Ijegun -Egba Ward to witness effective progress, robust representative – Pastor Chibueze

Hon. Pastor Augustine Chibueze, a dedicated candidate vying for the esteemed position of Councillor representing Ijegun-Egba Ward in Oriade Local Council Development Area of Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area, Lagos State under the Labour Party. With a strong passion for public service and community development, Pastor Chibueze speaks on his vision, plans, and initiatives aimed at driving positive change and enhancing the lives of his Ward. Also, he shares his aspirations and strategies for effective representation with Stanley Ihedigbo.

What motivated you to run for the councilorship position, and what qualities make you a strong candidate?

I ventured into politics to bring a different approach to governance that will reflect the character, credibility and capacity of a genuine leader.  With the heart to contribute meaningful development and progress in our community and take it from the wrong past where the development of our community depends on individuals contributing funds to fund developmental projects like roads and drainages without government presence and failed political campaign promises.   I have the capacity to represent the interest of the ward, I have interpersonal relationship skills that can give good governance and bring government presence close to my ward, and I have a passion for serving my community.

How would you describe your leadership style, and how will you engage with your ward?
I am a leader who will always listen to the concerns of the people and take decisive action for their collective interest and as such I know that the true power of every member of my community who voted me into office lies in the continuous engagement with me as their representative. So I will ensure an inclusive and consultative approach in service to the good people of my ward by conveying regular stakeholder meetings with them as a means of reverting and taking their input to delivering governance.

What are your top priorities for the ward and how will you address them?

I will align with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). My focus areas and potential initiatives are, to contribute in improving healthcare services, facilities, and awareness programmes to promote the well-being of residents in my ward. Also support in sports infrastructure, programmes , and initiatives that will  empower youth and promote healthy lifestyles. My potential strategies for achieving these goals include are, collaborating with government agencies, private sectors,  and international  organizations to strengthen institutional processes and services. Engaging with the ward to understand their needs, priorities, and concerns. Also building partnerships with local businesses, organizations, and stakeholders to leverage resources.

What initiatives would you propose to promote economic growth and development in your ward?

I will promote and expedite action on promoting Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) to reduce poverty. Support the revive of our vocational centers and possibly run them on public-private partnership for effectiveness and ultimum use to equip our teaming residents to be self-sufficient. I am determined and resilient to work with the business community to reduce unemployment by increasing private investment within my ward.
Our market men and women are not left out, because I will work hard to attract a food market to the ward, reduce travel and  bring down the cost of basic food items. My attention has been drawn to the bad state of our inner roads and when I assume office as a Councillor representing Ijegun -Egba ward, to the best of my abilities I will work closely with the Local Council Development Area (LCDA) executives as well as my fellow councillors just to get budget for reconstruction of failed inner roads that link to the Mumini Adio Badmus road already constructed by Lagos State government under the present administration in Ijegun-Egba community. I will ensure robust legislation at the council that will improve roads and other infrastructures within the ward.
When you talk about water supply, which is one of the essential needs in life. Its supply is so inadequate within communities that make up the ward and it breaks my heart that those already serving on the mandate of Ijegun-Egba have deemed it fit to think in that direction. Within my one year in office God’s grace,  I will ensure  partnership with already existing private businesses and my developmental team and in collaboration with my Council Executive Chairman. We will be able to mob up funds that will provide one borehole in each community that makes up ijegun Egba ward. I and my team will also put efforts into donating waste bins while working in collaboration with my fellow councilors to enact enabling laws that will make it mandatory for estates and streets to make their waste picked up by the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) twice a month.

What plans do you have to improve healthcare, education, and social services in your community?

I believe in the saying that, Health is Wealth. So I will ensure to the best of my abilities that the primary healthcare centers in the ward are effectively equipped with both material and qualified personnel for smooth operation. I will also ensure proper dissemination of all vaccinations given to the ward. I will liaise with health-related programmes departments and ministries of the Federal and State governments such as the Ilera-Eko Programmes of the Lagos State government and also in partnership with other international organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) for better healthcare delivery in my ward.
No government can afford to toy with this important sector, which is education. Education is the bedrock of human development so I will use available resources and collaboration within my reach to ensure my ward enjoys all educational policies from the council, even the Lagos state Programmes of EkoXcel, project zero and the Eko Learners project policies on education that provides free, compulsory universal basic education for every child of primary and secondary age. I will come up with transport policies within the ward that will encourage schoolchildren to go to school for free.

