Oluyemisi Rosiji, Chairperson of the Ojokoro Local Council Development Area (LCDA) in Lagos State, Nigeria, has unveiled an ambitious agenda centered on grassroots economic development, tackling malnutrition, and bolstering small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs). During a visit to Spectra Industries Limited, a local food processing company, Rosiji outlined her vision for a revitalized Ojokoro, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and community-driven initiatives. She stressed the urgency of addressing malnutrition and stunted growth among children, advocating for cooperative purchasing among market traders to lower food prices and increase affordability for residents. Rosiji also highlighted the crucial role of SMEs in driving economic growth and creating employment opportunities, pledging to provide support, promote their businesses, and strengthen market protection for their products.
A key element of Rosiji’s strategy involves empowering residents through skill acquisition programs. She plans to engage consultants to deliver training for youths and women, equipping them with the skills needed for sustainable livelihoods. This focus on human capital development reflects the administration’s commitment to leaving “nobody behind” in its efforts to uplift the community. Rosiji also believes that Ojokoro has the potential to become a hub of economic activity, with thriving homegrown businesses, increased employment, and higher revenue generation for the LCDA. She envisions Ojokoro as a place where residents have access to affordable food, meaningful jobs, and a supportive business environment.
Rosiji expressed her concern about the lack of awareness among residents regarding the high-quality products manufactured within their locality. She underscored the necessity of community-based patronage and policy-driven support to foster the growth of local industries, promising that the LCDA will intensify its support for these businesses. This includes raising public awareness of indigenous products and creating a conducive business climate to stimulate growth and job creation. She reiterated the council’s commitment to enhancing the visibility of local enterprises, expanding public-private partnerships, and ultimately revitalizing the economic landscape of Ojokoro.
The visit to Spectra Industries provided a platform for Rosiji to engage directly with a local business and gain deeper insights into the sector. Duro Kuteyi, CEO of Spectra, showcased the company’s diverse range of products, including Hyfiba, Fast-O-Meal, Go-Vita, SOBake Soya Flour, and Cocoa Powder. Kuteyi highlighted Ojokoro’s potential as a hub for food processing and functional nutrition in Lagos State, expressing his appreciation for the council’s proactive approach to collaboration with the private sector. This interaction symbolized the type of partnership Rosiji hopes to foster between the LCDA and local businesses.
Rosiji’s multi-pronged approach aims to tackle the interconnected challenges of economic development, food security, and youth empowerment. By promoting local businesses, supporting market traders, and investing in skills development, she seeks to create a virtuous cycle of growth and opportunity within Ojokoro. Her vision extends beyond immediate improvements to building a sustainable and vibrant local economy that benefits all residents. The collaboration with Spectra Industries demonstrates the potential for public-private partnerships to contribute to this vision.
In essence, Rosiji’s plan for Ojokoro revolves around empowering its people and promoting its local businesses. She believes that by investing in human capital and supporting local entrepreneurs, the LCDA can unlock its full economic potential and improve the lives of its residents. This involves not only providing skill development opportunities and creating a favorable business environment but also actively promoting local products and fostering a sense of community pride in Ojokoro’s industrial capabilities. Her commitment to collaborative partnerships underscores the importance of working together to achieve these ambitious goals.
