AKOD’s First Three Weeks In Office: Bold Steps, Big Vision For Ikeja’s Future

OLALEKAN ONI 

Going by what the Council Chairman, Comrade Akeem Olalekan Dauda (AKOD), has done in just three weeks since assuming office, it is safe to say that Ikeja is in for an era of purposeful and people-centered leadership. His trajectories within this short period point to a leader who is not only prepared for the task but is also intentional about delivering on the I.K.E.J.A Agenda.

From day one, AKOD hit the ground running. The Holiday Job Programme, which engaged over 200 young people in meaningful work during their school break, is already making an impact by giving our youths real work experience, stipends to support their families, and the confidence to pursue bigger dreams.

His vision to link the Onilekere and Onipetesi communities is another bold step that will foster unity, improve accessibility, and open new economic opportunities for residents. This is a legacy project in the making; one that will change the landscape and daily lives of the people in both communities.

Education and youth empowerment remain at the heart of his plans. The forthcoming 200 free GCE forms initiative is a direct investment in our young people’s future. It will remove a major financial barrier for many families and give students a fair chance to excel academically.

His decision to organise an interactive session between himself and the youths of Ikeja was a game-changing event, the first of its kind in our Local Government. It created a direct channel for young people to engage their Chairman, ask questions, share ideas, and be part of governance in a way that is both refreshing and inspiring.

Equally groundbreaking is his plan to decentralise INEC e-registration by establishing at least one registration centre in each ward of Ikeja. This unprecedented move will make voter registration more accessible, reduce stress for residents, and boost civic participation ahead of future elections.

These are not empty promises. They are tangible actions within weeks of his assumption of office; actions that speak louder than any campaign speech. If AKOD can achieve all these under a month, it is only a glimpse of what is to come for Ikeja in the months and years ahead.

The signs are clear: Ikeja has a Chairman who is committed, visionary, and deeply invested in the people. Indeed, better days are here.

God bless Ikeja!

By Olalekan Oni, Chief Press Secretary to the Chairman, Ikeja Local Government.