As activities marking the first anniversary in office of the Executive Chairman of Ikeja Local Government, Comrade Akeem Olamilekan Dauda, entered its second day on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, the council commissioned three major projects across the local government area.
The projects, executed as part of the administration’s efforts to improve infrastructure and enhance the wellbeing of residents, included the rehabilitation of RTS Apena Close, Bashiru Owen Street and the commissioning of an ultra-modern public toilet opposite the council secretariat.
The first project commissioned was the rehabilitation of RTS Apena Close, which included the construction of a one-sided drainage system, laying of interlocking stones and provision of streetlights.
The project was commissioned by one of the apex leaders in Ikeja, Honourable Wahab Owokoniran, Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Federal University of Transportation, Daura (FUTD), Katsina State.
Speaking at the event, Owokoniran expressed appreciation to the council chairman for making the project a reality, noting that such development would not have been possible without the support and cooperation of the people.
Reflecting on his own experience as a former Council Chairman, he said he wished he had enjoyed similar support during his tenure.
Owokoniran urged residents to continue supporting the Dauda administration while appealing to them to develop a strong maintenance culture and make judicious use of the facilities provided.
Responding, Comrade Dauda thanked Hon. Owokoniran for honouring his invitation despite his tight schedule. He assured residents that his administration would continue to respond to their needs by providing basic social amenities capable of improving their living conditions and overall wellbeing.
According to him, the projects are a demonstration of his administration’s commitment to fulfilling its campaign promises, particularly in infrastructure development, healthcare, education, environmental sanitation, social services and empowerment.
The event was attended by council executives, legislators, management staff, Supervisors, Special Advisers, apex political leaders, traditional rulers, community leaders, religious leaders, market women and youths from the community.
The commissioning team thereafter proceeded to Bashiru Oweh Street, off Simbiat Abiola way, where another rehabilitated road featuring interlocking stones and streetlights was commissioned.
Cutting the tape on behalf of the community’s apex leader Chief Ranti Olufon, was former member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Honourable Debo Olasoji.
Olasoji commended the Council Chairman for rehabilitating the road after several years of neglect by previous administrations. He also praised Dauda for what he described as his inclusive style of governance and his “talk-and-do” approach.
Also speaking on behalf of the community, Chief Akinlabi expressed appreciation to the Chairman for executing the project after more than a decade of neglect.
The day’s activities ended with the commissioning of the Ikeja Ultra-Modern Public Toilet located opposite the council secretariat.
Honourable Debo Olusoji again performed the commissioning ceremony by cutting the tape. He commended the council chairman for providing what he described as a state-of-the-art public facility for residents and visitors in Ikeja.
Speaking after the commissioning, Dauda disclosed that his administration had, within its first year, commissioned more than seven major road projects, schools and the ultra-modern public toilet.
“We know that we are not there yet. We have a lot of demands from our people, but with the little resources available, we are trying our best to make sure that Ikeja is where it is today,” he said.
The Chairman also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the implementation of local government autonomy and the increase in monthly allocations to councils, which he said had enhanced the council’s capacity to execute development projects.
Meanwhile, the anniversary programme continues on Wednesday with the distribution of food palliatives to vulnerable residents of Ikeja and the recognition of retirees who have rendered 35 years of meritorious service to the local government.
Speaking on the management of the newly commissioned public toilet, the Council Manager, Mrs. Taiwo Odubeko, assured residents that the facility would be properly maintained, with designated officers assigned to oversee its day-to-day administration.
Odubeko explained that the facility was conceived in response to the growing population of the council area and the shortage of public toilets in Ikeja.
She noted that the absence of adequate public conveniences had contributed to instances of open defecation in some areas.
The Council Manager added that the council had yet to decide whether the facility would also operate as a revenue-generating utility.
