How Kemi Nelson’s Daughter, Detoun is transforming LASPARK

Adetoun Ibilola Popoola is propagating the environmental sustainability vision of the State Government through various initiatives.

The environmental advocate was appointed the General Manager of Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency (LASPARK) by the environmental-friendly governor, Babajide Sanwo-olu in 2019.

Popoola, a graduate of Business Administration from the University of Lagos with a postgraduate degree in Marketing and Communications Management from the University of Hull, UK brings on board 10 years experience in Commercial Banking and Development Finance, Customer Service and Total Quality Management.

Prior to her present appointment as General Manager, she served as Assistant Manager in the Strategy and Corporate Transformation Group of the Bank of Industry.

Investigations revealed that Mrs. Popoola, who is committed to the project of making Lagos cleaner and greener, has championed many reforms that have made the agency more effective and results-oriented.

According to an insider in the agency, Mrs. Popoola operates open-door policy for seamless communication, which has led to harmonious working relationship with staff.

“She enjoys the support and cooperation of the staff because of her open-door policy and willingness to lead from the front,” the source disclosed.

“The GM is a promoter of greener Lagos because she believes that a green and healthy environment will engender socio-economic prosperity,” another source told The Street Journal.

A senior staff of the agency also informed The Street Journal that the GM has introduced innovative ideas that have helped the agency in achieving its aims and objectives.

LASPARK

The mandate of Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency (LASPARK) is to make Lagos greener and healthier through the creation and maintenance of functional and operational parks and gardens, planting and maintenance of trees.

One of the most visible evidence of this transformation agenda which has continued to attract both local and international commendations for the state is the tree planting, landscaping, and beautification programmes in line with the environmental vision of a flood free, hygienic and beautiful Lagos.

No-nonsense Administrator

The no-nonsense administrator has also ensured the agency enforced policies and laws of the state.

She has refused all attempts by some unscrupulous elements to make her compromise standard.

LASPARK recently announced plans to disengage all horticulturists who have consistently failed at keeping their assigned open spaces clean and well-groomed, thus disregarding government directives on keeping a clean and green environment.

Mrs. Popoola noted that the action became necessary because some of the locations outsourced to horticulturists have not been given adequate attention and care, stressing that the State Government will not continue to engage contractors who underperform and continuously breach the terms of their engagement, which is to keep Lagos looking clean and beautiful.

She maintained that the responsibilities of the horticulturists include mowing of lawns; ensuring gardens, roads, medians and setbacks are free from litter; trimming of hedges, replacement of dead plants and ensuring adequate watering of plants, especially during the dry season.

She added that the expectations of the Agency are clearly spelt out and remuneration will only be based on satisfactory performance.

She stressed that creating and maintaining well-groomed gardens and open spaces will encourage residents to indulge more in recreation and relaxation in order to reduce the stress associated with daily activities.

A top government official confided in The Street Journal that there are attempts by some people to tarnish her image before the governor and the Commissioner for Environment.

“It is a futile attempt because she was appointed on merit and the governor knows her credibility. The governor can’t fall for the propaganda. It is sad that people are always uncomfortable with a principle and committed leader, that wouldn’t compromise standard or betray the trust of the public,” he said.

Proven Records

Mrs. Popoola started her career in Banking as an Executive Trainee with Guaranty Trust Bank Plc in 2006. Her passion for excellence earned her exceptional promotion to the position of Banking Officer in 2012 and then Senior Banking Officer in 2015. With over 10 years experience in project management, customer experience and quality management, she joined the Strategy and Corporate Transformation Group of the Bank of Industry in 2018 as an Assistant Manager where she played an exceptional role in the success of the 2019 ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System Surveillance Audit for the Bank of Industry.

Adetoun has attended several seminars and workshops within and outside the country, including: ISO 9001:2018 (Quality Management System) Internal Audit Certification; Root-Cause Analysis based on Lean Six Sigma Methodology Certification Training (by British Standards Institute); ISO Integrated Management System – Lead Implementer (Certification Training) (by British Standards Institute amongst others.

She is the daughter of Chief (Mrs.) Olukemi Nelson.