Min. of Local Government, Chieftancy Affairs and Rural Development

Lagos Empowers Honey Bee Farmers.... Reaffirms Commitment to Rural Development

The Lagos State Government, through the Centre for Rural Development (CERUD) under the Office of Rural Development, has commenced a special training and empowerment programme for honey bee farmers as part of efforts to boost agricultural productivity, create alternative sources of income, and improve livelihoods in rural communities across the State.

Speaking at the programme held at the Centre for Rural Development (CERUD) Headquarters in Igbodu, Epe, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Rural Development, Dr. Nurudeen Yekinni Agbaje, said the initiative was designed to empower farmers with the knowledge and tools required for successful honey bee production.

He explained that the programme would provide participants with alternative sources of income, strengthen existing honey production businesses, and improve the standard of living of rural farmers, in line with the Lagos State Government's commitment to sustainable rural development.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Mrs. Kikelomo Bolarinwa, appreciated the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, for his unwavering support for the Ministry and the continuous investment in rural development initiatives.

She urged participants to make the most of the training by applying the knowledge acquired to enhance their productivity and economic well-being.

In his welcome address, the Director of the Centre for Rural Development (CERUD), Mr. Musbau Balogun, stated that the training and empowerment programme forms part of the Centre's ongoing 2026 empowerment initiatives aimed at reaching farmers across all parts of Lagos State.

He added that, in addition to the training sessions, participants would receive honey bee production equipment at the end of the programme to support them in establishing or expanding their businesses.

Delivering the presentation, the lead facilitator, Dr. Gbolahan Saba, highlighted the vast opportunities within the honey bee value chain. He explained that beyond honey production, farmers could generate additional income from other bee products, thereby increasing the profitability and sustainability of the enterprise. The participants were also taking through practical session in Honey Bee production.

Speaking on behalf of the participants, Mrs. Adeleke Adeyinka, a member of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), expressed gratitude to Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu and the Centre for Rural Development for organizing the programme. She assured the government that the knowledge and skills acquired during the training would be effectively utilized to improve agricultural productivity and livelihood.

Lagos State Government Pays Final Tribute to Late Apostle Abraham Babatunde Odele

The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Saturday, 4th July 2026, was represented by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Rural Development, Dr. Nurudeen Yekinni Agbaje, at the final burial ceremony of the late Apostle Abraham Babatunde Odele, popularly known as "PawPaw."

Late Apostle Odele served meritoriously as Chairman of Mushin Local Government between 1991 and 1993, Executive Secretary of Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government and member, Lagos State Environmental Board. Throughout his years in public service, he distinguished himself as a committed grassroots administrator and a passionate advocate for community development.

The burial ceremony was attended by members of the Lagos State Executive Council, members of the Lagos State House of Assembly, the Executive Chairmen of Mushin Local Government and Odi-Olowo Local Council Development Area, APC leaders and chieftains from Mushin and Odi-Olowo, traditional rulers, religious leaders, family members, friends, and other distinguished guests.

Speaking on behalf of Governor Sanwo-Olu, Dr. Agbaje described the late Apostle Odele as an exemplary leader whose contributions to grassroots governance, education, peace, and community development remain indelible. He noted that the deceased championed several community-driven initiatives, promoted peace and security, and implemented impactful educational projects that improved the lives of many residents during his years in office.

The Governor stated that Apostle Abraham Babatunde Odele demonstrated exceptional leadership, unwavering integrity, and an enduring commitment to grassroots and educational development. He added that the late statesman left behind a remarkable legacy of selfless service that will continue to inspire present and future generations of public office holders.

Governor Sanwo-Olu prayed for the peaceful repose of the departed soul and encouraged the family to find comfort in the lasting impact of his life of dedicated service to Lagos State and humanity.

Lagos Empowers Fish Farmers in Ikeja Division with Training, Equipment
…reaffirms commitment to building a 21st Century Economy

As part of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu's commitment to advancing the T.H.E.M.E.S. Plus Agenda and positioning Lagos State as a 21st Century economy through the socio-economic empowerment of rural communities, the Centre for Rural Development (CERUD), under the Office of Rural Development in the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, has commenced the 2026 Fish Training and Empowerment Programme across the five divisions of the State.
The programme, themed "Building a Resilient Socio-Economic Community through Youth Empowerment," commenced its first edition for the year at the Secretariat of Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government Area in the Ikeja Division. The initiative is designed to equip participants with practical fish farming skills, promote entrepreneurship and self-reliance, and create sustainable livelihood opportunities for youths and other residents across Lagos State.

Delivering his keynote address, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Rural Development, Dr. Nurudeen Yekinni Agbaje, reaffirmed the commitment of the Sanwo-Olu administration to building a 21st Century economy by empowering rural residents to become economically productive and self-reliant.

According to him, the programme is intended to strengthen rural economies by equipping beneficiaries with the skills and resources needed to establish and expand fish farming enterprises, thereby contributing meaningfully to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Lagos State and Nigeria.

Dr. Agbaje noted that the initiative would also contribute to reducing unemployment by creating opportunities for wealth generation and job creation within rural communities.
He further explained that Governor Sanwo-Olu's vision is to ensure that rural dwellers are empowered to thrive economically within their communities, thereby reducing rural-urban migration while enabling beneficiaries to create employment opportunities for others and stimulate local economic growth.

