Egbe-Idimu LCDA Chairman brings World Cup excitement to residents, unveils plans for ICT, Community Development

Stanley Ihedigbo

Executive Chairman of Egbe-Idimu Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Lagos State, Hon. Dr. Prince Idris Balogun, popularly known as Oluomo Kafata, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of residents through community development, sports promotion and investment in Information and Communication Technology (ICT).

Balogun stated this while hosting hundreds of residents to a live public viewing, during the live screening of the FIFA World Cup final between Spain and France at Isheri, describing the initiative as part of efforts to ensure that people at the grassroots enjoy the dividends of democracy.

The council chairman said sports remain a powerful tool for fostering peace, unity and social interaction among members of the community.

According to him, the decision to organise the viewing centre was aimed at bringing residents together in a relaxed atmosphere where they could enjoy quality entertainment at no cost.

“The reason I organised this programme is to allow our people to enjoy what they are funding for and to experience the dividends of democracy. Sports unite people, promote friendship and bring happiness to our communities,” he said.

Balogun assured residents that the initiative would not be a one-off event, promising that similar programmes would be organised regularly to strengthen community bonds and provide healthy recreational opportunities.

He urged residents to continue participating in the activities, stressing that sports contribute positively to mental well-being and social harmony.

“I want everyone to come out and participate whenever we organise programmes like this. What you have seen today will continue. Whenever major football competitions are taking place, our people will have the opportunity to gather here and watch together.”

The chairman further noted that engaging in sports and recreational activities helps reduce stress and creates a happier society.

“Sports are very important. When you watch sports, your mind relaxes, your thinking changes and you become happier. My message is for everyone to embrace sports and always remain peaceful and happy,” he added.

Speaking on his administration’s investment in technology, Balogun disclosed that his government is giving priority to ICT development as a strategy for youth empowerment and economic growth.

He revealed that plans are underway to establish a modern ICT Centre within the LCDA to equip young people with digital skills needed in today’s technology-driven economy.

According to him, the project is designed to position Egbe-Idimu among the leading local councils in digital innovation while creating opportunities for youths to acquire relevant ICT knowledge.

“I am investing heavily in ICT because I want our youths to be empowered and satisfied. We want Egbe-Idimu to be among the best local governments in technology development. Very soon, we will establish a modern ICT Centre where our young people can acquire digital skills.”

Balogun reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to continue implementing programmes that improve the quality of life of residents, assuring that more developmental projects and people-oriented initiatives would be rolled out across the council area.

He called on residents to continue supporting the council’s programmes, maintaining that community participation remains essential to achieving sustainable development in Egbe-Idimu LCDA.

The Supervisor for ICT and Digital Development in Egbe-Idimu Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Hon. (Comrade) Lateef Olawale Ogungbade, said the council’s investment in digital technology is aimed at promoting youth engagement, strengthening community interaction, and accelerating digital transformation across the council.

Ogungbade further said the initiative was conceived by the administration of the Executive Chairman, to provide residents, particularly young people, with an opportunity to enjoy the global sporting event in a safe and friendly environment.

“This is more than a football viewing experience. It is about bringing our people together, promoting peace, and creating an atmosphere where our youths can engage positively rather than be involved in unproductive activities,” he said.

Ogungbade explained that the council has made remarkable progress in ICT development within one year of the current administration, noting that one of its landmark achievements is the installation of a 10-kilowatt solar-powered digital screen used for public information and community engagement.

He said the digital screen serves residents and motorists passing through the area by displaying government programmes, public enlightenment messages, and other important information while operating on renewable solar energy.

“The Chairman believes that technology is the future, which is why the administration has continued to invest in ICT infrastructure. The solar-powered digital screen is one of the projects that demonstrates our commitment to innovation and sustainable development,” he stated.

Highlighting achievements under his supervision, the ICT Supervisor said the council has expanded its digital infrastructure, strengthened communication with residents, and introduced technology-driven initiatives aimed at improving governance and service delivery.

He assured residents that more ICT projects and digital innovations would be unveiled before the end of the administration’s tenure.

He reaffirmed the council’s commitment to building a digitally connected community that leverages technology for development, transparency, and improved quality of life for all residents.

In his remarks, Coordinator, National Youth Council of Nigeria Egbe-Idimu Local Branch, Shittu Moshood Abayomi, commended the Chairman for fulfilling his promise to establish a modern sports viewing arena for residents.

According to him, the Youth Council had earlier appealed to the chairman to create a recreational facility where young people could gather to watch major sporting events, and he fulfilled that promise.

He noted that sports serve as an effective tool for keeping young people positively engaged and reducing social vices.

“When youths are engaged through sports and other meaningful activities, they stay away from crime and other negative behaviours. This initiative provides a healthy environment for relaxation, interaction and community development.”

Assessing the chairman’s performance after one year in office, the NYCN coordinator said the administration had exceeded expectations through various youth-focused initiatives.

He highlighted programmes such as youth empowerment schemes, sponsorship of educational opportunities, support for JAMB registration, provision of GCE forms and assistance for youth organisations.

“This sports viewing arena alone is a remarkable achievement. To the best of my knowledge, it is the first of its kind among local governments in Alimosho. Beyond this project, the chairman has empowered youths through several programmes, supported education, sponsored youth activities and consistently demonstrated his commitment to our welfare.”

Abayomi said the chairman deserved an excellent performance rating for his achievements within a short period in office.

The Majority Leader of Egbe-Idimu Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Comrade Bolaji Jacob Olatunde, also commended the Chairman, for fulfilling campaign promises through impactful developmental projects, particularly in the area of Information and Communication Technology (ICT).

He noted that the ICT project and the installation of digital facilities within just one year in office demonstrate the administration’s commitment to delivering the dividends of democracy to residents.

Olatunde also praised the cordial relationship between the Executive and Legislative arms of the council, saying the cooperation has contributed significantly to the smooth execution of projects across the LCDA.

He urged residents to continue supporting the administration, assuring them that more developmental projects are underway in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda and the council’s vision for sustainable growth and improved welfare for the people.