How Hon. Rasaq Olushola Ajala is transforming public healthcare in Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye LCDA

By Zik Zulu Okafor

In the heart of Lagos, where survival often overshadows social investment, a quiet revolution is taking place in Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area (LCDA). It is a revolution not of slogans or protests, but of syringes and stethoscopes—powered by vision, compassion, and leadership. At the helm of this transformation is Honourable Rasaq Olushola Ajala, a man redefining what it means to govern with empathy and foresight.

Now in his second term as Chairman of the LCDA, Hon. Ajala is a leader whose rise from modest beginnings to public office has only deepened his commitment to the people.

With a Master’s degree in Diplomacy and International Studies, he brings not only intellect but an unwavering passion to governance. And nowhere is his impact more profoundly felt than in the field of public healthcare.

“We know that health is wealth. For residents to contribute meaningfully to our community’s development, they must first be healthy. That’s why we are investing heavily in primary healthcare,” he explained.

From Crime Den to Health Haven: The Ajisegiri Story

Perhaps the most remarkable example of Ajala’s fearless vision is the transformation of Ajisegiri—a place once notorious for criminal activity—into a beacon of hope. Once a haven for underworld figures in Mushin, Ajisegiri is now home to a gleaming, fully-equipped Primary Healthcare Centre, thanks to Ajala’s determination to turn despair into healing.

“Our people never imagined anything could be done at Ajisegiri. That place was synonymous with fear and crime. But we had a different agenda,” he said, smiling. “By God’s grace, we now have a beautiful healthcare centre there.”

The site that once evoked fear now welcomes expectant mothers, treats illnesses, and restores dignity. It stands as a monument to transformation and to a leader’s refusal to be intimidated by history.

Beyond Rhetoric: Building Real Infrastructure
In Ilupeju, the Coker Healthcare Centre was not just renovated but reimagined. What was once a nominal clinic has become a modern medical facility serving an increasingly urban population. Similarly, the Ayantuga Primary Healthcare Centre was given a complete overhaul: staffing was increased, and operational hours were extended from eight to 24 hours—ensuring that no emergency meets a locked gate.

Ajala’s proactive response to Nigeria’s ongoing Japa syndrome—the mass emigration of healthcare professionals—is also notable. While many communities struggle to retain medical staff, Ajala has implemented a model that respects and rewards healthcare workers.

“We understand the allure of going abroad. That’s why we do everything we can to retain our medical personnel—better pay, training partnerships, and a supportive work environment. You have to think outside the box,” he explained.

A Culture of Collaboration
Ajala’s leadership style is as inclusive as it is innovative. At the new primary healthcare facility near Awolowo Market—credited to Hon. Yemi Alli, the representative of Mushin Federal Constituency—Ajala is working to extend operations to a 24-hour schedule.

“Hon. Yemi Alli built the facility, and we’re grateful. In my view, leadership is not about competition; it’s about shared responsibility,” he said.

Bringing Healing to the Doorstep: The Free Health Mission
If any initiative captures the soul of Ajala’s healthcare vision, it is the Free Health Mission. Designed to serve the elderly, the weak, and the isolated, this mobile initiative delivers real medical care—consultations, treatments, and even surgeries—free of charge to those who need it most.

The initiative has been particularly impactful for residents with visual impairments. Qualified ophthalmologists have restored sight to dozens, including primary school children whose world had been a blur. One such beneficiary, 68-year-old Toye Bakare, summed it up emotionally:

“He is a leader who listens. He is kind, humble, and understands our needs. I benefitted from the free medical mission, and I’m grateful. God will bless that young man.”

A Leader with a Healing Touch
What sets Hon. Rasaq Olushola Ajala apart is not just the number of projects, but the heart behind them. To him, healthcare isn’t a duty—it’s a calling. He chooses to invest not in fleeting applause but in lasting impact. In a political climate often driven by optics, Ajala’s leadership is grounded in substance.

His legacy is not just in the brick-and-mortar of health centres, but in the lives they touch—the babies born safely, the sight restored, the pain relieved, and the hope rekindled. His brand of leadership has created a template for community-driven healthcare reform in Nigeria.

To Ajala, healthcare is not just a sector. It is the soul of service. And he continues to nurture it with vision, courage, and relentless compassion.

In Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye LCDA, health truly is wealth—and Hon. Rasaq Olushola Ajala remains its most passionate custodian.