The Executive Chairman of Ikeja Local Government, Comrade Akeem Olalekan Dauda (AKOD), on Saturday led members of the Executive Council, management team, environmental officials, legislators, and community stakeholders during the Lagos State Monthly Environmental Sanitation Exercise, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to a cleaner and healthier Ikeja.
The exercise commenced with an inspection of drainage channels beneath the bridge linking Awolowo Way and Oba Akran Avenue, where the Chairman supervised the desilting of blocked drains to prevent the perennial flooding and erosion experienced in the area after heavy rainfall.
During the inspection, Comrade Dauda observed that several manhole covers had been removed, allegedly by scavengers. He assured residents that the affected manholes would be replaced without delay and called on the Seriki-Aro Community Development Association (CDA) to work closely with the Council in protecting public infrastructure and monitoring drainage facilities.
He also urged residents to desist from dumping refuse into drainage channels, stressing that indiscriminate waste disposal contributes significantly to flooding, environmental degradation, and avoidable public health risks.
The sanitation team later proceeded to the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, where heavily clogged drains and heaps of refuse along the Onilekere/Onipetesi axis in Ward C, particularly around the Mongoro area, were cleared to restore free water flow and improve the environment.
Speaking during the exercise, Comrade Dauda emphasized that environmental cleanliness is a collective responsibility, encouraging Lagosians to actively participate in the monthly sanitation exercise and maintain proper waste disposal habits.
“Cleanliness is next to godliness. Together, we can build a cleaner, healthier, and more resilient Ikeja,” he said.
The Leader of the Ikeja Legislative Council, Hon. Rasheed Ogunseye, who participated alongside other councillors, commended the Chairman’s proactive leadership in environmental management and pledged the legislature’s continued support towards achieving a cleaner Ikeja.
Also speaking, the Chairperson of the Community Development Committee (CDC), Alhaja Folami, applauded the Council Chairman for prioritising environmental sanitation, while the Iyaloja of Ikeja, Alhaja Idiat Illo, praised his sustained efforts in ensuring that markets across the local government remain clean through the weekly Thursday market sanitation initiative.
The June environmental sanitation exercise further demonstrated the Ikeja Local Government’s unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability, flood prevention, and the overall wellbeing of residents, reinforcing its vision of keeping Ikeja—the Capital of the Centre of Excellence—clean, safe, and livable.
