The Ikorodu North Community Development Committee (CDC) on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, held its 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the Ikorodu Musical Village, drawing together community leaders, government officials, development partners, traditional rulers and stakeholders to review progress, celebrate achievements, and outline strategies for sustainable grassroots development.
The well-attended AGM, themed “Sustaining Our Gains,” served as a platform for reflection on past milestones and renewed commitment to preserving and expanding development efforts across communities in Ikorodu North Local Council Development Area (LCDA).
Delivering the welcome address, the Chairman of the 2025 AGM Planning Committee, Mr. Olabamiji Kolawole, described the gathering as a pivotal moment in the CDC’s journey.
He expressed profound appreciation to all Community Development Associations (CDAs), describing their dedication as the foundation upon which the committee’s achievements have been built.
Mr. Olabamiji recalled that the previous year’s theme, “Climbing the Cliff,” symbolised the economic, social and infrastructural challenges faced by communities.
According to him, collective resilience and collaboration enabled the CDC to make tangible progress in infrastructure, education, healthcare access, environmental sanitation and youth empowerment.
He stressed that the new theme places emphasis on consolidating these achievements and embedding sustainability, accountability and innovation into community development efforts.
“Progress is not a destination but a continuous journey. The true test lies in safeguarding what we have achieved and building a sustainable foundation for future generations,” he said.
He urged stakeholders—including traditional institutions, elected officials, youth and women groups—to deepen collaboration and ensure that community gains are not eroded by complacency.
Speaking at the AGM, Alhaji Azeez Amusat, Chairman of the Lagos State Community Development Advisory Council (LSCDAC), reiterated that community development must remain people-centred.
He emphasized that it is the responsibility of CDCs to ensure that projects executed in communities are properly maintained to guarantee sustainable development.
Also addressing the gathering, Engr. Oyedele James, representing Engr. Memood Adegbite, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources Office of Drainage Services and Water Resources, commended the Ikorodu North CDC for living up to expectations and aligning community initiatives with state development objectives.
The Guest Speaker, Dr. Adebayo Alao, Head of Lagos Program, WaterAid Nigeria, delivered a thought-provoking presentation on the AGM theme, stressing that sustaining gains requires strong institutions, community ownership, and consistent investment in Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) infrastructure to protect public health and dignity.
In a detailed address, Prince Adeniran Ogunbanwo, JP, 2nd Vice Chairman of CDAC and CDC Chairman, Ikorodu North, highlighted the unwavering support of the Lagos State Government.
He specifically appreciated the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Rural Development, Mrs. Kikelomon Bolarinwa, for coordinating CDC and CDA activities across the state.
He also applauded the Lagos State Government, through the Office of the Special Assistant to the Governor on Rural Development, Dr. Nurudeen Yekinni Agbaje, for intervention programmes covering road construction, education, healthcare, water facilities, solar lighting, transformers, security enhancement and welfare initiatives for the aged and vulnerable.
Special recognition was accorded to Alhaji Azeez Amusat, described as “the number one community man in Lagos State,” for his visionary leadership, with the CDC also extending birthday felicitations as he marked his 75th anniversary.
Prince Ogunbanwo further acknowledged development partners, particularly WaterAid Nigeria and Optimal Greening, for their extensive investments in WASH facilities in schools, markets and communities, complementing government efforts and promoting sustainable sanitation practices.
Reviewing the year’s activities, he noted significant strides in institutional and human capital development.
These included the transformation of the CDC Hall into a modern facility, strategic management training for CDC members, and participation in various capacity-building programmes.
He added that the introduction of expert-led sessions at monthly CDC meetings has enhanced leadership effectiveness and professional awareness among CDA leaders.
On peacebuilding, he disclosed that internal disputes in several communities were amicably resolved through collaboration between Joint CDA leaderships, the CDC and the local government, restoring harmony and creating a stable environment for development.
The Executive Chairman of Ikorodu North LCDA, Mayor Olawale Ameen Apanisile, in his address, described the AGM as a family gathering united by a shared vision of progress.
Reflecting on his administration’s first 100 days, he highlighted achievements including school renovations, provision of solar-powered potable water through WaterAid, acquisition of an ambulance, 24-hour healthcare services in four health centres, health insurance for the aged, improved staff welfare, revenue expansion, ICT upgrades, and installation of a 200KVA generator.
He also announced the reconstruction of the Marriage Registry, revitalisation of the CDC Hall, sports development initiatives, and the launch of a functional council website.
Mayor Apanisile acknowledged the support of Hon. Babajimi Benson, Member of the House of Representatives, and Senator Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru, for facilitating road projects, school renovations and empowerment programmes.
The council boss also emphasized the importance of unity, vigilance, and accountability, calling on stakeholders to preserve past accomplishments, enhance community initiatives, and establish lasting institutions for the sustainable growth of Ikorodu North.
“The CDA/CDC remain key partners in governance, playing a vital role in grassroots development as we collectively deliver the dividends of democracy to the people,” the council boss stated.
Awards formed a major highlight of the AGM. Hon. Babajimi Adegoke Benson, Chairman, House Committee on Defence, received a Leadership Excellence Award, while Mayor Olawale Ameen Apanisile was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award.
Ito Community Development Association also received a grassroots development award, presented to Mr. Aina Oladipupo A. Aina, JP. Members of the organising committee women were equally honoured for their consistent contributions to the success of the AGM over the years.
In recognition of his dedication, Mr. Olabamiji Kolawole was presented with an Award of Honour by the Executive Chairman of Ikorodu North LCDA.
Dignitaries in attendance included Hon. Matthew Adesanya, Vice Chairman of Ikorodu North LCDA; HRM Oba Maroof Oyekunle, the Olu-Iwa of Iwa and Apapa Kingdom, Hon. Kunle Ogunbela, Alhaji Sonibare Lukman, Comrade Ayoku Rotimi Owolawi, Comrade Odumosu Rafiu Abiodun, Raheem Idowu Bashir, Alhaja Kehinde Hassanat Aderibigbe, Elder Ogunjimi Yekinni Ishola, Alhaji Ibiyeye B. Rasao, Mr. Abiodun Dare Sunday, among others.
INN-HOUSE☆ 