Our dear ward needs leadership with the heart to serve so I will ensure that as my social service Programmes, my tenure in office will ensure improvement and zero tolerance to flooded water and bad inner roads within the ward. I  will work hand in hand with my Executive Chairman as well as my fellow councilors just to get budget for me to repair or build damaged bridges and clear all blocked drainages in Ijegun ward. Electricity is a national issue but I will ensure robust legislation at the council that will allow me to install solar street lights at every junction in Ijegun-Egba Ward. Also within my power, I will ensure strict maintenance of all power infrastructure within the ward, renovation of existing and building of new mini markets will be one of my priorities to improve the economy of our local community. I will ensure we have  modern public toilets in the Ijegun community in line with the Lagos State Laws against open defecation and make Ijegun-Egba Ward the pride of all eyes.

How will you ensure transparency and accountability in the allocation and utilization of local government funds?

I build a team of community development in the ward comprising a member from my ward’s economic team, a traditional leaders representative, the youth, and members from the business community. Under my supervision there will be accountability for all my developmental programmes.

How will you engage with the community to ensure that their concerns and needs are being addressed?

As a councilor I will ensure an inclusive and consultative approach in my services to the ward by conveying quarterly town hall meetings of estate chairmen, landlord associations, market associations and transporters within Ijegun ward, my fellow youths will be fully engaged. The meetings will address all important areas that need government attention within the ward which I will convey to my Executive Chairman for action. I will also seek for corporate companies or businesses in our ward on how to channel their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) for the greater good of Ijegun-Egba residents as this will help them gain public interest for their brands.

How would you handle issues related to security, crime, and public safety in your community?

Security issues will be paramount in my service to the good people of the Ijegun ward by sponsoring motions to enact enabling Local laws if the need be to enforce policies that will guarantee public safety and peace of mind to residents of the ward. I know a secure environment will boost our Local economy. So my focus will be on community police. I will make sure there’s an effective relationship between our police, Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC),  our  volunteers Guard and residents of the Ijegun-Egba ward for community policing, our neighbourhood watch will be more effective when I introduce the community volunteer guard where every street has a volunteer personnel on patrol 2/7 for effective community policing.

What initiatives would you propose to promote youth development, women’s empowerment, and social inclusion?

As a dedicated Councillor representing Ijegun-Egba Ward, I would propose, establishing vocational training centers and workshops to equip youth with skills in areas like technology, entrepreneurship, and craftsmanship. Creating mentorship programmes that pair young people with experienced professionals and entrepreneurs, providing guidance and support for their personal and professional growth. Investing in sports infrastructure and programs that promote healthy lifestyles, teamwork, and competition among youth.

Also, providing access to microfinance, business training, and mentorship programmes to support women entrepreneurs and enhance their economic independence.

How would you foster collaboration and partnerships with other tribes?

To foster collaboration and partnerships with other tribes in Ijegun-Egba Ward, I would take establish regular meetings and dialogue sessions with leaders and members of different tribes to promote understanding, respect, and cooperation. Organize cultural events, festivals, and workshops that celebrate the diversity of tribes in the ward, fostering cross-cultural understanding and appreciation. Collaborate with other tribes on community projects, such as infrastructure development, education, and healthcare initiatives, to promote a sense of shared ownership and responsibility. Ensure that decision-making processes are inclusive and representative of all tribes, taking into account their unique needs, concerns, and perspectives. Establish a conflict resolution mechanism that brings together leaders and members of different tribes to resolve disputes and promote peaceful coexistence.

How would you ensure that the interests of your area are represented and advocated for at higher levels of government?

It will never be a problem for me because the interest of the ward  will be represented and advocated in a higher level of government. Since I have to collaborate with my superiors in government like my Executive Chairman, Member of the House of Assembly for Constituent 2, Hon. Wale Rauf, the Honorable Commissioner. Also Member House Representative for Amuwo Odofin Federal Constituency. Hon George Adegeye or even my distinguished Senator Idiat Adebule, so these voices are voices of good governance that can make residents feel the presence of government in the ward