Kunle Adelabu with Masonwo Olawepo (SIWES Student)
The three days listening tour across the seven wards in Ikorodu Local Government embarked upon by the Council Chairman, Prince Adedayo Ladega and his team, was concluded at the weekend with an interactive session with stakeholders of Ward C, D and E.
Prince Ladega, who commended residents at various wards for their active participation, also informed THE IMPACT that his administration would focus on the most pressing needs first in executing the demands made by the residents.
While the chairman and his team interacted with stakeholders of Ward C at Ladamos junction, the meeting for Ward D took place at Kokoro Abu roundabout and the one for Ward E was held at Aga.
“It has been great and I thank our people for coming out in large numbers to tell us your demands. Recall that we told them during our campaign that we would include them in our government, and now we are going round to meet them as we promised to hear their inputs.
“They spoke well and tabled their demands and they were happy seeing us coming back to them, because I can see the smiles on their faces. I am really happy with the way everything turned out.
“They made important requests like provision of public water, roads, empowerment and others. What we plan to do is to pick them one after the other”, he said.
While explaining to our reporter that his administration cannot impose a particular project on any ward, Prince Ladega added that Councilors representing each ward and community leaders would be engaged in picking their most pressing needs which will be addressed first.
“After collating their demands, we intend to engage various community leaders and councilors in each of the wards in picking the most pressing needs of the lot that they have presented during the tour because we cannot decide for them.
“So, we will start with most paramount needs among everything that they have presented”.
At Ward D, Hon. Babatunde Shotomiwa, the Council Leader and the Councilor representing Ward D, commended the Executive Chairman for his leadership and what he has been able to achieve within a short period. He prayed for the chairman’s continued guidance, noting that his tenure has already brought significant progress, particularly the commencement of construction of Kokoro Abu road which he facilitated through Rep. Babajimi Benson.
He encouraged residents to take advantage of the ongoing voters’ registration exercise, adding that officials are present in the community to assist.
Community leaders and stakeholders, like those before them, took the opportunity of the direct channel to communicate their challenges to the council chairman and also sought solutions to their most pressing issues affecting their communities.
Sheikh Yahya Olorunosebi Oshoala (As – Samadani), Chief Imam Oriwu Central Mosque and a leader in the ward, commended the chairman for returning back to the people after his election, to hear from them. He also acknowledged his efforts in turning things around within the short time of his assumption into office.
The religion leader enjoined Prince Ladega to assist his community in Itunmoja in restoring b electricity which they have not been having for several months.
The representative of Onisigida Eleyo CDA, complained of incessant flooding in the area whenever it rains with the canal over – flowing and flooding several houses. He called for the intervention of the council in addressing the challenges.
He also pleaded with the Chairman for the construction of roads in the area, especially the completion of Ogunwomoju road which he said has been abandoned since the administration of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode. He added that the road links Sabo market.
Mr Obaro Olalekan, Vice Chairman, Ayanbadejo CDA, commended the commencement of the road construction promised by the Chairman and Rep. Babajimi Benson. However, he complained about insecurity at Raji Owolegbon community, and also requested for a public water system within the community.
Representative of Itunlubajo lamented the poor state of the road in the community from Mosalasi Ituwale in Egungun Aya, adding that the bridge at Ajayi Itumoja has collapsed, cutting off access for commuters. He also listed Councilor Avenue, Eleja and Lawal Street, as ones giving the community critical concerns.
Mr. Lawal Taofik Olanrewaju, who represented the Afoju CDA, stressed the urgent need for road rehabilitation.
From Olorunsogo Community, Alhaji Raji Murisiku reported deteriorating road conditions after Council Avenue, particularly the point linking James Daniel W/C to Itokin Road, while residents of Itupate CDA decried the state of Ota Ona link roads and Simi Lambo Road, calling for immediate government intervention.
The market leaders also voiced their needs. The market representative, in her remarks, called for a designated parking space in Sabo Ayangburen market, provision of transformers to give residents stable power supply, loan schemes and empowerment programs.
The youth representatives pressed for empowerment opportunities, emphasizing that such initiatives are crucial for addressing unemployment and reducing social challenges. Similarly, the Arewa community appealed for improved solar supply and empowerment for their members.
At Ward E (Aga), where the Chairman concluded his listening tour, Hon. Lateefat Egbetokun, Councillor representing Ward E, welcoming the chairman’s team to her ward, commended Prince Ladega for the ongoing renovation and equipping of the Skill Acquisition Centre in Aga, distribution of free GCE forms, provision of free summer coaching and also for the listening tour initiative.
The representative of Gbasemo CDA made only a request which is the need for a transformer, while Kutere Oni Ogunsanya CDA demanded for the construction of the Oni Ogunsanya road and provision of a transformer.
Ireshe CDA, represented by its Chairman, Mr Mutiu Aleje, enjoined the chairman to power the Ikorodu Club road with solar street lights and rehabilitate Aga Primary School. In his own submission, Mr Apanisile Lawrence, Chairman, Orelope CDA, called for construction of Cele Alhaji and adjoining roads and street lights.
Mr Fakoya Ibrahim, the representative of Alamala CDA, called for the construction of Alamala to link Adaraloye. In addition, he also requested for the provision of street lights and drainage systems.
Ikorodu Club CDA Chairman, Mrs Oluwayemisi Ajasa, also speaking, called for the provision of street lights and the expansion of the Ikorodu Club Road. Oluwalogbon/Mabogaje CDA requested for street light, while Aga CDA’s requests are Transformer, street light and security, and Aga Titun CDA called for road construction and streetlights.
Mr Dada, who represented Ijomu CDA, also asked for streetlights at Adaraloye and Elepe/Aga CDA called on the Chairman for construction of Yewa Road leading into Yewa Secondary and Aga primary Schools which he said has now been abandoned. He also pleaded with the Chairman to address the issue of flooding on Gbasemo road.
Otambala CDA requested for transformer, provision of electricity, solar streetlights and security at Aga Primary School.
Representative of Yewa Junior Secondary School requested that the Chairman should rebuild the school which he said has no classrooms at the moment and also said that there’s need to make the school habitable, while the market representative, Mrs Mojisola Sowe, the Iyaloja of Ebuoso market, Aga, requested for public water system, solar powered streetlights and empowerment.
The representative of the youths in the Ward, presented empowerment and job opportunities as the needs of the youths, while a resident called for a Primary Health Centre in Aga.
At Wad C where the Chairman and his team first visited, good road network, transformers, streetlights and other infrastructures top their demands.
In attendance were political leaders – Prince Lanre Balogun, former Commissioner, Alhaji Gafaar, former Vice Chairman, APC Lagos East, Alhaji Rilwan Jinadu, APC chieftain, Dr. Lanre Dixon, APC chieftain, Alhaji Badru Enifeni, APC chieftain, Alhaji Junaid Owokodu, former Chairman, Ikorodu LG, Alhaji Folorunsho, APC chieftain and Comrade Kehinde Okeowo, APC chieftain among others.
