Hon. Akeem Dauda Honoured With Award Of Excellence In Youth Development 

The Secretary to the Ikeja Local Government and Chairman of the Forum of Secretaries to Local Governments in Lagos State, Hon. Akeem Olalekan Dauda (AKOD), has been recognized for his outstanding commitment to youth development by the Pearl Leadership Academy.

The prestigious Award of Excellence in Youth Development was presented to AKOD in acknowledgment of his unflinching support for young people within and beyond Ikeja.

In recent times, AKOD has taken significant strides to empower and uplift the youth, fostering opportunities for their growth and development. Among his notable initiatives is the organization of a football competition in honour of the late Chief Mrs. Kemi Nelson, a highly revered leader in Ikeja politics, former Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation and former Southwest APC Women Leader. The tournament brought together talented youths, providing them with a platform to showcase their skills and further develop their soccer abilities.

AKOD also partnered with a reputable agency to provide employability training for over 3,000 youths within and outside Ikeja. This initiative equipped participants with essential skills to enhance their career prospects, paving the way for sustainable empowerment and self-reliance.

At the award ceremony, Mr. Yomi Akinsola, the Team Lead of Pearl Leadership Academy, praised Hon. Dauda for his dedication to youth development. He described the award as a token of appreciation and a motivation for AKOD to continue his impactful work.

“Hon. Dauda’s contributions have not gone unnoticed. This award is a reflection of his commitment to the growth and empowerment of our young people,” Akinsola stated.

In his acceptance speech, AKOD expressed his gratitude to the Pearl Leadership Academy for recognizing his efforts.

“I am deeply honoured to receive this award. I never imagined that my little contributions would be so acknowledged. This recognition inspires me to do even more for the youths, as they are the pillars of any thriving society,” he said.

Hon. Dauda also reaffirmed his commitment to the people of Ikeja, promising that better days lie ahead. He emphasized that his ultimate goal remains the empowerment of young people, ensuring they have the tools and opportunities to thrive.