In Lagos State, the narrative of development is no longer limited to the bustling metropolis. Under the leadership of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, rural communities are beginning to experience the dividends of governance through targeted interventions designed to elevate their socio-economic conditions.
As the Special Adviser to the Governor on Rural Development, I am proud to oversee the activities of the Centre for Rural Development (CERUD), an agency under the Office of Rural Development. CERUD’s mandate is clear: to initiate, implement, and sustain programmes that transform the lives of rural dwellers across Lagos State.
Powering Rural Communities: Electrification as a Catalyst for Growth
Access to electricity remains a cornerstone of development. In recognition of this, CERUD has successfully distributed 27 transformers to underserved rural and semi-urban areas across the five divisions of the State.
These installations are powering homes, businesses, and public spaces, driving socio-economic activity in places previously held back by energy poverty.
In addition, 14 rural communities have been equipped with 222 stand-alone solar-powered streetlights, promoting safety, extending economic activities into the night, and transforming the rural nightlife experience.
This electrification initiative is not just infrastructure — it is a statement of inclusion and empowerment.
Human Capital Development: Skills for a Sustainable Future
At the core of sustainable development is the empowerment of people. In alignment with the T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Agenda of the Sanwo-Olu administration, CERUD has trained and empowered over 2,000 individuals — including youths, women, and farmers — in key skill areas such as Aquaculture, Apiculture, and Digital Knowledge.
These programmes have not only provided livelihoods but have created a ripple effect of productivity, innovation, and independence.
The overwhelmingly positive feedback from beneficiaries indicates that these objectives are being achieved, and many are now active contributors to the local economy.
Rural Road Infrastructure: Connecting Communities to Opportunities
Infrastructure is a crucial driver of development, especially in rural areas. The recent completion of the 1.3km road project linking Erelu Way, Dayo Eluku, and Community Link in Amikanle, Agbado Oke-Odo LCDA, has opened up access within the community, reduced travel time, and improved property values.
More importantly, it has enhanced the movement of goods and people, thereby stimulating local trade and investment.
This project exemplifies the strategic intent of the Office of Rural Development: to connect, empower, and elevate.
Evidence-Based Interventions: Research-Driven Development
One of the cornerstones of our approach at the Office of Rural Development is data-driven decision-making. CERUD has recently conducted a new round of socio-cultural research, updating the classification of rural communities and mapping out their unique needs.
This empirical approach ensures that interventions are not generic, but tailored — addressing the real issues facing each community.
Strengthening Food Security Through Support for Farmers
Agriculture remains a lifeline for rural dwellers. To this end, CERUD has distributed small-scale farming tools — including brush cutters, planters, hoes, shovels, and fishing nets — to 300 farmers in Ikorodu, Epe, and Badagry. These tools have helped improve farm productivity and ease the burden of manual labour.
In addition, we secured approval for the rehabilitation of the Kola Pod Husk (KPH)-based cottage industry in Igbokuta, which will support the production of organic manure, poultry feed, toilet soap, liquid detergent, and kola wine — all of which contribute to rural enterprise, job creation, and economic diversification.
Moreover, the Greenhouse Project for cultivating green vegetables is nearing completion. This initiative will ensure year-round availability of nutritious produce, support food security, and enhance the health and wellbeing of our people.
A Rural Renaissance: Building Lagos from the Grassroots
The Lagos State Government understands that a state cannot be great unless all its parts thrive. Through CERUD, under the Office of Rural Development, we are demonstrating what is possible when rural communities are given a seat at the table of development.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s vision is not a Lagos divided between urban prosperity and rural neglect.
His vision is a Greater Lagos — one in which every community, whether in Ikorodu, Epe, Badagry, Alimosho, or Eti-Osa, has access to the infrastructure, tools, and opportunities they need to succeed.
As we continue to implement more projects in education, agriculture, energy, and enterprise, I am confident that the future of rural Lagos is bright.
Let us remain committed to this vision — to building a Lagos that works for everyone, from the grassroots up.
INN-HOUSE☆ 