Ikorodu North Local Council Development Area (LCDA) on Thursday hosted its 2026 Budget Stakeholders’ Consultative Forum, bringing together traditional rulers, political leaders, community groups, youth representatives, and persons living with disabilities to deliberate on development priorities for the coming fiscal year.
The forum, held as part of the council’s commitment to inclusive governance, provided a platform for residents to express their needs while contributing meaningfully to the formulation of the 2026 budget.
Top Government Officials and Community Leaders in Attendance
The event recorded the presence of key personalities, including:
- Mayor Ameen Olawale Apanishile, Executive Chairman, Ikorodu North LCDA
- Hon. Matthew Adesanya, Vice Chairman
- Otunba Olatunbosun Tijani, APC Chairman, Ikorodu and Ikorodu North
- Hon. Bose Benson, Leader of Ikorodu North Legislative Council
- Hon. Comrade Adeniran Ogunsanyan, CDC Chairman
- Hon. Dr. Haruna Ishola Balogun, Former Vice Chairman
- Hon. Jimoh Odidi
- Hon. Sukurat Okeowo, Former Sole Administrator
- Hon. Adekunle Festus Ogunbela, First Executive Chairman & First Sole Administrator
- Hon. Mrs. Jumoke Kasali
- Prince Jokotex, Prince Adedoyin Ogunbiyi
- Alhaja Aluko
- Various Baales
- Pastor Popoola, CAN Chairman
- Iyaloja of Ikorodu North
- Representatives of NURTW, ward leaders, councillors, and party faithful
The royal presence of Oba Olukayode David Raji, Eweye of Isiwu, added prestige to the gathering.
Opening Address by the HOD, Budget, Planning and Statistics
In his welcome address, Mr. Tope, Head of Budget, Planning and Statistics, applauded the Executive Chairman for the remarkable achievements recorded within the administration’s first 100 days.
He described the progress as “encouraging, strategic, and reflective of a government with clear development direction.”
Mayor Apanishile Reaffirms Commitment to Inclusive Development
Mayor Ameen Olawale Apanishile expressed gratitude to all stakeholders for their continuous support.
He emphasized that the 2026 budget would be shaped strictly around the needs of the people:
“We are committed to a government where every voice matters. Your contributions today will guide us in building a budget that serves all residents of Ikorodu North.”
The Mayor highlighted numerous completed and ongoing projects, including:
Health Sector Development
Completed works at Odo-Nla Health Centre, such as:
- Provision of an ambulance
- Staff quarters
- Patient waiting area
- Additional facilities to enhance service delivery
Road Infrastructure
He also noted progress in road rehabilitation through both facilitation and direct council funding:
- Adamo–Araro Road (completed)
- Agbede–Ita Oluwo Road (ongoing)
- John Okon–Oluwaseun Road (ongoing)
- Several others at various levels of completion
Stakeholders Present Requests and Expectations
The interactive session allowed stakeholders to voice their needs freely.
Youth Demands
Representing the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) Ikorodu North Chapter, Adewale Jackson requested:
- Establishment of a dedicated youth centre
- Support for bursaries and JAMB registration
- Skill acquisition programs
- A bus to support youth activities
He also commended the council for sponsoring youths to a leadership conference in Abeokuta.
PWD Community
Representatives of Persons Living With Disabilities (PWDs) appealed for:
- Employment opportunities
- Empowerment programs
- Provision of supportive devices to improve daily living
Traditional Rulers’ Inputs
Oba Olukayode Raji, the Eweye of Isiwu Kingdom, urged the council to urgently restore the LCDA’s caterpillar, noting that 80% of roads require immediate attention.
Reactions from Key Stakeholders
Several dignitaries also spoke to QuickGist Media:
Otunba Olatunbosun Tijani (APC Chairman, Ikorodu & Ikorodu North)
Commended the Mayor’s achievements and urged residents to continue supporting the local government, Asiwaju, and the APC-led administration.
Mr. Tope (HOD, Budget, Planning & Statistics)
Reaffirmed that many of the stakeholders’ requests are already included in the upcoming budget.
He assured that additional needs raised will also be properly integrated.
Hon. Bose Benson (Leader of the House)
Confirmed that most issues highlighted during the forum have already been captured in the legislative budget framework.
Mayor Apanishile Responds to Stakeholders’ Demands
The Mayor assured stakeholders that every concern raised has been noted:
- Some requests are already in the budget
- The council-approved caterpillar repair has begun, with part payment already made
- Market women were granted free use of the council hall for their meetings
- More infrastructure and social programs will be introduced as the administration progresses
He stated that the caterpillar would resume work in the coming weeks to begin addressing critical roads across the LCDA.
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH THE MAYOR — QUICKGIST MEDIA
Below is a concise summary of our interview with the Executive Chairman, Mayor Ameen Olawale Apanishile:
✔ The forum was organized to gather residents’ input for the 2026 budget
✔ The LCDA’s achievements are guided by the existing development plan (since 2013)
✔ More projects will come through facilitation, NGO partnerships, CSR, state and federal support
✔ He urged residents to remain peaceful and prayerful
✔ He assured that Koduna (Ikorodu North) will continue to witness steady development
Conclusion
The 2026 Budget Stakeholders’ Consultative Forum reflects Ikorodu North’s dedication to participatory governance.
With the administration’s early achievements, ongoing projects, and robust engagements with residents, the LCDA is on a clear path toward accelerated growth and community-centered development.
Ikorodu North is set for a more inclusive, progressive, and people-focused 2026 fiscal year.
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