Ikorodu North LCDA held a stakeholder consultative forum today, Friday, December 6, 2024, to discuss the 2025 budget. The stakeholders meeting, led by Executive Chairman Builder Adéọlá Adebisi Banjọ, brought together residents, community leaders, and government representatives to shape the LCDA’s priorities for the coming fiscal year.

Hon. Adeshina Akinyemi, the council’s Supervisor for Budget, welcomed attendees and highlighted the importance of the consultative forum for inclusivity and transparency. Mr. Olusola Bakare, Head of the Budget Department, explained that the 2025 budget would focus on infrastructure consolidation and development, building upon the successes of 2024.

Builder Banjọ emphasized the significance of stakeholder engagement in governance, noting that the consultation represents a vital component of the council’s governance philosophy. He reflected on the achievements of 2024, including progress in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and security, while emphasizing the importance of addressing gaps for sustainable growth.

Hon. Adeola Jokomba, Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State, commended Ikorodu North for being a peaceful local government. He praised Builder Deola Banjo, the chairman of Ikorodu North LCDA, for his effective leadership, noting that the area has remained issue-free, unlike other local governments.

Hon. Jokomba also appealed to the chairman to provide a bus for the Baales (traditional leaders) to facilitate their joint movements.

Comr. Ayika Adewale Jackson, Coordinator Ikorodu North Youth Council, outlined the council’s needs for inclusion in the 2025 LCDA budget. The demands are geared towards empowering youths and promoting development in the area.

– Functional Library: To foster a reading culture and provide access to educational resources.

– ICT Hub: To enhance digital education, digital literacy, and innovation.

– Youth Centre: A functional and well-equipped centre to serve as a hub for youth activities and development programs.

– Free Internet Access: Provision of free internet access in strategic locations across Ikorodu North.

– Operation Bus: An operational bus for the Youth Council to facilitate transportation and mobility.

– Monthly Disbursement: Regular monthly disbursement for projects and programs to ensure consistent funding and support

The CDC Chairman urged the council to intensify lobbying efforts for state government interventions in local schools and road projects.

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) representative pleaded with the chairman to convene a meeting between both religious bodies to promote continuous coexistence. Additionally, the representative requested a bus to facilitate transportation for their members.

The artisan representative also appealed to the local government to involve artisans in construction projects, citing their expertise in areas such as bricklaying, furniture making, and painting. This collaboration, they stated, would benefit their businesses and promote economic growth.

Other stakeholders, including traditional chiefs, shared their views and recommendations. Builder Banjọ reassured the gathering of his administration’s commitment to addressing their concerns, pledging to purchase a bus for the Baales in 2025 and implement some of the youth council’s requests.

The forum ended on a high note, with attendees expressing renewed confidence in Builder Banjọ’s leadership. The event showcased the participatory Governance model championed by his administration, signaling a shared commitment to shaping a brighter future for Ikorodu North LCDA.