Speaking on the support package for participants, Dr. Agbaje disclosed that beneficiaries would receive essential fish farming equipment to enhance their businesses.

He explained that the programme was specifically designed to benefit youths involved in local business creation across the five divisions of Lagos State, ensuring that youths in rural communities are not left behind in the State's economic empowerment drive.

He urged participants to maximise the opportunity by applying the knowledge acquired and effectively utilising the tools provided to improve their livelihoods and contribute to the development of their communities.
In her special remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Mrs. Kikelomo Bolarinwa, commended Governor Sanwo-Olu for his unwavering commitment to empowering rural dwellers through impactful programmes that continue to reduce poverty and promote inclusive development across the State.

She encouraged participants to take full advantage of the training by acquiring modern fish farming techniques that would improve the quality of their produce, enhance productivity, and strengthen their marketing strategies for increased profitability.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Director of the Centre for Rural Development, Mr. Musbau Balogun, urged participants to approach the programme with dedication, describing it as a valuable opportunity to acquire innovative knowledge and practical skills that would transform their fish farming enterprises and improve productivity.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr. Folajimi Israel commended Governor Sanwo-Olu for initiating programmes that provide practical support to rural farmers, noting that the empowerment would help ease prevailing economic challenges while improving livelihoods.

Similarly, Mrs. Taiwo Adenike and Mr. Abdulateef Amusat, both fish farmers in the community, expressed appreciation to the Governor for the initiative, describing the training as timely and impactful. They noted that the programme had exposed them to modern fish farming techniques and business strategies that would significantly improve the productivity and profitability of their enterprises.

The event featured practical training sessions facilitated by seasoned fisheries professionals from Akinloye-Busari Farms, led by the Lead Consultant, Dr. Akin Busari. Also in attendance were officials of the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, as well as the HOD Agric and Social Service Ifako Ijaye Local Government Area and other council officials.

The event also featured distribution of fishing items such as fingerlings, feeds and fishing tanks as empowerment and supports to all the participants.

Earlier today, the Lagos State Community Development Advisory Council (CDACs) held its monthly meeting, during which members deliberated on key issues aimed at promoting peaceful coexistence, encouraging community-driven self-help projects, and safeguarding public infrastructure across communities in Lagos State.

The meeting was attended by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Rural Development, Dr. Nurudeen Yekinni Agbaje as well as the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Local Government and Rural Development; Mr BabatundeDurojaiye, who charged members of the Council to remain committed to grassroots engagement by ensuring that the policies and programmes of the administration of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu are effectively cascaded to communities across the State.

Dr. Agbaje also emphasized the importance of strengthening collaboration between government and community stakeholders to sustain peace, foster development, and protect public assets for the benefit of all residents.

Earlier today, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Mrs. Kikelomo Bolarinwa, received in her office at Alausa a delegation from the Body of Heads of Agriculture and Social Services, led by its Chairman, Mr. Saliu Adekunle.

During the meeting, the delegation assured the Permanent Secretary of its unwavering commitment to ensuring that the policies and programmes of the administration of Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu are effectively cascaded across the 57 Local Government Areas and Local Council Development Areas through the Heads of Agriculture and Social Services.

The delegation further pledged to work closely with Community Development Associations to ensure that they continue to contribute meaningfully to grassroots development and the overall progress of Lagos State.

In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary appreciated the delegation for the courtesy visit and urged its members to discharge their responsibilities with the highest level of professionalism.

She further encouraged them to be exemplary ambassadors of the Lagos State Civil Service in their respective places of assignment, while upholding the values of integrity, dedication, and excellence in the discharge of their duties.

We celebrate you today Mr Governor Sir, Mr Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu and we wish you a beautiful celebration today and the best in the days ahead.
Happy Birthday Mr Governor!

The Special Adviser, Dr Nurudeen Yekinni Agbaje, The Permanent Secretary, Mrs Kikelomo Bolarinwa and the entire staff of the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development wish our amazing Governor; Mr Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu a wonderful birthday celebration.

Today, the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, represented by former Commissioner for the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Mr. Bolaji Kayode Robert, alongside the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Kikelomo Bolarinwa, joined members of the Lagos State Baales Forum at the Special Congregational Prayer and endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat.

The event was held at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Ultra-Modern Market Park, Ijaiye-Ojokoro.

In his remarks, Dr. Hamzat expressed appreciation to the Forum for organising the commendable initiative, describing the congregational prayer for the President, Lagos State and his humble self as a demonstration of patriotism, unity and unwavering faith in the progress of Nigeria.

He further noted that the public endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his humble self reflects the confidence and trust that citizens have in both the Federal and Lagos State administrations, reaffirming the shared commitment to good governance, peace and sustainable development.

Dignitaries present at the occasion were the Lagos APC Chairman, Mr Cornelius Ojelabi, former Local Government Chairmen, Baales across the divisions of the State, party faithfuls and religious leaders.

On this Democracy Day, let us remember the gift of freedom, appreciate those who worked for it, and commit to building a Nigeria where everyone is heard and valued.

Happy Democracy Day Nigeria — may our unity be stronger than our challenges and may justice and progress guide our nation forward.