Tag: Ikeja Local Government

By Kowiyat Dada

The Ikeja Local Government has distributed food items to widows and elders in the council to “ease economic hardship among vulnerable residents.”

 Wife of the council Chairman, Fausat Dauda, said the programme was designed to recognise and appreciate senior citizens and widows for their contributions to the community.

 “The empowerment programme we are holding today is aimed at recognising our aged citizens and widows in our society. We are here to appreciate them for their continuous support and contributions to the growth of our community,” she said.

 She said 100 beneficiaries were selected for the programme, stating that the event will be organised once every three months to help ease economic hardship among vulnerable residents.

 She added that caring for elders remains a priority of her administration, stressing that the initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tínubu, which promotes economic empowerment, inclusiveness, and improved welfare for all citizens.

 “Our widows and elders deserve dignity, respect, and continuous support. We will continue to stand by them and ensure their wellbeing,” she said.

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 The Vice Chairman of Ikeja Local Government, Abisola Omishore, described the initiative as timely and impactful, noting that it would go a long way in supporting vulnerable women and elders across the local government’s six wards.

 “This is a commendable initiative. It is targeted at widows and elderly women who have given so much to society. We intend to sustain this programme regularly monthly if possible, or at least quarterly depending on available resources,” he said.

 Council Manager, Mrs Taiwo Odubeko, said the programme was organised within a short period following the Chairperson’s personal initiative.

 “She called me just a few days ago and expressed her desire to do something for the widows and the elderly, even offering to personally support the programme if funds were not readily available. Within two days, we were able to put everything together,” she said.

 She listed the items distributed to the beneficiaries which include rice, beans, semolina, seasoning cubes, and salt, noting that a small transportation allowance was also provided to ease movement for beneficiaries.

 A beneficiary, Maureen Motson, expressed gratitude, stating that the support as unprecedented in her experience.

 “I have never experienced anything like this before. This support will go a very long way for my family, especially now that the children have resumed school,” she said.

• By Ummusalamoh Kamorudeen

The Chairman of Ikeja Local Government, Akeem Dauda, has rolled out a series of community-focused initiatives, including a free medical outreach for elderly residents, commissioning of renovated classrooms and the celebration of outstanding pupils across the council area.

Dauda said 200 elders were selected across different communities to benefit from the free medical outreach, which included basic health tests, distribution of medical kits, and small cash support.

“We believe our elders deserve to be celebrated that is why our first assignment for the 100 days was to bring them together, run health tests, and empower them with tools to monitor their sugar level and blood pressure,” he said.

The council boss said that there are plans to strengthen healthcare access in Ikeja by stationing a medical support bus next year to assist residents, especially elders, in accessing health centers easily.

The council chairman said part of the programme included the celebration of academic excellence among pupils through a spelling bee competition organised across primary schools in the area.

Ismail Zainab of St. Peter’s Primary School emerged as the overall winner at the recent spelling bee and was honored as the One Day Chairman, while the second and third place winners became the One Day Vice Chairman and Leader of the House.

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Dauda said the honour was to inspire excellence among children and encourage them to take their education seriously.

As part of her responsibilities for the day, the One Day Chairman inaugurated a newly renovated 12-classroom block at Agidingbi Primary School. She also inspected facilities upgraded under the project, which included the installation of new doors, repairs, provision of furniture and fans, as well as the construction of a functional borehole.

The council also distributed exercise books and school bags to pupils across selected schools in the local government area.

The Council Manager, Taiwo Odubeko, lauded the chairman’s performance, stating that within three months, the administration had constructed three roads, renovated schools, engaged over 30 security guards to protect public facilities, and strengthened services across local health centers.

“He has done excellently well with our support. The One Day Chairman initiative will motivate many more children to study harder,” she said.

Batsula Olasyinde, a community leader, described Dauda as “Mr. Talk and Do,” applauding the health outreach and the chairman’s commitment to residents’ welfare.

“People walk around without knowing their health status, Today, they know better. Prevention is better than cure, and our chairman is helping people detect issues early,” he said.

• By Ummusalamoh Kamorudeen

The Chairman of Ikeja Local Government, Akeem Dauda, has promised enhanced development across all sectors of governance for residents of his council.

Akeem stated this while presenting N13.92 billion budget.

He tagged it “Budget of Better Days 0.1”.

“With this budget, we are confident that the people of Ikeja will experience more improvements in infrastructure, education, healthcare, youth and women empowerment,” he said.

He added that the budget “enhances transparency, inclusive development, and improved service delivery.”

He described the budget as the culmination of extensive stakeholder engagement, consultations, and participatory budgeting, aims to meet the needs of Ikeja residents and consolidate the administration’s early achievements.

According to him, the total budget size stands at N13,923,882,601.48, with recurrent expenditure of N7.35 billion allocated to ensure effective governance, personnel welfare, maintenance of public assets, and efficient delivery of essential services.

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He said the Capital expenditure of 47.2 percent reflected the administration’s resolve to deliver tangible development projects with direct local impact.

He stated that 26.8 per cent is allocated for works and infrastructure, 7.09 per cent for education, 4.08 per cent for environment, 4.8 per cent for health, and 5 per cent for human capital development.

Leader of the House, Rasheed Ogunseye, commended the chairman’s vision and commitment to democratic dividends, assuring that the Legislative Arm would scrutinise the budget and facilitate a timely approval process.

