Ikeja Local Government Chairman, Akeem Olalekan Dauda, on Tuesday commissioned a number of completed infrastructure projects to mark his first year in office, saying his administration’s focus remains on projects that directly improve the lives of residents.
The projects, commissioned in different wards and communities, include the rehabilitation of RST Apena Close with drainage, interlocking stones and streetlights; rehabilitation of Bashiru Oweh Street with interlocking stones and streetlights; and an ultra-modern public toilet constructed under the bridge in front of the Ikeja Local Government Secretariat.
Dauda, popularly known as AKOD, led council officials, party leaders, market women, traditional rulers and community leaders on an inspection and commissioning tour of the projects.
Speaking during the commissioning, the chairman said the projects reflected his administration’s commitment to translating its mandate into visible development across the council area.
“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,” Dauda said.
He said the projects were part of his administration’s I.K.E.J.A. development agenda, which prioritises infrastructure, environmental cleanliness, security and the social wellbeing of residents.
“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.
Dauda said his administration had, within its first year, taken deliberate steps to address critical needs in infrastructure, education, healthcare, environmental sanitation, youth empowerment and social welfare.
According to him, the projects were evidence that government must have a direct and measurable impact on the communities it serves.
“Government must be felt by the people. These projects are not just structures; they are interventions designed to make everyday life better for our people,” the chairman said.
He urged residents to take ownership of the projects and protect them against vandalism and misuse, stressing that their sustainability depended on the cooperation of the communities.
Former Chairman of Ikeja Local Government and Pro-Chancellor of the Federal University of Transportation, Daura, Wahab Owokoniran, who commissioned the RST Apena road, commended Dauda for prioritising projects with direct impact on residents.
Owokoniran urged the council administration to sustain the pace of development and continue to engage communities in identifying their most pressing needs.
The Council Manager, Mrs Odubeko Julianah Taiwo, said the completed projects were made possible through the support and cooperation of residents and other stakeholders.
She appealed to residents to protect the infrastructure and support the administration in its efforts to improve service delivery across the council.
The commissioning formed part of activities marking Dauda’s first anniversary in office, with the chairman assuring residents that more projects and interventions were in the pipeline.
“One year gone, but the journey continues. Better days are here in Ikeja Local Government,” Dauda said.
One Year in Office: Ikeja LG Chairman Commissions Roads, Streetlights, Others
