The Executive Chairman of Ikeja Local Government, Comrade Akeem Olalekan Dauda, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to empowering members of the Traders and Artisans Association of Nigeria (TAAN) following the successful election of new executives.
Speaking after the voting exercise held at the council secretariat on Thursday, Dauda urged the newly elected leadership to establish cooperative schemes that would enable members to access empowerment opportunities and revolving loan facilities.
Represented by the Supervisor for Agriculture and Social Services, Comrade Tayo Aderinola, the chairman commended the smooth conduct of the election and assured artisans of sustained government support.
He noted that the council’s “Ikeja AGENDA” already prioritises the welfare of traders and artisans, with plans to organise them into cooperatives to boost their businesses and vocational growth.
“We are encouraging artisans to form cooperative structures within their various fields to ensure they benefit from empowerment programmes and financial support from the council,” he said, adding that proper coordination under a unified platform would help distribute benefits more effectively.
Also speaking, the Head of Department for Agriculture and Social Services, Mrs. Sadiat Badejo, described the election as free and fair, urging the new executives to work collaboratively to advance the association’s goals.
She advised them to uphold accountability and selflessness in leadership to ensure members fully benefit from the dividends of democracy promised by the council.
In his acceptance speech, the newly elected TAAN Chairman, Mr. Saula Salami, expressed gratitude to members for their trust and pledged to prioritise their welfare.
Salami, a former Chairman of the Ikeja Tailoring Association, promised to strengthen access to opportunities from both government and private sectors.
“This is a call to service. I assure all TAAN members that we will take the association to greater heights during my tenure,” he said.
Reports indicate that Salami was elected alongside Mr. Pius Babaleye as Secretary, Mrs. Fausat Ibikunle as Treasurer, Modinat Adeboye as Financial Secretary, and Okoro John as Public Relations Officer.
