By Correspondent in Lagos
Communities in Kosofe Constituency I of Lagos State have appealed to the government for improved security, the establishment of more community markets, and urgent interventions to cushion the effects of ongoing economic reforms.
The call was made on Thursday during the 10th Lagos State House of Assembly Constituency Meeting, which held simultaneously across the 40 constituencies of the state. The 2025 edition carried the theme: “Governance in Action: The Gains of the Renewed Hope Agenda.”
Residents of Mende community lamented the absence of a functional market, inadequate security patrols, and rising hardship.
A retired banker, Mr. Israel Balogun, decried growing insecurity in the area and urged the lawmaker representing the constituency to strengthen security measures.
“The primary responsibility of government is to provide adequate security. Although the council restricts tricycle operations before 6 a.m. and after 7 p.m., more needs to be done to protect lives and property,” Balogun said.
Similarly, Mr. Kehinde Saka of Oworonsoki called for urgent intervention on skyrocketing house rents, while Alhaji Tajudeen Ayinde appealed for solar streetlights to improve safety in their neighborhoods.
Mr. Nuhu Oloyede, a physically challenged resident of Araromi in Gbagada, urged the lawmaker to push for the establishment of disability centers across Lagos’ 20 LGAs and 37 LCDAs.
He also appealed for funds and incentives to empower people living with disabilities, thereby curbing street begging.
In her remarks, Mrs. Lolo Ihuwmah, Treasurer of Ebun-Otti community, pressed for a community market in Mende to reduce indiscriminate street trading.
She added that while the state provided security, it remained inadequate to deter armed robbers.
From Ogudu, Mr. Tunde Akinyemi expressed concerns about the absence of polling units in some parts of the constituency.
In his address of welcome , the Kosofe LGA Chairman, Mr. Moyosore Ogunlewe,represented by Vice Chairman, Mr. Oluwole Sosanya,praised the platform as an avenue for dialogue and accountability.
He commended the constituency’s representative, Hon. Sanni Okanlawon, for his effective representation and pledged continued collaboration to translate the Renewed Hope Agenda of the federal government into tangible improvements.
Also speaking, the Lagos State Commissioner for Waterfront, Otunba Dayo Alebiosu, assured residents of the government’s commitment, citing the proposed Odo-Ogun Waterfront Scheme, which would accommodate over 40,000 residents.
Responding to community concerns, Hon. Okanlawon assured the people of ongoing interventions, revealing that the Assembly has reviewed the Tenancy Law, awaiting Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s assent to ease Lagos’ housing challenges.
“We will also engage the Ministry of Energy to resolve lighting challenges, especially in Kosofe, and look into solar power solutions. Beyond that, I have initiated more than seven road projects and will continue to push for rehabilitation works,” he said.
Okanlawon added that the Lagos government has established the Office for People Living with Disabilities with a N500 million support fund and disclosed that he has personally facilitated employment for 150 residents in the constituency.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
