Eshilokun’s Impactful Leadership Strides: Lagos Central Attains New Height

FASHINA SHAKIRU 

13th June, 2023, marked the commencement of the journey of the 10th Assembly of the Nigerian Senate. An experienced Local Government Administrator and Legislator, Senator Wasiu Sanni Eshilokun, (WES), was inaugurated as the Senator for Lagos Central Senatorial District in Lagos State.

No doubt, it was a huge responsibility to take on because the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, handed down the baton to him to carry on the qualitative representation the Senatorial District had enjoyed in successive 12 years. Interestingly, Senator Wasiu Eshilokun Sanni had prepared robustly for the responsibility because he was a former Executive Chairman of Lagos Island Local Government Area and not only a State Lawmaker but the Deputy Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly.

WES as he is fondly called has maintained applaudable calmness in navigating the complex cosmopolitan Lagos Central Senatorial District. Despite wickedly orchestrated and undeserving criticisms, he has continued to engage with stakeholders and various interest groups that make up the chemistry of Lagos Central Senatorial District.

WES has showcased an exceptional and undeniable appetite for effective leadership, characterized by his dedication, integrity, and insightfulness to the good people of Lagos Central Senatorial District. WES has been so profound and impactful that even those who typically oppose him did recognize from availing facts that he has the interest of his Constituents at heart and appreciate the positive changes he has initiated within the past 18 months.

He has demonstrated good leadership temperament by building bridges of harmonious relationship, peaceful coexistence and sustainable initiatives aimed at empowering youths and caring for senior citizens across Lagos Central Senatorial District. This is evident in the numerous programmes and projects he has launched and aimed at empowering young people, equipping them with the necessary skills and opportunities to succeed independently thereby contributing meaningfully to the state’s economic growth.

It is imperative to admit that WES is the face who represents a constituency that has conspicuously penetrated the constituents. This assertion is unarguably attested to by numerous beneficiaries whose lives have been remarkably transformed through enhanced job opportunities, substantial human capacity building, access to entrepreneurial opportunities and Elderly Citizens Assistance Scheme, (ECAS). These achievements are in line with the strategic initiatives outlined in the WES contact pact policy drive, demonstrating a significant and positive influence within the Constituency.

Showcasing his impressive leadership characteristics with transparency and accountability. During our conversation over the phone, he said calmly that his annual Elderly Citizens Assistance Scheme (ECAS) programme, inherited from First Lady Oluremi Tinubu OON, is implemented by 13 local governments in the Lagos Central Senatorial District. In 2022, Senator Tinubu and Senator Eshilokun provided elders with N10,000 each, Ankara fabrics, and other items. The 2024 ECAS programme, sponsored by Senator Eshilokun, increased the cash component to N20,000 per beneficiary, also offering 6 yards of Ankara fabric and a 5 kg bag of rice. It reached over 2,000 Elders through 13 LGA and LCDA Chairmen, political, traditional, and religious leaders within the district. This was to debunk a statement made in a content video clip by one Akanbi Omo Erinjogunola on Wednesday.

While he assured me that I have his permission to gather and compile any and all materials, content, and records related to the various programmes and initiatives that had been carried out for the benefit of the people in Lagos Central Senatorial District. Senator Wasiu Eshilokun Sanni (WES) has exhibited impactful sterling leadership and genuine love in empowering the good people of Lagos Central Senatorial District in accordance with his Social contact pact, using the four major areas below: Provision of Social Palliatives, Elderly Citizens Assistance Scheme, Education Support & Empowerment Scheme and Infrastructural Development

Provision of Social Palliatives: Since taking office, WES has shown a strong commitment to alleviating hunger and supporting community members by distributing three comprehensive sets of food palliatives. These efforts have resulted in the delivery of over 25,000 food packs to the constituents, each thoughtfully packed with essential staples such as rice, beans, Gari, and semolina. In addition to these food items, the initiative has also included cash assistance, further enabling recipients to meet their immediate dietary needs and enhance their well-being. Through these distributions, WES is dedicated to fostering a sense of care and support within the community, ensuring that vulnerable individuals receive the essential resources they need to thrive to also care for the Elderly Citizens Assistance Scheme.