“The Legislature will ensure that this budget aligns with the needs and aspirations of Ikeja residents,” he said.

• By Ummusalamoh Kamorudeen and Azeezat Adeshola and Dada Abisoye

The Chairman of Ikeja Local Government, Akeem Dauda, has announced sweeping new security measures aimed at restoring order and strengthening community safety across the council area.

He said that the decision followed an extensive security review and consultations with security agencies, community leaders, market executives and other stakeholders.

The council boss banned scavenging (Boola operations), street trading on major roads, cart pushing, and intensified enforcement against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV).

According to him, intelligence reports have consistently linked scavengers and cart pushers with vandalism, theft, drug movement and unauthorized access to restricted facilities.

He added that street trading has also contributed to traffic congestion, petty crimes and preventable road accidents.

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“This is not a war against the poor; it is a stand against insecurity and lawlessness,” he said.

He emphasized that Multi-Agency Enforcement Task Force made up of officers from the Nigeria Police Force, NSCDC, Neighborhood Safety Corps, LASTMA, Environmental Health Officers and the Ikeja LG Task Force.

Dauda reiterated that Ikeja will evolve into one of Lagos State strongest SGBV-free corridors.

He further announced that the creation of dedicated reporting desks, partnerships with the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, community sensitization and immediate prosecution of offenders.

He unveiled activities to mark the 100 Working Days of his administration, including commissioning four newly completed roads, empowerment grants for 550 residents, medical outreach for 200 elderly citizens, and the One-Day Chairman/Vice Chairman/Leader of the House youth leadership initiative. The commissioning of newly renovated classrooms at Agidingbi Primary School is also scheduled.

Dauda urged residents, traditional institutions, market unions and transport operators to support the implementation.

• By Iteoluwakisi Anifowose and Eniola Akinwande

The Chairman of Ikeja Local Government, Akeem Dauda, has reaffirmed his   administration’s commitment to education and youth empowerment with the presentation of free GCE forms to 200 indigent students in  the council area.

The event, held at the Marriage Registry Hall in Ikeja, was described as a milestone in the council’s efforts to empower young people and secure a brighter future for the community.

Dauda said the Ikeja Agenda places youths at the heart of development programmes. He noted that since assuming office, his administration has prioritised initiatives that uplift young people.

Part of the initiatives include creation of all-day jobs for over 215 youths and the upcoming “Skill Up Ikeja” programme designed to equip young people with both vocational and digital  skills.

“Our agenda focuses more on youths. The first thing we did when we assumed office was to start an all-day job for 200 people, which eventually expanded to 250. Today, we are also celebrating the youth of Ikeja by giving them 200 GCE forms. Education is the greatest equalizer, and we will not allow financial barriers to hinder the dreams of our young people,” Dauda said.

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He added that although only 200 forms were budgeted, an additional 10 students were accommodated personally by him when they were found to have been left out during the selection process.

“Because of our tradition and our style, the extra 10 will be taken from my pocket. This is because we believe our youths are not lazy, they are ready to learn, and they deserve every opportunity to succeed,” he explained.

Dauda also assured that the initiative was only the beginning of a broader educational masterplan.

“Today is about the GCE forms, tomorrow it will be scholarships, coaching classes, skill development programmes, startup grants, and global partnerships. We are intentional about giving our youth the tools to succeed,” he said, urging the beneficiaries to study hard and prove themselves worthy of the investment.

He stated that beneficiaries of the all-day job scheme would receive their first salaries of N200,000, in the coming weeks, underscoring his government’s dedication to both education and economic empowerment.

Dauda assured that his administration would never relent in creating opportunities for youths of Ikeja.

“I will continue to invest in you. Together, we will write a successful story that future generations will be proud of. God bless Ikeja youths,” he prayed

Havilah Peace, a beneficiary, said she felt encouraged by the initiative.

“It is good and it is encouraging. This will enable the youth to work harder after seeing this kind of support from the government,” she said.

Another beneficiary, Ayinde Oluwatoyin, said the GCE form would help her switch to the science department for her future course of study in Public Health. “I’m very grateful and very happy for this opportunity. I pray for the chairman every day because of what he has done for us. God will continue to bless him,” she said.

By Muinat Ajibade-Alasela

The Chairman of Ikeja Local Government Dr Mojeed Balogun, has given 50 per cent reduction on all food Items sold to the residents.

The council boss stated that the gesture was to cushion the economic hardship.

According to him, giving palliative is germane to ameliorate the suffering of the people. “Just like the federal government is doing its best in cushioning the effect of the subsidy removal, Lagos state government, also felt the need to support the course to reduce burden on the people,” he said.

Dr Balogun said the items sold include yam, rice, beans, eggs, pepper, onions, garri among others adding that their target was to sell to over 5,000 people.

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He said the council devises a way of making people come in in batches to avoid crowd.

He hailed the residents for orderliness.

According to him, people are free to buy as much as they want.

The council chief said special arrangements were made for the aged.

He stressed that people no longer engage in farming, urging Nigerians to return to farming.

He said: “People should not sell all their lands for building; people should have the ability to go into farming, we are lacking in that, we only believe in oil, nobody want to go into farming. Let us all endeavors to go back to farming so that we can be self-sufficient.”

He noted that in serving as an exemplary purpose, the council also had farm and sold some of their products to the people.

He said the council is also involved in commercial farming.