Mushin receives Lagos lawmakers

Despite the unbearable heat that cast a pall of discomfort on residents, the Lagos House of Assembly Town Hall Meeting at the Mushin Local Government, which was held under a large tent at the Fountain of Life Church Car Park, on Bishop Street, Ilupeju, on Wednesday became an eye opener of sorts on service at the grassroot. The Town Hall Meeting is the 19th in the series since the Assembly began the initiative two months ago.

Even though the large fans provided some succour, a large number of people at the event were full of praises for what they called the “great achievements” of their representative, Funmilayo Tejuosho.

Mrs Tejuosho whose primary constituency is Mushin is the Deputy Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.

Modupe Awodogbon, a resident of Odi-Olowo Local Council Development Area, said at the Town Hall meeting that she wanted six schools in her area demolished and rebuilt to better standards.

Another speaker, Abbey Asu, a resident of Idi Araba, said no road has been paved in his area, while Saheed Abulazeez, a Muslim cleric, said he had issues with African traditional worshippers within the community.

“When Christians or Muslims celebrate their festivals, they do it in a peaceful manner, but, when masquerades come out, they beat people in the market. My younger brother and I have been victims,” he said in Yoruba Language.

“What are the lawmakers doing to this matter?” A woman, who gave her name as Alhaja Sule, said the Ilasamaja pedestrian bridge is close to collapse, and needs urgent repairs.

“The bridge can collapse any time now,” she said.

A private school owner in the local government, Ben Ozorka, asked for a review of the specification of the education board that private schools must have at least four plots of land. He also wanted a check on the manner in which schools are closed off.

Another resident, Omotunde Adeshola, inquired about what the assembly was doing to ensure the adherence of environmental laws on sound pollution.

Abiodun Adesanya, a resident who did not get the chance to speak at the town hall meeting said he wants a law guiding sale of land in the state, Mr. Adesanya resides in Onipanu.

He also asked for a comprehensive mortgage system, that would ease payment of home loans.

Solomon Egunshola, who lives in Fadeyi, reiterated the need for a tenancy law that would protect tenants from exploitation.

“The way our landlords and agents are treating the masses is bad. I also want to know what the state government is doing about low-cost housing.”

Taxes count

The house member representing Mushin II Constituency, Bolaji Ayinla, in giving the closing speech thanked the people for attending and said their requests would be considered. He also had a request for Lagosians.

“I want to use this opportunity to appeal to the good people of Lagos State to perform their civic responsibilities including payment of taxes and dues as at when due,” he said.