For 1,000 residents of Ikeja Local Council, the council’s first anniversary celebration brought more than speeches and promises as they received food palliatives to cushion the impact of economic hardship.

The initiative, led by the Chairman of the council, Akeem Olalekan Dauda, was designed to support vulnerable households while reaffirming his administration’s commitment to people-oriented and inclusive governance.

Speaking at the event, Dauda thanked residents, stakeholders and other supporters for their contributions to the administration’s achievements in its first year.

He said the palliative distribution was not merely a relief measure but part of the council’s broader effort to put residents at the centre of governance.

“The Ikeja of our dreams begins with the determination of every resident and stakeholder to inspire positive change,” he said.

The chairman highlighted some of the administration’s achievements under the I.K.E.J.A. Agenda, which focuses on five key areas: infrastructural development and urban renewal; knowledge-based economic empowerment; environmental governance and healthcare initiatives; a just society driven by social services; and accountability and good governance.

He listed road rehabilitation, improved sanitation, youth empowerment, healthcare delivery, education, market modernisation and increased citizen engagement among the areas where the council had recorded progress.

Dauda commended market women and traders for their resilience, as well as professionals and technocrats for their contributions to the council’s development.

He also praised students and youths for supporting his administration’s vision and acknowledged the role of leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in sustaining unity and purposeful leadership in the council.

While urging residents to continue supporting the council, he called on them to take ownership of public infrastructure and meet their civic obligations by paying applicable rates and taxes.

“When you demand more from the government, you need to also do your own obligation,” he said.

The anniversary celebration also featured a special recognition of retirees who had served the council diligently for more than three decades.

Dauda assured the retirees of the council’s continued support, while urging serving employees to remain committed to their duties, noting that their present service would influence their future retirement.

Looking ahead, the chairman pledged to intensify efforts in economic empowerment, healthcare, education, youth development and transparent governance.

“The best days of the I.K.E.J.A. Agenda are still ahead of us. Our desire to make Ikeja the pride of Lagos State and a model of local government administration in Nigeria is possible with your continued support,” he said.

The event also provided an opportunity for community engagement, with the council reiterating its commitment to combining immediate relief measures with sustainable development.

The council secretary reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to putting residents first and delivering meaningful development across the local government.

Similarly, the Secretary of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Ikeja branch, Comrade Atitebi Ayodeji, commended Dauda for his achievements in his first year in office and his continued engagement with young people.

He wished the chairman success in the years ahead.