Dr. Hamzat Commissions 40-Bed Trauma Centre and Lambo Lasunwon Road in Ikorodu
• Ikorodu North Leaders Call for Further Development
•NANS JCC Lagos Axis Raises Concerns Over Rent and Tariffs
Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, has officially inaugurated a 40-bed Trauma Centre at Ikorodu General Hospital, marking a significant advancement in healthcare for the community.
The facility was established through the efforts of Hon. Babajimi Benson, who represents Ikorodu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives. It aims to provide essential emergency care for residents in Ikorodu and surrounding areas.
During the event on Monday, Dr. Hamzat stressed the importance of electing leaders dedicated to serving their constituents. He commended Benson for his effective representation and urged citizens to prioritize candidates who demonstrate integrity and a commitment to community development. “Leadership should extend beyond winning elections; it should be about genuine service,” Dr. Hamzat emphasized.
The Deputy Governor also highlighted the strides Lagos has made in infrastructure, noting that about 69% of the state’s 9,189 roads are tarred. He assured attendees that the government remains focused on building durable roads, likening the nation’s current challenges to a patient undergoing surgery, with the promise that enduring the pain will lead to a stronger country.
Hon. Babajimi Benson expressed gratitude to the Lagos State Government for their support, asserting that the trauma centre will save lives and bolster the region’s healthcare infrastructure. He also mentioned ongoing development projects in Ikorodu, including road constructions, and called for swift completion to enhance community infrastructure further.
Dr. Hassan, Medical Director of Ikorodu General Hospital, lauded the hospital's evolution since its establishment in 1983, noting that it now serves over 90,000 patients monthly across 32 departments. He pointed out that the trauma centre is a vital addition that will significantly improve emergency care, especially as the current Accident and Emergency department is limited to only 15 beds.
Hon. Adeola Banjo, Executive Chairman of Ikorodu North LCDA, underscored the significance of the newly inaugurated Lambo Lasunwon Road, which has been crucial for residents, particularly during the rainy season when poor conditions often disrupt daily life.
In an interview with Ambassador Biliamin Olalekan Oba, the Governor's Senior Special Assistant on Social Development, he praised Hon. Babajimi Benson's commitment to community development. "It is inspiring to witness MHR genuinely represent the people’s interests, particularly through impactful infrastructure projects across Ikorodu. His welfare initiatives, such as the iCare food bank and scholarship programs, reflect his understanding of the community's needs," Oba stated.
Odumbo Taiwo, Principal of Lagos State University International School, expressed excitement about the trauma centre and the ongoing infrastructural developments in Lagos State. He noted that students from nearby schools were eagerly anticipating the completion of Lambo Lasunwon Road, emphasizing its significance for the community.
Tijani Olasunkanmi, General LGA Chairman for Ikorodu APC, remarked on the trauma centre's potential impact, stating it will save lives by providing immediate medical attention during emergencies. "This project is a game changer for Ikorodu," he asserted, adding that future initiatives, including a proposed entrepreneurial university in Ikorodu, would further benefit the local community.
Hon. Babajimi Benson’s continuous efforts are enhancing the quality of life for Ikorodu residents as he remains dedicated to improving infrastructure, healthcare, and welfare services.
Ikorodu North Leaders Call for Further Development
During the commissioning of Lambo Lasunwon Road, community leaders in Ikorodu North urged the government to expand infrastructure in their region, requesting the establishment of a polytechnic, the construction of a pedestrian bridge, and the development of a secondary school.
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Prince Adeniran Ogunbanwo, Chairman of the Community Development Committee (CDC), and Honourable Sunday Olusanya, a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants and Chairman of the Joint Community Development Association (CDA), led the call for additional infrastructure to enhance education and safety in the area.
Representing the community, Ogunbanwo emphasized Ikorodu’s economic importance and its contributions to Lagos State’s development, highlighting the Odogunyan Industrial Complex as the largest in Lagos. He called for improved road networks to support industrial growth, stating, "Ikorodu needs special status. When others get two projects, Ikorodu should receive eight because it delivers."
Ogunbanwo expressed gratitude for the state government’s development efforts in areas such as Ginti, Adamo, and Ipakodo Road, but insisted that Ikorodu requires more. He specifically advocated for a new polytechnic, stating that technical education is essential for the community's youth.
