Senator Wasiu Eshilokun Sanni, who represents Lagos Central Senatorial District, has responded to criticism from a constituent questioning his impact and delivery of political promises, outlining a broad range of financial assistance, infrastructure projects, educational interventions, and empowerment programmes executed across the district.
The criticism, expressed in an open letter circulating online, accused the senator of failing to provide expected support and questioned his contributions to constituents since his early political career. However, in a detailed response, Senator Eshilokun defended his record, pointing to verifiable investments and interventions spanning education, infrastructure, political support, healthcare, and youth empowerment.
Financial Support to Party Structure and Candidates
The senator revealed that during the last local government elections, substantial financial assistance was provided to strengthen grassroots democracy across the Lagos Central Senatorial District, which comprises 93 wards and 13 local government areas and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs).
According to him, each of the 93 councillorship candidates received ₦500,000, amounting to ₦43 million. Chairmanship candidates were also supported with ₦2.5 million each, totaling ₦30 million. In addition, ₦2 million was allocated to the party in each of the 13 local governments and LCDAs, bringing the sum to ₦26 million. This support was complemented by an additional ₦50 million in assistance.
Education Interventions and Scholarship Programmes
Senator Eshilokun highlighted his longstanding commitment to education, noting that exercise books were distributed to students across 175 junior and senior secondary schools in the senatorial district. With a student population of approximately 185,000, nearly one million exercise books were printed and distributed.
He also emphasized his scholarship programme, which has been sustained annually for the past 16 years, benefiting tertiary institution students within the district. In the most recent cycle alone, 261 students received scholarships to support their academic pursuits.
Further demonstrating his focus on educational development, the senator disclosed ongoing collaboration with the Yaba College of Technology to upgrade its sports centre, as well as plans to support infrastructure development at the University of Lagos, including the construction of an auditorium, hostel, or both.
Infrastructure Development Across Lagos Central
The senator listed several road construction and rehabilitation projects undertaken across multiple local governments, including:
Sanusi Street in Surulere
Bola Street in Ebute-Metta, Lagos Mainland
Ladejobi Street in Apapa-Iganmu LCDA
A road in Ikate-Elegushi, Eti-Osa
A road in Ikorodu West near the Nigerian Ports Authority
Four newly constructed roads in Ward B3, Lagos Island
In addition, solar-powered street lighting projects have been implemented across all local governments in the district, with more than 500 solar street lights installed on Lagos Island alone.
Healthcare and Community Development
In the healthcare sector, the senator confirmed the installation of an X-ray machine at the General Hospital in Odan, Lagos Island, aimed at improving diagnostic capacity and access to medical services for residents.
He also cited empowerment programmes valued at approximately ₦2 billion, targeting constituents through financial support, skills acquisition, and economic empowerment initiatives.
Grassroots Infrastructure and Sports Development
At the grassroots level, Senator Eshilokun noted ongoing construction of a stadium in the Bombata/Jankara area, alongside previous infrastructure achievements during his tenure as chairman, including the construction of more than six roads and a vocational training school.
Commitment to Continued Development
Senator Eshilokun emphasized that his interventions span political support, infrastructure, education, healthcare, and youth development, underscoring his commitment to delivering democratic dividends to the people of Lagos Central.
While acknowledging that not every individual request can be met immediately, the senator maintained that his focus remains on projects and programmes that benefit the broader population.
His response comes amid heightened political engagement in Lagos Central, as constituents increasingly demand transparency, accountability, and tangible development outcomes from elected representatives.
