In a bid to strengthen strategic governance and ensure effective financial planning for the coming year, the Ikorodu West Local Council Development Area (LCDA) has successfully concluded a 3-day budget retreat tagged “Budget of Reality.”

The retreat, which held from Friday, November 7 to Sunday, November 9, 2025, at AM2PM Hotels, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, brought together councillors, heads of departments, and key administrative officers to deliberate on fiscal strategies and development priorities for the 2026 financial year.

Leading the council’s delegation, the Executive Chairman of Ikorodu West LCDA, Honourable Sulaimon Kazeem Olanrewaju (FCA, FCTI), reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to purposeful leadership, transparency, and sustainable development.

Declaring the retreat open, Hon. SKO noted that the 2026 budget would be a transformative document that embodies the administration’s long-term vision for growth and service delivery.

“Our 2026 budget is not just another financial document; it is a vision-driven framework designed to sustain growth, enhance service delivery, and create enduring legacies for the good people of Ikorodu West,” he stated. “We are determined to build upon the foundations we have laid and ensure that every naira allocated reflects our commitment to transparency, efficiency, and accountability.”

The retreat featured a series of capacity-building sessions facilitated by financial experts and planning consultants, who trained participants on participatory budgeting, resource management, and performance monitoring.

Heads of departments also made detailed presentations of their proposed estimates and work plans, aligning their objectives with the council’s overall development agenda.

In his welcome address, the Council Manager, Mr. Nurudeen Tobun, commended Hon. Sulaimon Kazeem for his visionary leadership and dedication to strengthening institutional capacity within the LCDA. He described the retreat as a valuable platform for enhancing teamwork and policy coordination across departments.

Beyond deliberations, the retreat also provided opportunities for team bonding and relaxation, allowing participants to interact informally and foster a stronger spirit of unity, collaboration, and shared purpose among the council’s workforce.

In his closing remarks, Hon. Sulaimon Kazeem Olanrewaju expressed appreciation to all participants for their commitment and constructive contributions throughout the retreat. He assured that the insights and recommendations gathered during the sessions would be incorporated into the final draft of the 2026 Appropriation Bill, which would soon be presented to the Legislative Council for consideration and approval.

“The ‘Budget of Legacy’ is our pledge to the people — a roadmap that reflects their needs and aspirations,” he emphasized. “Together, we will make history by leaving behind a council that is more functional, responsive, and progressive.”

The event concluded with a renewed resolve among participants to intensify efforts in delivering more dividends of democracy to the residents of Ikorodu West LCDA, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to inclusive growth and sustainable community development.