The United Joint Community Development Association (CDA), Ward E2, Erikorodu, on Friday, December 5th, 2025, successfully held its 2025 End-of-the-Year Summit at the prestigious Lapega Ilado Hall, Parafa Alagemo, opposite Goodluck Filling Station.
The well-attended annual gathering focused on deepening grassroots engagement, strengthening community governance structures, and enhancing local security strategies.
This year’s summit was encapsulated in the theme “Strengthening Community Governance for Sustainable Development” with a sub-theme “Securing Our Communities: Strategies for a Peaceful Festive Period & Beyond,” reflecting the CDA’s commitment to long-term development and immediate safety concerns as the festive season approaches.
The program commenced with an opening admonition by Pastor Taiwo Kayode, who tasked CDA leaders with upholding discipline, integrity, and principled leadership.
According to him, CDAs are the first and closest institutions to the people, and as such, community chairmen must embody the collective interests and aspirations of residents.
He stressed that effective leadership begins with personal accountability, mutual respect, and a responsibility to nurture community trust.
Immediately following his remarks, the Chairman of United Joint CDA Ward E2 and First Vice Chairman of Ikorodu North CDA, Hon. Babayemisi Fakunmoju, delivered an impactful address outlining the developmental strides achieved under his leadership while commending his predecessors.
He highlighted progress in community coordination, infrastructural demands made to government authorities, strengthened communication among CDAs, and improvements in local advocacy efforts.
Hon. Fakunmoju expressed heartfelt appreciation to notable public officeholders who have supported community development in Ward E2.
He praised Senator Adetokunbo Abiru, representing the Lagos East Senatorial District, for his consistent attention to grassroots needs and Rep. Babajimi Benson (MHR) for his responsiveness to community development concerns.
He also commended the Executive Chairman of Ikorodu North LCDA, Mayor Ameen Ibrahim Apanisile, describing him as a leader who has created a progressive trajectory for CDAs to thrive.
He acknowledged the Mayor’s open-door policy, administrative support, and commitment to grassroots-driven development, which continue to empower CDAs in executing their mandates.
Another strong highlight of the summit was an address by the CDC Chairman, Prince Adeniran Ogunbanwo, who emphasized the need for transparency, accountability, and credibility among CDA chairmen.
He urged leaders to position their associations as trustworthy and organised institutions capable of attracting meaningful support from government agencies, NGOs, and private partners.
Prince Ogunbanwo further advised CDAs to prioritize road projects and other essential needs one at a time when making submissions to elected leaders.
He explained that handling multiple requests simultaneously often affects execution and planning.
He encouraged CDAs to strengthen capacity building, strategic thinking, and proactive decision-making, noting that such qualities would help the associations remain effective amid evolving community challenges.
The Vice Chairman of Ikorodu North LCDA, Hon. Matthew Aliu Adesanya, provided an important breakdown of the interconnected roles of both government and CDAs.
He emphasized that CDAs must go beyond making demands and instead foster synergy, collaboration, and accurate understanding of their responsibilities.
According to him, community associations become more effective when their operations are aligned with government frameworks and when they actively participate in planning and monitoring community-level projects.
The event also featured the presence of distinguished personalities, adding prestige to the summit. Notable attendees included Mr. Olakanmi Tijani; Engr. Olayinka Oyebanji; Mr. Oduwole Smart; Hon. Abosede Titilayo Benson, the Leader of the House, Ikorodu North LCDA; Alhaji Abdulrahaman Abdulraheem, Chief Imam of Erikorodu; Alhaji Abbas Mogaji, and several other influential community stakeholders and residents.
As the evening progressed, the summit reached a celebratory climax with the presentation of awards to outstanding personalities who have contributed significantly to community growth and development.
The awardees were:
Prince Adeniran Ogunbanwo – CDC Chairman
Hon. Babayemisi Kehinde Fakunmoju – CDC 1st Vice Chairman
Com. Muftau Ladele Winjobi – Vice Chairman, United Joint CDAs, Ward E2, Erikorodu
Com. Boladele Ajasa – Pioneer Secretary, United Joint CDAs
Pastor Tunde Ige – Auditor
In addition to recognition, the awards underscored the CDA’s belief in honoring dedication and inspiring others to strengthen their contributions to community development.
The 2025 End-of-the-Year Summit concluded with a renewed sense of purpose as CDA leaders, government representatives, and stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to advancing community governance, promoting a more peaceful festive season, and ensuring sustainable development across all communities under Ward E2, Erikorodu.
INN-HOUSE☆ 