The Executive Chairman of Ikeja Local Government, Comrade Akeem Olamilekan Dauda (AKOD), on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, rounded off activities marking his first anniversary in office with the distribution of food palliatives to more than 1,000 vulnerable residents at the Council Secretariat, Ikeja.
Speaking at the event, Chairman Dauda said the gesture was part of his administration’s commitment to alleviating hardship and ensuring that governance works for all under the I.K.E.J.A Agenda.
AKOD said his first year in office had recorded progress in road rehabilitation, sanitation, youth empowerment, healthcare, education, economic empowerment and other critical areas, assuring residents that more interventions would follow.
The initiative, organised under the theme, “Caring for Our People, Supporting Our Community, Building a Better Ikeja,” featured the distribution of 10kg bags of rice, 5kg of beans and 5kg of garri to beneficiaries as part of the administration’s Renewed Hope Food Palliative Programme.
In her welcome address, the Council Manager, Mrs Juliana Taiwo Odubeko, said the initiative was designed to cushion the effects of food scarcity while demonstrating the administration’s commitment to improving the welfare and general well-being of residents.
She noted that the various projects and interventions undertaken by the administration would not have been possible without the support, cooperation and prayers of the people, commending Ikeja residents for their continued support as the council marked its first year in office.
The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ikeja Chapter, Hon. Adetoro Adebowale, commended Chairman Dauda for his efforts towards alleviating the hardship faced by vulnerable residents through the food palliative programme.
Adebowale also applauded the council chairman for his commitment to infrastructural development and other initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life of residents across Ikeja.
Palliative Provides Immediate Relief, Agricultural Programme Targets Long-Term Food Security
Speaking with journalists at the event, the Supervisor for Agriculture and Social Services, Ikeja Local Government, Comrade Tayo Aderinola, described the palliative as a modest intervention by the chairman to provide immediate relief to vulnerable residents.
According to him, the gesture is aimed at supporting at least 1,000 downtrodden residents in the short term, while the council continues to develop sustainable solutions to food insecurity, unemployment and poverty.
Aderinola disclosed that the council had developed a blueprint for the Ikeja Model Agricultural Estate and was working towards implementing the Ikeja Young Farmers’ Empowerment Programme (IYFEP) as a flagship initiative to drive youth empowerment, food security, employment generation, agribusiness development and sustainable economic growth.
He explained that the proposed agricultural initiative would provide opportunities for young people to acquire practical agricultural skills while promoting commercial farming, innovation and value-chain development.
Aderinola noted that the project was strategically aligned with the Executive Chairman’s I.K.E.J.A Agenda, the Lagos State Government’s THEMES+ Development Agenda under Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
“Agriculture remains one of the most viable sectors for economic diversification, job creation, poverty reduction and sustainable development,” Aderinola said.
“Recognising the urgent need to empower young people with productive skills while strengthening food systems, Ikeja Local Government seeks to establish a modern, integrated agricultural estate that combines commercial farming, agricultural innovation, practical training, mechanisation, agro-processing, research and agribusiness incubation.”
He stressed that while the food palliative would provide immediate support to vulnerable residents, the council’s broader agricultural development strategy was designed to create sustainable opportunities and strengthen the local food system.
Ikeja Farmers Association Honours AKOD
A major highlight of the anniversary event was the conferment of a Patron Award on Chairman Dauda by the Ikeja Farmers Association in recognition of his commitment, dedication and leadership role in promoting agricultural development in the local government.
The association also presented its members’ database handbook to the chairman, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening agricultural development and contributing to food production and food security in Ikeja.
Dignitaries at the event included the representative of the esteemed Member of the House of Representatives for Ikeja Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. James Abiodun Faleke, who was represented by Dr. Bayo Ayo; the former Sole Administrator of Ikeja Local Government, Engr. Abiodun Taiwo; the Regent of Ikejaland, Prince Adekunle Apena; the Chairperson of the CDC Ikeja, Alhaja Adefolami; along with other community and religious leaders.
13 Retirees Honoured
The anniversary programme also featured the recognition of retirees who had completed 35 years of meritorious service to Ikeja Local Government.
Thirteen retirees received certificates and gifts in appreciation of their dedication and selfless service to the council.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Council Manager, Mrs Taiwo Odubeko, encouraged the retirees to embrace the next phase of their lives with optimism, stressing that retirement should not be regarded as the end of life but as an opportunity to engage in meaningful and productive activities.
She urged them to consider community service, agriculture, entrepreneurship and other profitable ventures that could provide fulfilment and continued relevance.
Chairman Dauda, who was represented by the Secretary to the Local Government, Prince Adeyinka Illo, commended the retirees for their years of dedication, commitment and selfless service to Ikeja Local Government.
Responding on behalf of the retirees, Mrs Ruth Lawal expressed appreciation to Chairman Dauda for his support and encouragement during his first year in office.
She commended the chairman for maintaining a cordial relationship with council staff and for the various laudable projects executed by his administration within the year.
Mrs Lawal also appreciated the Council Manager, Mrs Juliana Taiwo Odubeko, and the Director of Administration and Human Resources, Comrade Olusegun Jubril, for their support, encouragement and contributions to the welfare of staff throughout their years of service.
The event was attended by APC leaders, stakeholders, members and supporters across Ikeja, as well as members of the council’s executive, legislators, supervisors, special advisers and management staff.
