Council chairman promises better days, holds 2026 Stakeholders’ Consultative Forum in Ikeja
CITIZENS COMPASS— The Council Chairman, Ikeja Local Government in Lagos State, Akeem Olalekan Dauda, yesterday, assured residents of better days as he organised 2026 Stakeholders’ Consultative Forum.
The programme with the theme, with the theme: “Ikeja Agenda: Making governance work for all through inclusiveness of all residents of Ikeja,” served as a platform for residents, community representatives, and key stakeholders to make their final inputs into the 2026 fiscal budget, in line with the administration’s commitment to participatory governance.
In her welcome address, the Council Manager of Ikeja Local Government, Mrs. Odubeku Taiwo, welcomed all participants and emphasized that the forum was organized to finalize and actualize the inputs and complaints gathered during the local government’s recent community visits. She encouraged ward representatives to freely express any additional concerns or suggestions.
The Head of Budget and Planning, Dr. Abdulrasaq Yemisi, also welcomed attendees, noting that the meeting was designed to reaffirm and integrate the views of the community into the new budget.
Addressing the participants, stakeholders, Dauda popularly known as AKOD described the forum as a vital platform to strengthen collaboration between the government and residents of Ikeja. He revealed that the upcoming fiscal plan would be tagged “Budget of Better Days 1.0”, symbolizing the administration’s determination to make governance beneficial to every resident of the local government.
According to him, the I.K.E.J.A Agenda represents the administration’s guiding philosophy, built on key pillars such as Infrastructure & Urban Renewal, Knowledge-Based Economic Empowerment, Environmental and Health Care Initiatives, Justice and Access to Social Welfare, and Accountability.
He reiterated his commitment to ensuring that governance remains inclusive, transparent, and focused on improving the welfare of all citizens.
“This meeting is not just about figures and allocations; it is about people, priorities, and partnerships. It is about ensuring that the 2026 fiscal year reflects the true needs and aspirations of Ikeja residents,” he stated.
Stakeholders from various wards and sectors participated in the session including Alhaja Alaran Saludeen (Ward A), Mr. Alfred Adekola Adepeju (Ward B) and Mr. Adekunle Yusuf (Ward C).
Others were Mrs. Ajibike Omirin (Market Women Representative), Comrade Blessing Omoghafe (Youth Representative), Mr. Nasiru Abdullahi (Artisans’ Representative) and Mr. Patula Olashehinde (Persons with Disabilities Representative).
Responding, Comrade Akeem Dauda assured participants that their requests had been duly noted and would be incorporated into the 2026 budget.
He announced the planned construction of a new health center in Ipodo and revealed that the canal drainage and bridge project would commence following approval from the Ministry of Environment, with commissioning expected before June 2026.
On security, the chairman stated that the local task force had been strengthened to tackle insecurity and urged residents to remain vigilant. He further announced the upcoming #NoBolaBoy#Movement to curb street hooliganism and ensure community safety.
For youth empowerment, he confirmed that an ICT Centre would be established, while the Artisans’ Forum and Cooperative Society would be inaugurated once data of registered members are submitted. He also assured representatives of persons with disabilities that their proposals would be addressed upon submission of their data.
The chairman concluded by emphasizing the importance of revenue generation to support development projects and the need to improve school infrastructure for the safety and comfort of students.
“Together, we shall build an Ikeja that works — an Ikeja that grows, shines, and leads as the true capital of Lagos State,” he said.
