboration between international organizations and local governments is essential in accelerating rural development.

They further explained how local communities could benefit from various international initiatives, particularly through engagement with NGOs and community-based projects. By partnering with NILDS and other stakeholders, locals could tap into programs focused on improving living standards, enhancing education, and building sustainable development in Lagos Island.

The UN representative encouraged residents to leverage these opportunities by actively participating in government programs, staying informed about ongoing projects, and fostering community-driven solutions.

The representative emphasized that the goal is not just to offer temporary relief but to create long-term, self-sustaining growth for rural and semi-urban areas like Lagos Island.

In her closing remarks, Honourable Olumegbon advised the youth on the importance of acquiring technical skills, especially in the tech industry, which she noted could open numerous opportunities for economic growth. “If you want to take your family out of poverty, learn tech,” she urged.

The event concluded with a renewed commitment from all stakeholders to continue addressing the pressing issues of water scarcity, housing, and employment, with support from both local and international bodies.