"We thank you for upgrading Lagos State Polytechnic to Lagos State University of Science and Technology, but Ikorodu still needs another polytechnic. We can't do without technical education," Ogunbanwo remarked.
The community’s major concern is student safety crossing the busy Shagamu-Ikorodu road, which currently lacks bus stops and pedestrian bridges. Ogunbanwo called for these infrastructures to prevent accidents and ensure residents' safety.
"There are no bus stops or pedestrian bridges on the Shagamu-Ikorodu road. We need your intervention to install these facilities to prevent accidents," he urged.
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Honourable Sunday Olusanya echoed the need for a secondary school in Lambo Lasunwon, explaining that students must travel long distances for secondary education, compromising their safety. "We have acquired land for the construction of a secondary school. Our primary school graduates are forced to travel far, endangering their lives. We plead for the government’s support to build a secondary school here," he said.
In addition to educational infrastructure, Olusanya called for improvements to adjoining roads, which would further facilitate regional development, benefitting communities like Araromi, Lambo Lasunwon, Egiri Ẹkun, and Orofo.
In response, Deputy Governor Dr. Kadiri Hamzat acknowledged the requests and pledged to address the issues, promising to review the proposals for the polytechnic and secondary school at an upcoming executive council meeting. He also recognized the importance of a pedestrian bridge for the safety of children and committed to investigating the matter.
"You have one hectare of land and the documents? By God's grace, it will be done. We will discuss this at the executive council meeting. I also agree that a pedestrian bridge is essential, especially for the safety of our children," Dr. Hamzat stated.
The Deputy Governor also urged landlords in the area not to excessively increase rent, particularly for students, emphasizing the importance of keeping housing affordable amidst tough economic conditions.
“We understand that things are challenging, but please do not exploit our students. Keep rents reasonable for students in the community," Dr. Hamzat appealed.
NANS JCC Lagos Axis Raises Concerns Over Rent and Tariffs
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The National Association of Nigerian Students Joint Campus Committee (NANS JCC) Lagos Axis, led by Chairman Comrade Alimi Olalekan, has voiced concerns regarding rising rent and electricity tariffs in student-dominated areas around Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH), Ikorodu.
These issues were highlighted during the grand commissioning of the First Gate to Lambo Lasunwon Road, a vital access route for students.
Addressing attendees, Comrade Alimi expressed appreciation for the new road but stressed the need for further government intervention regarding housing and electricity costs affecting students. He noted that while the road improvement is welcome, it has inadvertently led to a housing shortage, making rents unaffordable for many students.
“We are grateful for the new road, but we need assistance in addressing the impact this development has had on housing availability and affordability. We do not want students to be ‘exported’ out of the area due to rising rents,” he stated.
Ọlálékan condemned what he described as the exploitation of students by some landlords, urging them to refrain from unjustified rent hikes. He acknowledged that it was Hon. Babajimi Benson who facilitated the road repairs, not the landlords, emphasizing that students should not bear the burden of excessive costs.
The NANS JCC chairman also called for relief from high electricity tariffs imposed on students in the area, stating that despite being in Band A, which offers more stable electricity, the costs are unsustainable for many. He urged the National Assembly to consider legislation introducing vouchers or special rates for students to alleviate their financial strain.
“The electricity tariff is too high for students. We appreciate being in Band A for improved power supply, but it’s becoming unaffordable. We urge the National Assembly to pass a bill that benefits students and helps manage these costs,” Alimi added.
In response, Honourable Babajimi Benson acknowledged the students’ concerns and shared ongoing initiatives to address their challenges. He revealed plans to equip host universities, including LASUSTECH, with solar-powered mini-grids to provide 24/7 electricity at a fraction of current costs. He assured students that while they would still pay for electricity, rates would be reduced by two-thirds of what they currently pay.
“Our goal is to provide reliable solar energy to campuses at significantly lower rates, regardless of Band A or B. I will also engage with the Lagos electricity distribution company (DISCO) and landlords on the need to lower rents in student areas. We are pushing for more affordable housing,” Benson affirmed.
Following the event, Comrade Ọlálékan commended Honourable Benson’s leadership and commitment to student welfare, praising his efforts to improve living conditions in Ikorodu.
“The leadership of Honourable Babajimi Benson is commendable. He has done so much for Ikorodu, and we appreciate his continued support for students. We wish him continued success,” Alimi concluded.
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