Jare Olukotun & Ayoola Oladipupo
Stakeholders of Imota Local Council Development Area (LCDA), again gathered to review the state of the community and to further chart ways forward for its social and economic developments with the active involvement of the youths.
The gathering, which was the second edition of the annual “Community Development Dialogue”, an initiative of the umbrella body of all the youth groups in Imota, brought together government functionaries, royal father, traditional chiefs, scholars, politicians, community developers, security agents, traders and youths among other major stakeholders to review the 10 -Year Plan presented during the last year’s edition and proffer more practical approach towards achieving sustainable progress.
The well -attended event took place at Admos Hotel & Suites on Thursday, September 10, 2026, with the theme “Beyond Dialogue: Accelerating Development Through Visible Results & Accountability” with focus on the need to move beyond discussions and community engagements into tangible development outcomes.
It emphasised the importance of collective participation in the development process, particularly the need for stronger accountability and measurable results from development initiatives.
The NYCN Coordinator, Imota NYCN and the Convener of the dialogue, Comrade Oriyomi Adebogun, stressed the significance of the gathering, that the dialogue must not end with conversations, but lead to concrete actions capable of improving the lives of residents.
He stated categorically that there have been some gains from the first dialogue session which called for review and the need to improve and sustain the gains.
“I can confidently tell you that coming here last year was not a waste of time. And that’s the reason why we are here again to build on the foundation we laid last year, we talked about the framework for 10 years. I can tell you that if you had followed the panel discussion very well, it was said at a point in time that there was a time that they asked for vision plan from the chairman.
“It was the same plan that they presented to the Ikorodu Division leaders, also at the state level. I can tell you from that plan, a lot of projects have been executed by this present government, and that is the basis why we come back again to say, let’s do it again, because, if there’s nothing being done inside the document, there will be no reason for us to gather again.
In addition, that’s why we tag this year’s edition to be beyond the dialogue and urged stakeholders to let’s come and measure the progress. What have we done? What is left to be done? For instance, during the dialogue, I can hear Kabiyesi, saying that this is the next thing for us to do and the chairman as well. So, it’s actually a very good one for us.”
The NYCN Coordinator, speaking on the gains of the last year’s dialogue, said that the council under the leadership of Hon. Benson Sunday Ayodele has been part of the 10 -year Development Plan for Imota LCDA which was a major outcome of the inaugural edition of the initiative.
“Of course, during the programme last year we talked about the need to intervene in education and during his first year in office event (Hon. Benson Sunday Ayodele) gave scholarship to Imota residents engaged in PhD programmes; Master’s and undergraduates. Also, the administration has supported students writing GCE and JAMB. These are parts of that document.”
“There have also been a lot of social interventions as well, like giving to the widows, widowers senior citizens, artisans and others. This is also part of the plans.
Of course, we shouldn’t be where we were yesterday, and today, we shouldn’t be where we are today tomorrow. So, that means there must be progress. We expect more from them when we come again next year, we pray God spares our lives. By that time, we should be able to measure the progress once again,” Comrade Adebogun said.
The NYCN leader also used the occasion to present the achievements of his administration in the last two years which includes 433 out of school children accurately identified and mapped; 167 children successfully re enrolled into 8 public schools in imota LCDA; 31 CBOS and youth civilizations formally united into one network; 150+ households reached via homegrown farming; 20 youths immersed in highly targeted tech and vocational training; 4 communities Imota LCDA reached out to via clean up imota LCDA; 500+ youths engaged in our monthly aerobics exercise and 17 employment opportunities definitely secured
In his keynote address, Prof Omotayo Olatubosun Tope, a Professor of Ageing and Retiremen,. Dept of Adult and Development Education, Tai Solarin Federal University of Education Ijagun, Ogun State and Initiator Center for Ageing and Retirement Foundation CARF, commended the initiative to move the council forward while emphasizing that human resources of any community and institution are responsible for managing the system and not make it fail.
He called for a bottom – up approach to development for it to be sustainable..
The scholar also stressed the need for leaders, youths and other stakeholders to continue to synergise and work together to achieve desired developmental outputs
While also emphasizing that intelligence in leadership is key to any development, Prof. Omotayo charged that people that are decisive and ready to take up responsibility should always be considered for leadership positions.
Hon. Benson Sunday, Executive Chairman, Imota LCDA, Alhaji Fatai Lasisi, Commissioner 1, Lagos State Civil Service Commission and Mr Oke godwin Olaoluwa, an economist and public commentator, were engaged during the panel session.
Also in attendance were HRM Oba (Dr.) Mudashiru Ajibade Agoro, the Ranodu of Imota; Mr Sanni Mohammed, who represented the Education Secretary; Mr Kunle Adejo, Commanding Officer, LNSC Imota; Imam Alhaji Adams shakurudeen; Chief Adebogun Olumuyiwa, the Olisa of Imota; CSP Babatunde Ogunniyi, DPO Imota Police Command and Pastor Adebayo Samuel, CAN Chairman, Imota LCDA.
