Comrade Akeem Olalekan Dauda (AKOD), the Executive Chairman of Ikeja Local Government, highlighted the significance of justice and unity during the 2025 United Nations International Day of Peace Symposium, held at the Ikeja Local Government Secretariat, in collaboration with stakeholders, peace advocates, and community leaders on Monday. 
The symposium was organized by the Lagos Chapter of the Institute of Global Peace and Conflict Management (IGPCM).
The Council Chairman, who was the Special Guest Speaker at the event, delivered a keynote address on the significance of peace in sustainable development.
He highlighted his administration’s concerted efforts since taking office to promote peace within Ikeja, raise awareness about peace-building initiatives, and strengthen platforms for community engagement as a demonstration of his commitment to inclusive and accountable leadership.
According to Comrade Dauda, peace is not just the absence of conflict but the presence of justice, unity, and collective responsibility.
He further emphasized that fostering peace in Ikeja contributes to the stability of Lagos State and Nigeria, while also aligning with global efforts to build a safer and more united world.
“In Ikeja, we regard peace as the cornerstone of progress. Every initiative we champion, every policy we implement, is grounded in the conviction that peace is the foundation of development”.
“This symposium serves as a timely reminder that our collective destiny is contingent upon our investment in unity, dialogue, and understanding,” Comrade Dauda stated.
The Ikeja Chairman reaffirmed that his administration will continue to uphold the ideals of peace, inclusion, and unity under the I.K.E.J.A Agenda, stressing that only through peaceful coexistence can meaningful development be achieved.
The symposium was also attended by Lagos State Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, SC Oluwaseun Abolurin, alongside other officials of the Institute of Global Peace and Conflict Management, who commended the Council Chairman for his people-centered, community-driven leadership.
