The Ikorodu North LCDA Stakeholders’ Forum for the 2025 budget was held on Friday, December 6, 2024, at the council’s Legislative and Multipurpose Hall, bringing together residents, community leaders, and government officials to deliberate on the council’s developmental focus for the upcoming fiscal year.
The consultative event, chaired by the Executive Chairman, Builder Adeola Adebisi Banjo, emphasized participatory governance, inclusivity, and transparency in budget planning.
The forum provided an avenue for stakeholders to present suggestions and recommendations aimed at addressing key challenges and advancing the LCDA’s growth.
In his opening remarks, Hon. Adeshina Akinyemi, Supervisor for Budget, described the forum as a vital tool for fostering dialogue and aligning the council’s goals with community needs.
This was echoed by Mr. Olusola Bakare, Head of the Budget Department, who outlined plans to enhance infrastructure and consolidate the gains achieved in 2024.
Builder Banjo, in his keynote address, highlighted the administration’s commitment to collective decision-making.
He reflected on significant accomplishments in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and security while assuring attendees of his administration’s resolve to tackle lingering challenges.
Contributions from various stakeholders enriched the dialogue. Youth Council Leader Mr. Jackson Ayika advocated for the establishment of a free internet centre, expanded youth programs, and financial support for the Youth Council’s operations.
Prince Niran Ogunbanwo, Chairman of the Community Development Committee (CDC), urged the council to prioritize interventions in local schools, complete critical road projects, and improve facilities at Agbede Secondary School, where students currently lack basic amenities.
He also called for solutions to address the deteriorating condition of Itoikin and Sagamu roads.
Former Executive Chairman of the LCDA, Hon. Festus Adekunle Ogunbela emphasized the need for road grading vehicles to improve untarred roads’ maintenance, while Chief Olayiwola Adeowo, Baale of Orija, pledged on behalf of traditional chiefs to formally submit their collective demands.
Religious leaders proposed initiatives to foster interfaith harmony and called for greater council recognition of religious bodies. Meanwhile, Dr. Muhydeen Adeola Jokomba, Lagos APC State Secretary and former Executive Chairman of the LCDA, commended Builder Banjo’s administration for its transformative achievements.
He proposed increased stipends for Baales and the provision of a bus to support their duties.
Responding to stakeholder concerns, Builder Banjo assured attendees of his administration’s commitment to inclusivity and development.
He pledged to procure a bus for Baales in 2025, implement youth-focused initiatives, and integrate CDC recommendations into plans for attracting state and federal government interventions.
The well-attended forum featured the council’s management team, legislative members, political leaders, traditional chiefs, religious organizations, youth groups, artisans, and security agencies, reflecting a unified commitment to Ikorodu North LCDA’s development.
The event concluded with participants lauding Builder Banjo’s leadership and reaffirming confidence in the administration’s vision.
The consultative forum set the stage for a participatory approach to governance and budget planning in 2025.
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