It was a gathering of unity, progress, and participation as the Ikorodu Local Government, under the leadership of Hon. Prince Adedayo Abdullateef Ladega, held its 2026 Stakeholders’ Meeting on Friday, November 7th, 2025, at the Ikorodu Local Government Secretariat.

The event, themed “Achieving a Budget for Prosperity for All,” brought together key community leaders, associations, and residents to deliberate on the council’s developmental agenda for the coming year.

In his opening address, Prince Abdul-Lateef Ladega emphasized that the annual consultative meeting serves as a platform for citizens to actively participate in the budgeting process. “This forum is an opportunity for every resident to have a voice in shaping Ikorodu Local Government’s 2026 budget,” he said, highlighting that his administration operates under the SEED Agenda – Security, Education, Enhanced Healthcare, and Development.

The Chairman outlined the administration’s key accomplishments across various sectors:

Empowerment and Economic Inclusion: Over 500 artisans, traders, women, and youths have benefited from empowerment initiatives, receiving tools such as sewing machines, generators, hairdressing kits, mini-tractors, catering sets, and vulcanizing machines.

Education and Youth Engagement: The council has sponsored free GCE registrations for students, organized summer coaching programs, and promoted youth participation activities.

Healthcare and Welfare: Initiatives such as the Itoju Agba Health Scheme for senior citizens, free medical outreaches, and improved water access in several communities were also highlighted.

Ladega reported progress in road and drainage maintenance, as well as ongoing efforts under the Clean Ikorodu Campaign to enhance waste management and sanitation.

Through ward-to-ward listening tours and the radio programme IJOBA LADEGA, the administration has promoted direct community engagement. He also noted ongoing digitalization efforts aimed at improving efficiency and transparency in council operations.

Looking ahead, the Chairman unveiled a comprehensive vision for 2026 focused on prosperity and inclusivity. The plan includes continued investment in infrastructure, expansion of primary healthcare services, education support through more classrooms and scholarships, and sustained youth and women empowerment through entrepreneurship programs.

Environmental sustainability, digital governance, and community security were also identified as top priorities for the coming fiscal year.

Hon. Ladega urged residents to take ownership of community projects, maintain infrastructure, and ensure timely payment of taxes and levies to enable the government to deliver more developmental projects. He called on all stakeholders to work together in building “a safe, clean, and prosperous Ikorodu for all.”

In his closing remarks, Hon. Ladega reaffirmed his commitment to “governance that listens and delivers,” pledging that under the SEED Agenda, the council will continue to ensure prosperity for all residents of Ikorodu.

In her welcome address, Mrs. Adebayo Boladale M., Head of the Budget Office appreciated the stakeholders for honoring the invitation.

She emphasized the importance of collective participation in the budgeting process, noting that the chairman is a listening leader who values public input.

She further explained that while the government may not immediately execute every proposed project, all submissions would be duly recorded and implemented gradually based on priority and available resources.

According to her, “There’s something called policy interaction. For example, if the chairman plans to focus on transportation but the community demands education, both interests will be harmonized in a balanced way.”

The event featured goodwill messages from various community and association representatives — including market leaders, artisans, religious organizations (CAN and the Muslim Community), the CDC, youths, students, farmers, and persons with disabilities.
Each representative appreciated the council’s consultative approach and presented their sectoral budget needs for the 2026 fiscal year.

The vote of thanks was delivered by the Council Manager, who appreciated all guests for their active participation and assured them that their contributions would be duly reflected in the 2026 budget plan.

The meeting concluded with optimism and applause as residents expressed confidence in the administration’s drive to sustain development and inclusivity across all sectors.

In attendance at the event were Hon. Babawale Bisiriyu Alogba, Vice Chairman; Hon. Shotomiwa Wasiu Leader of the House; Hon. Fatuga Muliat, Deputy Leader; Hon. Shokunbi Idris, Majority Leader; and Hon. Buraimon Oluwaseun, Chief Whip. Also present were Hon. Shikoya Oladimeji, Hon. Egbetokun Lateefat, and Hon. Shafari Murisiku, Councillors representing various wards.

Other dignitaries included Mr. Johnson Agiri Adekule, Head of Administration; Mrs. Adebayo Boladale M., Head of the Budget Office; representatives from the Community Development Committee (CDC); market women led by the Iya Oloja General, Deaconess Bukola Isikalu; Apex Leader Hon. Sulaiman Oladele; members of the Artisan Association, National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Persons with Disabilities (PWD), students’ bodies, farmers, traditional leaders, and Baales.