A community that learns, earns, moves, works and stays safe together. These are the five commitments I will take to the Lagos State House of Assembly on your behalf.
Somolu's young people are not waiting for help. They print, cut, sew, code, build and perform. My job in the Assembly is to make the rules and budgets work for them.
Self-reliance over dependency. The youth of Somolu act as a board of creative control, setting priorities instead of waiting on patronage.
Economic viability. Homegrown skills, art and ideas become a self-sustaining local economy.
Democratic dividends. The value the community creates is protected by fair, transparent and equitable governance.
For students and young learners
Students take part in supervised internships and vocational training, earning points toward their tuition and a welfare stipend. Weekly work hours have a clear minimum and maximum so that learning always comes first.
I will sponsor legislation setting the hour limits, safety standards and employer approval rules, and push for budget support.
For barbers, printers, artisans and small businesses
Shared community electricity generation for the businesses that keep Somolu running. Users pay for what they use as they earn, so no one carries a heavy cost upfront.
I will advocate for a licensing and tariff framework under Lagos State's electricity regulation and attract private and donor partners.
For students, the elderly, persons with disabilities and nursing mothers
Lower transport fares so that getting to school, work or the clinic is never out of reach.
I will press for a dedicated line in the state budget and oversee how the subsidy is delivered.
For tenants
Landlords who charge rents above a set benchmark face higher property taxation. Part of that tax is credited to tenants as a deduction from their rent payments.
I will sponsor a bill defining rent benchmarks by area and property type, with protections against costs being passed on to tenants.
For every street and neighbourhood
Recognition and rewards for residents who volunteer to protect and uplift their neighbours. Volunteers are registered and trained, working alongside, never in place of, the police.
I will push for a recognition and rewards framework, with partnerships between residents, community groups and security agencies.
As your Assembly member, I will sponsor bills, move motions, fight for budget allocation for these programs, and hold the executive accountable for delivering them. I will report back to you regularly.
Bisoye Obayan's community development policies for Somolu II, free to download and share.