The De-Giant Artisans’ Voice (Degarvo), Apapa-Iganmu Chapter, on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, held its Artisans’ Day celebration at Mariam Academy, Gaskiya College Road, Badia, with the Executive Chairman of Apapa-Iganmu LCDA, Hon. Jimoh Olawale Saliu, as chairman of the occasion.
Speaking at the event, Saliu commended the association for the unity and cooperation that have prevailed among its members.
He also urged members, particularly women, to promote peace within their homes, avoid abusive or negative language, and guide their children towards responsible and productive paths.
The Chairman highlighted several initiatives undertaken by his administration since assuming office, particularly in education. He listed the Olugbani Summer Classes, a free lesson programme for pupils in Primary 2 to 6 and students in Senior Secondary School 1 to 3, as well as the provision of free GCE forms and transportation fares to examination centres.
According to him, the council also provided free JAMB forms to 250 candidates and facilitated the admission of 22 students from Apapa-Iganmu into tertiary institutions in Lagos, including Lagos State University of Education (LASUED), Yaba College of Technology and Lagos State University (LASU).
Saliu said the council would pay the tuition fees of the beneficiaries for one year, while subsequent funding would be supported through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He further disclosed that candidates who were unable to secure university admission could take advantage of technical programmes at Yaba College of Technology, noting that some of the programmes offer qualifications equivalent to university degrees.
On secondary education, the chairman announced plans to establish a secondary school in Badia, with the school expected to commence operations in the next academic session.
He added that the council was also searching for land in the Marine Beach area for another secondary school.
The council Chairman also disclosed that the council had partnered with APM Terminals to provide scholarships for students from Apapa-Iganmu LCDA studying in public higher institutions, particularly those in 100 and 200 levels.
In the health sector, he said the Ojora-Olugbode Primary Health Centre was fully operational, while the Olojowon Primary Health Centre is undergoing upgrade with the support of Hon. Musbau Aina Lawal. He added that the Zion Primary Health Centre would soon be commissioned.
Speaking on economic development, Jimoh announced plans to establish a satellite banking service at Ali Dogo Junction, adding that the facility could be upgraded to a full-fledged commercial bank after six months of successful operation.
The Chairman, however, expressed concern over the failure of some artisans to pay their shop rates. He urged them to turn a new leaf by fulfilling their financial obligations to the council promptly.
He also disclosed that arrangements had been concluded for the commencement of operations at the customary court in Sari-Iganmu, which would address cases involving defaulters and violators of sanitation regulations.
In his welcome address, the President of the Degarvo Apapa-Iganmu Chapter, Comrade Musibau Idowu, commended the council helmsman for his support and interventions in the affairs of the association. He said the group had experienced significant progress under the chairman’s administration, noting that the association had previously been on the verge of collapse but had since been revitalised.
In his goodwill message, the member representing Apapa State Constituency II in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Musbau Aina Lawal, congratulated the artisans on the progress recorded by the association. He urged members to provide proper guidance and mentorship to their apprentices.
On the entourage of the council chairman were: the Secretary to the Local Government, Hon. Ahmed Olanrewaju; Leader of the Legislative Arm, Hon. Adigun Arogundade; APC LGA Chairman, Hon. Olabanji Fabiyi; wife of the Executive Chairman, Alhaja Kikelomo Layeni-Jimoh; the Supervisor for Environment, Hon. Femi Otunla; and his Health counterpart Hon. Charles Achibong; Chief Security Adviser, Hon. Adeleke; and other political appointees and stakeholders
