Prince Taiwo Oyekan Highlights Life-Changing Interventions for Lagos Island Residents
By Bolaji Israel
Amidst the daily hustle and bustle on the Lagos island, many residents face some challenges, ranging from economic hardships to limited access to essential services.
However, for the past few years, one man has been at the forefront of efforts to ease the pressure and genuinely empower the residents and communities. He’s Hon. Prince Taiwo Ajibade Oyekan, the Deputy Leader of the Lagos Island Local Government Legislative Arm and the Councillor representing Ward C1.
Since taking office in 2017, Oyekan fondly called PTO has made significant efforts towards helping the people through transformative intervention programmes that cater to health, education, economic empowerment, and social welfare.
His record-breaking achievements have not only earned him the respect of his constituents but have also made a tangible difference in the lives of thousands of Lagos Islanders.
Prince Oyekan’s tenure has been marked by an unwavering commitment to human capital development and community upliftment. His action plan, which encompasses a wide array of initiatives, focuses on critical areas such as economic empowerment, educational development, public health, and social intervention.
He has also invested millions of naira to the tune of over N30million and still counting on achieving his goal of touching lives in Lagos. This was disbursed through his recent N5million, N10 million naira empowerment programmes amidst others.
“I believe that every individual has the potential to succeed, and it is our responsibility to create an environment where they can thrive,” Oyekan shared during a recent community gathering.
His passion for uplifting his community is evident in the various programmes he has launched over the years, which have positively impacted the lives of the elderly, widows, vulnerable populations, and youths.
Empowering the Vulnerable
One of Oyekan’s most notable initiatives is the periodic economic empowerment and social intervention programme, which he launched in 2019. Through this programme, he has empowered thousands of vulnerable residents, distributing work tools, cash gifts, and food items to those in need. The programme specifically targets individuals living with disabilities, the elderly, widows, and widowers, ensuring that no one is left behind.
In a heartwarming display of generousity, Oyekan organized a distribution of assorted food items to vulnerable residents during the festive seasons, including Christmas and New Year. He believes that these gestures not only provide immediate relief but also rekindle hope in the hearts of those struggling to make ends meet.
Educational Initiatives
Education has been a cornerstone of Oyekan’s intervention strategies. Recognizing the importance of education in breaking the cycle of poverty, he has implemented several initiatives aimed at enhancing educational outcomes for local students. In 2023, he organized free summer coaching sessions and career talks for over 1,500 primary and secondary school students, equipping them with essential skills and knowledge for their futures.
The programme included training in various fields such as computer literacy, tailoring, catering, musicology, and soap production. Additionally, Oyekan has presented scholarships to indigent students and distributed learning materials worth millions of Naira across the island. His commitment to education was further demonstrated when he gifted free JAMB/UTME forms to students seeking admission into tertiary institutions, easing the financial burden on parents and guardians.
Health and Well-Being
In the realm of public health, Oyekan has prioritized the well-being of his constituents through various outreach programmes. He constructed borehole water systems to address water supply shortages and organized medical outreach initiatives, including a one-day seminar on personal hygiene and community health. His dedication to health awareness is exemplified by the “JIGI Taiye” medical outreach, where over 500 residents received free eye glasses and medications.
Moreover, Oyekan’s commitment to health was on full display on January 1, 2024, when he visited the Lagos Island Maternity Hospital to present gift items to New Year Day babies and nursing mothers, ensuring that even the youngest members of the community felt the warmth of his care and support.
Sports and Youth Development
Understanding the importance of fostering talent and encouraging youth participation in sports, Oyekan has also sponsored various sporting events. His efforts culminated in organizing football match competitions across Lagos Island, providing a platform for young athletes to showcase their skills. In November 2023, he sponsored the St. Joseph’s Catholic Primary School Inter-House Sports Competition, further promoting grassroots sports development.
Additionally, in a bid to rally community spirit and support for the Nigerian Super Eagles during the AFCON 2024 final, Oyekan set up viewing centres across the island, bringing residents together to cheer for their team and celebrate their shared identity.
Commitment to Security and Safety
In response to growing concerns about security, Oyekan took proactive measures to enhance safety within the community. On December 22, 2023, he donated a utility bus to the Isale Eko Community Anti-Crime Team, reinforcing the importance of community-led safety initiatives. Furthermore, he partnered with the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service to conduct sensitization exercises on fire prevention, equipping residents with crucial safety knowledge to prevent potential disasters.
Vision for the Future
As Hon. Prince Taiwo Oyekan reflects on his journey from 2017 to 2024, he said he remains steadfast in his commitment to the people of Lagos Island. His recent initiatives, including the distribution of N10 million to uplift residents amidst economic challenges and providing door-to-door food item distribution, underscore his dedication to continual service.
“I am determined to do more for the betterment of humanity,” Oyekan stated during a recent community meeting. His vision for the future includes ongoing partnerships with local organizations and stakeholders to amplify the impact of his programmes and ensure that the needs of the community are met.
Prince Oyekan’s life-changing intervention programmes have not only transformed the landscape of Lagos Island but have also inspired countless individuals to believe in the power of collective action and community support.
Through his unwavering dedication, the iconic Lagos Prince continues to lift the hopes and aspirations of his constituents, proving that when leaders prioritize the well-being of their people, entire communities can flourish.
As Lagos Island moves forward, his legacy of service and commitment to uplifting the vulnerable will undoubtedly serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration for future generations.
