By Araba, Olawale Enifenilanfe:
The Executive Chairman of Ikorodu Local Government, Honorable Wasiu Ayodeji Adesina, in collaboration with Vice-Chair Aarebirin Hon. Princess (Dr) Folashade Olabanji-Oba, the Legislative Arm, Management, Staff, and the Executive Cabinet, convened a stakeholders’ meeting on November 19, 2024, at the local government secretariat. This meeting was dedicated to discussing the 2025 fiscal budget, which is themed “Budget of Consolidation,” with the primary objective of incorporating community demands into the budget planning process to promote local development.
During the meeting, residents of Ikorodu participated actively, sharing valuable insights regarding their developmental priorities.
The Council-Manager, Mr. Shipe Shanu in his welcome address expressed the significance of gathering residents’ pressing needs to ensure their consideration in the forthcoming budget. He encouraged attendees to express their concerns and suggestions freely.
In an interview, Honorable Adesina reviewed the budget performance for the year 2024, highlighting the successful completion of over fourteen road projects, including notable streets such as Sanni Arowolo and Dada Street etc. which have been categorized under infrastructure improvements. He expressed confidence that ongoing projects would reach completion by the end of the current year.
The Executive Chairman further delineated efforts to improve educational facilities, specifically mentioning enhancements to Jamaitu Islamiah Primary School and the construction of a legacy primary school at Africa Bethel School. Additional classrooms are being constructed at Muslim A Primary School, and essential school furniture will be distributed to selected primary schools in the area on November 28, 2024.
Moreover, he noted ongoing construction initiatives for a legislative building and outlined plans to enhance the external aesthetics of the local government secretariat to mitigate future maintenance requirements. Adesina emphasized the commitment to community development, underscoring the vital role of resource allocation from both local and federal sources. He urged residents to fulfill their tax obligations to facilitate these initiatives.
Additionally, Adesina expressed the intention to collaborate with the State Government in establishing an “Entertainment and Cultural Centre” in Ikorodu, with potential land sites already identified for this project. Mr. Shipe Shanu highlighted the importance of the stakeholder meeting, indicating that it reflects a bottom-up approach to development. He reaffirmed the local government’s commitment to addressing the needs articulated by residents, assuring them that their projects would be prioritized and effectively maintained.
In an interview with the Executive Chairman, he said that in terms of budget performance for 2024, we have done more than 14 roads. These projects were classified into different categories, like infrastructure. In the year 2024 alone, I have more than 14 roads, which include Sanni Arowolo, Dada Street, and even the streets at the back and front of the cemetery in the Sabo area, and so on.
Some have been completed and some are still ongoing for the year 24. And I believe the projects will be completed before the end of this year.
Mrs. Tunmininu emphasized that the information collected will play a pivotal role in informing budgetary decisions, ensuring that government initiatives are aligned with the genuine needs of the communities. “The requirements expressed by the citizens will directly influence our budgetary provisions,” she asserted, highlighting the importance of community engagement in the governance process.
She expressed gratitude to the residents for their support in the payment of taxes and rates, “I realized that our revenue is good.” She thanked the Executive Chairman, Hon. Wasiu Adesina Ayodji, for his effective efforts and acknowledged many achievements he has made in road infrastructure, renewal, and education.
The current budget, themed the “Budget of Consolidation,” reflects these initiatives. Looking ahead, the strategic planning for the 2025 budget will be dubbed the “Budget of REID.” Each letter signifies a key focus area: ‘R‘ for Roads, which highlights ongoing road projects; ‘E‘ for Education, acknowledging improvements like building schools and classrooms; ‘I‘ for Infrastructure renewal, showcasing significant local government developments; and ‘D‘ for Development, which encompasses progress across various sectors, including youth, staff, and women.
Mrs Tunmininu pointed out the efforts to empower the youth through infrastructural projects and strategic training planned for the upcoming year. The leadership is committed to fostering growth and ensuring that every sector benefits from these initiatives.
The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Ikorodu Local Government Area chapter, under the leadership of Comr. Ogunsanmi Basit expresses sincere appreciation to Hon. Adesina for addressing the needs of the youth in the community. The establishment of an office specifically for the youth within the local government represents a significant advancement towards promoting youth engagement and participation. Furthermore, the council kindly requests the implementation of youth empowerment initiatives, as well as the provision of office furniture to support the effective functioning of their operations. Thank you for your unwavering support and commitment to the development of the youth.
In his closing remarks, the Ikorodu Local Government chairmanship aspirant and the Supervisory Councilor for Budget and Planning, Hon. Prince Lateef Oyefusi called upon the citizens to fulfil their tax obligations to facilitate the development of the Ikorodu local government. He assured the residents that their concerns and requests have been duly noted and will be integrated into the 2025 budget planning process.
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