_…Distributes Food Palliatives To 1,000 Residents, Honours Retired Workers, Unveils ICT Centre Plans_
Emmanuel Ikpeama
*IKEJA* — The Executive Chairman of Ikeja Local Government, Comrade Akeem Olalekan Dauda (AKOD), has marked one year in office with a pledge to deliver bigger projects under his administration’s _IKEJA Agenda: “Making Governance Work for All”_.
The anniversary, which was a three-day event, ended with the distribution of food palliatives to 1,000 residents and the recognition of retired council workers who served the council for 30 to 35 years.
Investigator news reports that each beneficiary received 10kg of rice, 5kg of beans and 5kg of garri. Beneficiaries included persons living with disabilities, members of Muslim and Christian communities, youth groups, and other residents across the local government.
Speaking at the grand finale, AKOD said the intervention reflects his administration’s commitment to people-oriented governance and delivering the dividends of democracy.
“We are celebrating 365 days in office, and we feel that it is important for us, as part of our Ikeja agenda. Our ‘A’ stands for Accountability. So we are here today to give an account of stewardship to the people of Ikeja,” he said.
He explained that the distribution will be done quarterly to alleviate suffering in the community.
“In the items, we have 10kg rice, 5kg garri, and 5kg beans. This is for one family. We do this quarterly to see how we can alleviate suffering or provide palliatives for our people in our community in Ikeja,” AKOD stated.
One of the beneficiaries who spoke with newsmen,Mrs. Antonia Okafor, a Person Living with Disability, thanked the chairman for remembering vulnerable residents.
“I am very, very glad about this initiative. I pray that God grants our leader long life and prosperity so that he can continue doing good works and remembering people like us. 
“This food will help my family and my children immensely. It will sustain us for at least a month,” she said.
“May God keep him alive, grant all his heart’s desires, and bless him and his family in the mighty name of Jesus.”
The Council Manager of Ikeja Local Government, Mrs. Odubeko Julianah Taiwo, said the three-day celebration was to give back to the community in appreciation of their support.
“Yes, it is a three-day affair, and today is the last day. We had one on Monday, we had some programs on Tuesday, and today is the grand finale where we are giving back to society,” she said.
Mrs. Odubeko listed some achievements in the last one year: rehabilitation of Agidingbi Primary School, provision of chairs, school uniforms, bags, notebooks, mathematical sets and sandals for public primary pupils, monthly health outreaches, immunization, and TB programs.
“Yes, virtually every aspect of the economy he has been able to touch,” she noted.
She added that the administration has started work on an ICT centre for youth training and empowerment.
“What we have in the pipeline now is the creation of an ICT center, which we have started. When they learn, we can even empower them so that they can be on their own and not be a burden to society,” she said.
Speaking with newsmen,AKOD said the administration has worked on five strategic pillars: *Infrastructural Development and Urban Renewal; Knowledge-Based Economic Empowerment; Environmental Governance and Healthcare Initiatives; Social Services; and Accountability and Good Governance.
“We have recorded remarkable impact in road rehabilitation, sanitation, youth empowerment, healthcare delivery, education, market modernisation, economic empowerment and citizen engagement,” he said.
For the next one year, the Chairman said priority will be on education and health.
“In the next one year, I will be focusing on the area of education, because we discovered that most of our schools need rehabilitation. As we speak now, we have two lands that we bought during the last one year in office, so we have to start the construction of that health center,” he said.
He urged residents to take ownership of public infrastructure and fulfil civic duties.
“Our expectation is that people must own the infrastructure. They must work with the government, and they must also pay their rates and taxes. When you demand more from the government, you need to fulfill your own obligation,” AKOD said.
He also called on Gen Zs to participate in governance, and appealed to the electorate to continue supporting the administration.
The Chairman expressed appreciation to market women, traders, professionals, artisans, religious leaders, and APC stakeholders.
Investigator news gathered that under the _“WALKING THE TALK”_ mantra, the administration said the foundation for the “Ikeja of our dream” has been laid, with year two set to focus on quality infrastructure, economic opportunities, healthcare, education, youth empowerment and transparent governance.
