IKEJA, LAGOS — Wednesday, August 19, 2026
It was an emotional and colourful celebration at Ikeja Local Government as 13 retirees were honoured for 35 years of meritorious and dedicated service, with the Executive Chairman, Comrade Akeem Olalekan Dauda (AKOD), rolling out a memorable reception to celebrate their remarkable careers.
The ceremony, held at the Ikeja Local Government Secretariat as part of activities marking the first anniversary of the AKOD administration, brought together the retirees, their families, council officials, political leaders, colleagues and other stakeholders.
The retirees were presented with Certificates of Service and fabulous gifts from the Executive Chairman in appreciation of their decades of loyalty, sacrifice and contributions to the growth of Ikeja Local Government.
One of the major highlights was the retirees’ special entrance into the venue. Each retiree was given five minutes to dance into the ceremony with family members, accompanied by their personally selected music played by the event DJ.
The lively entrances transformed the formal retirement ceremony into a memorable celebration of life, service and family, as guests cheered the retirees and celebrated their transition into a new chapter.
The event was coordinated by the Director of Administration and Human Resources Comrade Olusegun Jubril and ably supported by the Head of the Public Affairs Unit, Mrs. Kofoworola, whose efforts contributed to the smooth and colourful execution of the programme.
Representing Executive Chairman Dauda, the Secretary to the Local Government, Prince Adeyinka Illo, commended the retirees for their 35 years of dedication, professionalism and selfless service, noting that their contributions had helped shape the Council’s growth and institutional development.
The Council Manager, Mrs. Juliana Taiwo Odubeko, encouraged the retirees to embrace retirement positively and explore new opportunities in agriculture, entrepreneurship, community service and other productive activities.
Also speaking, Mr. Idowu Esan, who represented the Lagos State Head of Service, Mr. Bode Agoro, advised the retirees to prioritise their health, manage their finances wisely and remain active in their communities.
He encouraged them to mentor younger people, engage in farming and community service, and devote more time to their families and spouses after years of active public service.
In a goodwill message, the Lagos State Head of Service expressed gratitude to the retirees for their loyalty and meritorious service to the Lagos State Public Service, while praying for sound health, peace, renewed strength and fulfilment in retirement.
Responding on behalf of the retirees, Mrs. Ruth Lawal thanked Executive Chairman Dauda for his support and encouragement, praising his administration for maintaining a cordial relationship with council staff and implementing various projects within its first year.
She also appreciated the Council Manager, Mrs. Juliana Taiwo Odubeko, and the Director of Administration and Human Resources, Comrade Olusegun Jubril, for their contributions to staff welfare.
The retirees honoured included Mr. Awe Moses, Mrs. Odupe Basirat Olayinka, Mrs. Lawal Ruth Lucynda, Mrs. Afolabi Ibironke Omolara, Mrs. Sodiq Nimota Omobolanle, Mrs. Ige Alice Abosede, Mr. Kadri Babatunde Adekunle, Mrs. Omoloye Abigail Waleola, Mr. Fafowora Olufemi Kolawole, Mr. Shonekan Femi Idowu, Mr. Aluko Mahmood Oluwatoyin and Mr. Olowu Waheed Ayinla, among others.
The event was attended by APC leaders, stakeholders and supporters across Ikeja, as well as members of the Council’s Executive, legislators, supervisors, special advisers, management and staff.
With music, dancing, gifts and heartfelt tributes, Ikeja Local Government gave its retirees a fitting send-off, celebrating not just their retirement but 35 years of service, sacrifice and lasting contributions to the Council.
Public Affairs Unit
Ikeja Local Government
