THE Oshodi-Isolo local government is a developing area of Lagos suburbs, created during the administration of second republic Governor, Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande. The constituency which has the most strategic landmark in the state, in the mold of the Muritala Muhammed International Airport a few minutes’ drive from Oshodi. This puts Oshodi-Isolo in the subconscious of the average Lagosian and no single location in Lagos vividly captured the core essence of Lagos as the city of hustle and bustle like
Oshodi. This small city is the heart of Lagos, the most central commuting point of the state.
Oshodi is the heartbeat of Lagos. We are a community-based news channel targeted at churning out stories and events at the grassroots level. We want to be in the hearts and minds of our readers, be very accessible and give issues that maybe be overlooked a spotlight. Even though for a start, we dedicate a greater part of our reportage to OshodiIsolo Constituency, we will endeavor to spread our scope to other communities in Lagos to keep you informed on grassroots issues that concerns your everyday life.
To strengthen our community engagement, we will feature people who uplift the constituency even though silently or unnoticed- the unsung heroes of our domain. It could be the local police or other law enforcement agents/traffic wardens, newspaper vendors, hawkers/mobile vendors in traffic and on the streets, market women trading in open markets, street sweepers, vulcanizers, bricklayers, hairdressers and carpenters – those whom the higher society seem to have forgotten or care less for.
We will also try to assist in showcasing their lives and businesses for greater opportunities. There are also people, companies, medium scale businesses who engage in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) drive, these feats need to be acknowledged. We will feature the everyday stories that everyone can relate to, including the activities of early morning or late evening rush hours to work/school/stores/marketplaces and all the things that make our day thick and memorable. Do you know who your ward counselor is or the people that represent your interest in government at local or federal level – (house and National Assembly, community leaders etc)? We will periodically make a spotlight on them and try to connect you with them on regular basis.
In every healthy society raising children is paramount and this has become very complicated in our digitalized generation. We will contribute on issues relating to parenting by reaching out to experts and organizations who have knowledge in these areas. An issue which is top most on the minds of every Lagosian is the state of roads. Every day, Lagosians spend productive hours in traffic dealing with the deplorable road networks. This is the lead story in our maiden edition as residents and commuters share their experiences. Government after another still battle with fixing this perennial problem and finding a permanent solution to our road infrastructure. One may ask, what exactly will it take to ensure that these roads last as far as say 20 years?
Why can’t roads be deliberately fixed just like it is currently on-going at the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway axis. Why should our inner roads (streets) be fixed with bricks or just gravel poured on the potholes while cars, buses, trucks and even tricycles are made to level them up. Most times, when these constructions are on-going it is usually during the peak periods when commuters are making their way either to work or back, what about fixing these roads in the middle of the nights to make life easy for us all as it done in developed countries? Also, when roads are temporarily closed for construction, some some times there are no functional alternative routes for movements.
Lagosians deserve better for their dogged nature. Another pertinent issue is the border closure which has really affected businesses and cost of items that make their way through the country’s borders. While this can be said to be a welcome development for the growth our local produce, reports on the increase in smuggling has further taken a new shape. There are also some unconfirmed reports that the border closure policy in most part of the North East and North West are currently not being strictly implemented as it is done with the southern parts. Why must this be so.? If this is true, then it is a clear case of economic sabotage which must forthwith be addressed by the relevant government agencies. As much as the country may be gaining from this closure, it is pertinent to engage in a well-thought-out policy that will improve the lives of Nigerians and promote economic stability.
Community Bell Newspapers is an independent weekly publication of Baseline Prints and Media services. Our vision is to be the real voice of the common man and present an unbiased data-based reports, stories, and information with sound conscience which will add value to your life. Welcome!