Educational Empowerment and Training: WES has made significant strides in empowering young individuals by facilitating the training of over 2,500 youths in information technology. This initiative, aptly named “Let’s Go Digital,” was conducted concurrently across the 13 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), fostering digital literacy and competence among participants. To further support academic advancement, over 5,000 forms for the General Certificate of Education (GCE) and Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) exams were distributed to SS3 students enrolled in both Senior Secondary and Unity schools throughout the Lagos Central area. Additionally, the Scholarship and Education Support Program saw more than 120 students, carefully selected from across the Senatorial District through a rigorous screening process, become beneficiaries of scholarships collectively valued at over N15,000,000 in the year 2024.

In a bid to promote entrepreneurship and skill acquisition, an empowerment event was held in Surulere LGA in November 2024. This included skill acquisition training, the provision of essential work tools, and a take-off grant of N50,000 for approximately 150 youths specialising in fields such as photography, barbing, and confectionery. Moreover, over 100 artisans, including market men and women, were equipped with advanced sewing machines, grinding machines, welding machines, and tricycles, enhancing their ability to earn a sustainable livelihood. The Empowerment Programme held at the Elegushi Palace Compound in Ikate was an initiative designed to support and uplift the community by providing essential tools and resources. As part of this program, a substantial number of items were distributed, including 100 grinding machines and 100 sewing machines, which aim to bolster small businesses and facilitate entrepreneurship.To further support local enterprises and household needs, the program also distributed 70 generators, each with a capacity of 3.5KVA, and 50 deep freezers, ensuring that both businesses and homes can benefit from reliable power and cold storage solutions. Additionally, to aid in transportation, 5 tricycles were made available to the community. Recognising the importance of education, the program generously provided 4,000 school bags, ensuring that students are well-equipped for their academic pursuits. This comprehensive approach reflects a commitment to community development and economic empowerment.

The implementation project involves the installation of over 1,000 solar-powered street lights across ten strategic roads within the Lagos Central Senatorial District. This initiative is set to illuminate Elegbata Street on Lagos Island, as well as Iga-Idunganran Street and Glover Street in the same area. Additionally, Simpson Street, stretching from Glover down to Olonade in Ebute-Metta on the Lagos Mainland, will be brightened by this sustainable energy solution. Other roads to benefit from this project include Adebowale Street in Surulere and Baale Street in Igbo-Efon, situated within the Eti-Osa local government area. The initiative further includes Odudu Aleyiwo in Oniru, Eti-Osa, and Ahaji Akanni Azeez Street in Ikate-Elegushi, along with the Lekki-Phase I Estate, also within the Eti-Osa LGA. Finally, Karimu Opeloyeru Street in Apapa to ensure enhanced visibility and security. This development aims to enhance the safety and prosperity of every household in these areas, fostering a safer environment and potentially improving overall well-being for the residents.

As part of his achievements within space of time, highlighted part of the rejoinder the ongoing road rehabilitation and reconstruction projects have significantly improved infrastructure in various parts of the constituents. Notably, Sanusi Street in Surulere Local Government Area and Ayigoro Street in Eti-Osa Local Government Area have successfully undergone reconstruction, enhancing accessibility and road safety. Meanwhile, Bola Street in Ebute-Metta continues to undergo reconstruction, promising to further ease transportation in the area once completed. Moreover, Ladejobi Street in Ijora, which not only received a complete reconstruction but also the installation of solar street lights, has been finalised, thus increasing both visibility and security in the neighbourhood during nighttime. In addition to these developments, the enhancement of electrical infrastructure has been addressed through the provision of transformers. Key communities benefiting from this upgrade include the Oju-Olokun community in Lagos Island and the Okun-Ajah area in Eti-Osa, which now enjoy more stable and reliable electricity supply, positively impacting both residential life and local businesses.

Given the remarkable achievements of Distinguished Senator Wasiu Sanni Eshilokun in just 18 months, it is clear that his efforts warrant widespread commendation rather than any form of distraction, which some individuals seem to be attempting. The Senator, who has consistently delivered exceptional service and has been a source of pride, continues to earn accolades from people not just within his Senatorial District but also from broader communities beyond as maintained his dedication to primary assignment, soaring his name and demonstrating admirable and resilience sterling leadership qualities and unwavering commitment to constituents.

– Fashina Shakiru, political analyst and commentator writes from Lagos.
fashshakky@gmail.com