The All Progressives Congress (APC) administration at the local government level, under the capable leadership of Engr. (Dr) Comrade Valentine Oluwaseyi Buraimoh, has not only performed but has excelled in addressing the immediate needs of the people, while strategically prioritizing government spending to meet both expectations and statutory standards.
In line with constitutional responsibilities, the local government embarked on the enormous task of touching critical areas of development and balancing performance across several key sectors:
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1. Primary Health Care Delivery
One of the administration’s flagship achievements lies in health care. Engr. Buraimoh prioritized primary health care, transforming a 40-year-old dilapidated PHC into an ultra-modern mini general hospital, complete with Dentistry and Ophthalmology Departments.
All Primary Health Centres (PHCs) across the LGA were renovated and upgraded, leading to a significant reduction in maternal and infant mortality rates, thanks to a newly introduced systematic health care management system.
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2. Educational Advancement
At the inception of his administration, Amuwo Odofin’s primary schools were in a deplorable condition. Engr. Buraimoh swiftly swung into action, reconstructing, completing, and renovating 125 classrooms in 22 primary schools, equipping them with modern facilities, boreholes, chairs, desks, and instructional materials.
He also provided free JAMB and WAEC forms annually and ensured timely payment of teachers’ salaries, which are drawn from the local government’s budget.
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3. Youth and Women Empowerment
Under his leadership, over 2,000 free POS machines were distributed to youths and women — a pioneering initiative in Lagos State.
He also facilitated the acquisition of 30 brand-new Uber vehicles for young residents, without requiring a down payment. Thousands benefitted from vocational training in fashion, baking, interior decoration, soap making, and more.
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4. Staff Welfare and Conducive Work Environment
Staff welfare under this administration was not just a policy but a priority carried out with empathy and excellence.
All entitlements were judiciously paid, and vehicles were allocated to councillors, supervisors, vice-chairman, and heads of departments.
The newly built Council Secretariat, with 96 offices, a banking mall, and a recreational center, stands as the largest and most modern local government secretariat in Nigeria, all completed without borrowing — a true testament to fiscal discipline and vision.
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5. Security
Amuwo Odofin stood as a beacon of safety during the EndSARS movement, largely because of the people’s trust in a government that empowered and involved them.
The local government provided 16 utility vehicles to all security agencies, resulting in a record of zero armed robbery incidents throughout the administration’s 8-year tenure.
His collaboration with formal security outfits and local vigilantes was seamless and highly effective.
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6. Support to the Judiciary
To ensure justice was within reach, Engr. Buraimoh constructed a High Court and Magistrate Court in Festac Town, eliminating the need for residents to travel to Badagry, Ojo, Ikeja, or Lagos Island for legal redress.
This bold step ensures quicker access to justice and fosters a culture of law, order, and fairness.
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7. Markets and Economic Growth
Recognizing the dangers posed by unsafe and outdated markets, his administration constructed four new modern markets, which have since increased trade volume by an estimated ₦3 billion monthly.
This is unprecedented in the history of Amuwo Odofin LGA or even Lagos State.
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8. Road Construction and Rehabilitation
Road infrastructure was tackled head-on. While many residents may not know the jurisdictional boundaries between federal, state, and local roads, Engr. Buraimoh took ownership and delivered.
Notable roads reconstructed include:
Agidimo Road, abandoned for over 20 years.
Aroso Market Ring Road.
Multiple roads in Festac Town, including:
11 Road, 111 Road, 1st Avenue (Domino’s junction), 31 Road, 41 Road, 512 Road, 7th Avenue by F Close, the burnt Link Bridge, 23 Road, part of 4th Avenue, and Agboju by Suya Spot.
Abule Ado entrance roads.
Despite the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) and State’s minimal involvement due to political differences, the local government carried the burden with visible results.
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9. Sanitation and Toilets in Riverine Communities
Understanding the challenge of open defecation in riverine areas, the administration constructed several public toilets and supported improved basic sanitation practices, significantly raising the standard of living in these often-neglected communities.
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CONCLUSION
The administration of Engr. (Dr) Comrade Valentine Oluwaseyi Buraimoh has not only met its obligations but has set new standards in governance at the local level. Through prudent financial management, people-centered programs, and a commitment to development, he has transformed Amuwo Odofin LGA into a model of local government excellence in Nigeria.
