ADEOLA OGUNLADE
Residents of Apena, Bashiru Oweh and Anifowose communities in Ikeja Local Government on Tuesday were in celebratory mood as the Executive Chairman of the council, Comrade Akeem Olalekan Dauda (AKOD), commissioned newly rehabilitated roads, streetlights and an ultra-modern public toilet.
The projects, which included the rehabilitation of RST Apena Close with drainage, interlocking stone, and streetlights; the rehabilitation of Bashiru Oweh Street with interlocking stones and streetlights; and an ultra-modern public toilet under the bridge in front of the Ikeja Local Government Secretariat, formed part of the activities marking Comrade Dauda’s first anniversary.
Comrade Dauda, who led council officials, party leaders, market women, traditional and community leaders to the various project sites, said the commissioning was a demonstration of his administration’s commitment to delivering tangible dividends of democracy to residents.
Speaking at the event, he said: “One year ago, we received the mandate of our people with a clear understanding that leadership is not merely about occupying an office; it is about serving the people, identifying their needs and delivering tangible development”.
He said the projects were in line with the administration’s I.K.E.J.A. development agenda, particularly its focus on infrastructure, environmental cleanliness, security and social wellbeing.
According to him, the projects demonstrated that “government must be felt by the people,” adding that his administration had taken deliberate steps within one year to improve infrastructure, education, healthcare, environmental sanitation, youth empowerment and social welfare.
“When we came in last year, we made a promise to better the lot of Ikeja people with projects that will improve the livelihood of our people. We are here today to commission some of those projects, and we are doing more,” he said.
The chairman urged residents to take ownership of the projects and protect them to ensure their sustainability.
Former Chairman of Ikeja Local Government and Pro-Chancellor of the Federal University of Transportation, Daura, Hon. Wahab Owokoniran, who commissioned the RST Apena road, commended Comrade Dauda for his commitment to delivering the dividends of democracy to the people.
The Council Manager, Mrs. Odubeko Julianah Taiwo, said the interventions were made possible with the support of the people, urging residents to continue supporting the administration and take ownership of the projects.
The commissioning was one of the major activities marking Comrade Dauda’s first year in office, with the chairman assuring residents that the development journey would continue.
“One year gone, but the journey continues. Better days are here in Ikeja Local Government,” he said