The Lagos State House of Assembly recently praised Princess Surah Animashaun, the Executive Chairman of the Epe Local Government, for her impressive development initiatives over the past two and a half years. During an oversight visit conducted by the House Committee on Local Government Administration, led by Sanni Okanlawon, it was highlighted that Animashaun had made significant strides across eight wards in the council. Okanlawon, who represents Kosofe Constituency I, observed and commended the advancements in various sectors, including sports, tourism, arts, and culture, in addition to the improvements in infrastructure that have characterized Animashaun’s administration.
Okanlawon remarked on the effective empowerment programs undertaken by Animashaun, which have benefitted students, underprivileged youths, artisans, and market traders through the distribution of financial support aimed at enhancing their businesses and marketing approaches. He urged for increased focus on Information and Communications Technology, an area he identified as crucial due to its global relevance. The commendation emphasized the remarkable development visible in Epe compared to other local government areas (LGAs), especially given the financial constraints that have affected local governance in the region.
Further recognizing Animashaun’s leadership, Okanlawon noted her commitment to rehabilitating access roads throughout the LGA and facilitating capacity-building trips for councillors and council management. The improvement of essential services such as health care, education, and agriculture, through the development of hospitals, maternity centers, schools, and farmlands, was cited as a testament to her effective governance style. The collaborative relationship between the council’s management and its workers was also highlighted as a positive factor contributing to Epe’s accomplishments.
In response to the commendation, Animashaun expressed gratitude for the committee’s visit and the opportunity to showcase the accomplishments of her administration. She enumerated various completed projects, including the upgrading of a comprehensive health center, renovations of schools, and the distribution of bursary awards to financially challenged university students. Her administration has made substantial impacts at the grassroots level, enhancing access to education, healthcare, infrastructure, and cultural initiatives, as well as promoting sports.
Animashaun emphasized her administration’s commitment to youth development, specifically through monthly grants aimed at entrepreneurship and financial support for students. In addition to educational initiatives, security has also been a priority; her administration has provided vehicles to local police and motorcycles for community vigilantes to bolster safety measures in Epe. This attention to security reflects a holistic approach to governance that considers both immediate social needs and long-term community wellbeing.
Moving forward, Animashaun affirmed her dedication to continuous improvement in grassroots governance, reassuring that her administration would remain focused on its developmental agenda. She reiterated the significance of the oversight functions, which she believes foster a stronger understanding of local governance dynamics and enhance collaboration between the local government and the state assembly. The ongoing commitment of both the local government and the House of Assembly is pivotal in ensuring sustainable development and improving the quality of life for Epe residents.
