Ikeja & Agege Local Governments Strengthen Ties For Development And Democratic Dividends

OLALEKAN ONI

In a historic and forward-looking move, the Executive Chairman of Ikeja and the the Acting Chairman, Agege Local Government; Comrade Akeem Olalekan Dauda (AKOD) and Hon. Vinod Obasa respectively, have agreed to forge stronger collaboration aimed at improving infrastructure, enhancing service delivery, and ensuring that residents of both local governments enjoy the full dividends of democracy.

Ikeja and Agege share common boundaries and long-standing historical ties, as the Agege Local Government was carved out of Ikeja several decades ago. This shared heritage has made both council “brothers” in governance, development, and community life.

The collaborative engagement began with a courtesy visit by the Acting Chairman of Agege Local Government, Hon. Vinod Obasa, accompanied by members of his management team, to Ikeja House, the office of the Executive Arm of Ikeja Local Government. They were warmly received by Chairman AKOD and the management team of Ikeja LG.

In his opening remarks, Comrade Akeem Olalekan Dauda (AKOD) described the meeting as a historic step toward inter-council cooperation. He outlined key areas of synergy between both councils, including:

1. Infrastructure Development: particularly the rehabilitation of Akin Doherty Road (around the Guinness axis) and other boundary roads.

2. Joint Action on Abandoned and Dilapidated Structures, notably a dangerous building jointly owned by both local governments.

3. Sports Development: an area where Agege’s experience and achievements can help drive Ikeja’s youth engagement and talent development.

In his response, Hon. Vinod Obasa described the visit as a “homecoming,” recalling his personal and professional ties to Ikeja. He lauded Chairman AKOD for his vision and initiative, expressing readiness to fully cooperate in all developmental efforts that would benefit residents of both councils.

Following the meeting, both chairmen, accompanied by their respective management teams and council managers, embarked on a joint inspection tour to assess key projects and problem areas.

The first stop was the bad section of Ikeja-Along inward Capitol Road around Ile Zik, where both leaders inspected the damage and resolved to find a permanent solution to the perennial problem

The next visit was to the ongoing construction of Ashade Market by Ikeja Local Government, where the team commended the contractor for the quality and speed of work.

The inspection continued to Akin Doherty Road, one of the focal points of the partnership. Both chairmen deliberated on workable solutions to make the road fully motorable. They also inspected the drainage collector at the junction of the road and agreed to secure it with a burglar-proof cover to curb criminal activities in the area.

The teams then proceeded to Dairy Farm Estate, Pen Cinema, where they inspected a dilapidated building jointly owned by both councils. Upon inspection, it was found to be structurally unsafe. Both Chairmen resolved to engage relevant state authorities and ensure that the structure is demolished within 60 days, after which both councils will jointly decide on the future use of the land.

The joint delegation later converged at the Agege Local Government Secretariat for a debriefing and closing session. The Council Manager of Agege LG commended the two Chairmen for their foresight and unity, describing the initiative as “a landmark collaboration in the history of grassroots governance in Lagos State.”

Similarly, the Council Manager of Ikeja LG, Mrs. Taiwo Odubeko expressed delight at the partnership and praised both leaders for their vision, teamwork, and commitment to progress.

Both Chairmen reaffirmed their shared determination to translate the discussions into immediate action, ensuring that all agreed projects are implemented without delay.

The historic visit ended with group photographs and mutual assurances that collaboration and synergy between Ikeja and Agege will usher in a new era of growth, service excellence, and sustainable development for their people.