… Recognizes Philanthropists and Community Leaders for their Outstanding Contributions to Ward E2’s Growth

The United Joint Community Development Association (UJCDA) Ward E2, Erikorodo, on Thursday convened its 2025 End-of-the-Year Summit—an annual forum designed to evaluate progress, rally stakeholders, and chart the next phase of community development. With the theme “Strengthening Community Governance for Sustainable Development,” the summit brought together residents, development partners, and traditional leaders committed to building a more united and progressive Ward E2.

They also honoured distinguished community leaders for their exemplary contributions to grassroots development and community growth. The award recipients included Prince Adeniran Ogunbanwo (CDC Chairman), Hon. Babayemisi Kehinde Fakunmoju (CDC First Vice Chairman), Comrade Muftau Ladele Winjobi (Vice Chairman, United Joint CDAs Ward E2, Erikorodo), Comrade Boladele Ajasa (Pioneer Secretary, United Joint CDAs), and Pastor Tunde Ige (Auditor).

Welcoming participants, Chairman of the United Joint CDA, Hon. Babayemisi Kehinde Fakunmoju, described the summit as a continuation of the association’s mission to promote peace, accountability, and people-centered development. He also reflected on the journey of the UJCDA, founded in 2020 at Parafa Alagemo Palace through the commitment of visionary pioneer leaders, which has now grown into a formidable platform for collaboration and community advancement.

Representing the Executive Chairman of Ikorodu North Local Council Development Area, Mayor Ameen Olawale Apanisile, the Vice Chairman, Hon. Aliu Matthew Adesanya, read out the Mayor’s remarks. In the message, Mayor Ameen commended the UJCDA for its sustained efforts in grassroots empowerment and praised the association’s transparent, people-focused approach to development.

He reiterated the LCDA’s support for community-led initiatives, and urged residents and leaders to sustain the collaboration necessary for lasting progress.

The Mayor also encouraged increased participation from youths and women in development programs and asked stakeholders to deepen partnerships with the council to accelerate delivery of civic amenities across the ward.

A major feature of the summit was the keynote presentation by Pastor Taiwo Kayode, who emphasized the crucial role of community leaders in fostering unity, security, and long-term community wellbeing.

He stressed the importance of synergy among residents, security agencies, and traditional institutions in sustaining a safe and organized environment.

The CDC Chairman, Prince Niran Ogunbanwo of Ikorodu North LCDA, in his remarks, commended the Joint CDA for sustaining a platform that promotes unity, accountability, and collective planning through its annual summit. He described the gathering as a strategic avenue for assessing community progress, identifying areas of need, and forging stronger collaboration among development partners.

Prince Ogunbanwo reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of the CDC to supporting not only Ward E2 but all CDAs in Ikorodu North LCDA as a whole, noting that true grassroots development thrives when all CDAs are aligned in purpose and vision.

He urged stakeholders to deepen their cooperation and uphold transparency in community decision-making, stressing that sustainable development can only be achieved when residents remain actively engaged. Prince Ogunbanwo further appealed to all community members to continue supporting the administration of Mayor Ameen Olawale Apanishile, describing his leadership as pivotal to the ongoing development strides across Ikorodu North LCDA.

In his keynote address, Chairman Fakunmoju highlighted key achievements of the association over the years, including strengthened coordination among CDAs in the ward, effective partnerships with government agencies and NGOs, WaterAid-supported hygiene interventions, improved peace and communication among residents, and enhanced security collaborations.

He noted that visible infrastructural improvements, especially those facilitated by political leaders, reflect the collective resolve of the UJCDA to move the ward forward.

Looking ahead, he outlined strategic goals for the coming year, which include boosting community security architecture, expanding water and hygiene programs, empowering youths through skills and leadership initiatives, promoting responsible governance across CDAs, deepening peace and good neighborliness, and executing new development projects that will benefit all residents.

A standout moment of the summit was the recognition and presentation of awards to distinguished philanthropists and community contributors. These individuals were honored for their selfless contributions to infrastructural development, community welfare, and various empowerment initiatives that continue to impact Ward E2 positively.

Hon. Fakunmoju also expressed heartfelt appreciation to development partners, donors, security agencies, political leaders, traditional rulers, and all residents for their support and resilience. He emphasized that the collective efforts of the community make sustainable development possible and encouraged everyone to remain united in purpose.

The summit concluded with renewed optimism and a strengthened commitment to building a stronger, safer, and more prosperous Ward E2, Erikorodo—guided by unity, collaboration, and transparent governance.

Notable attendees at the event included the Vice Chairman of Ikorodu North LCDA, Hon. Ali Matthew Adesanya (representing Mayor Ameen Olawale Apanisile), Prince Adeniran Ogunbanwo, Hon. Bose Benson, Leader of the House, Alhaji Isikilu Yekini, CDC executives, CDA chairmen, traditional rulers, community elders, and several other respected stakeholders whose presence added prestige and significance to the summit.