By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola
The Chairman of Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government Area of Lagos State, Mr Olalekan Olu-Akindipe, has inaugurated several infrastructure projects and empowered thousands of residents as part of activities marking his first year in office.
Olu-Akindipe disclosed this on Wednesday, 26 August, 2026 in Lagos at the grand finale of the anniversary celebration, where he highlighted projects and interventions undertaken by his administration across critical sectors of the council.
Among the completed projects inaugurated were the Maracana Footbridge, Ajasa Motorable Bridge, Mokoya Motorable Bridge, Oluwa Nursery and Primary School, Umeriro Street and three solar-powered boreholes in Wards B, H and I.
A major highlight was the inauguration of the newly completed Oluwa Street, performed by the Lagos State APC Deputy Governorship Candidate, Mrs Damilola Sanayon.
The chairman said Sanayon’s presence and participation added significance to the occasion and underscored the importance of the project to residents of the community.
Beyond infrastructure, Olu-Akindipe said his administration had prioritised grassroots empowerment through cash grants and the distribution of equipment to enable beneficiaries to establish or strengthen small-scale businesses and improve their livelihoods.
According to him, the empowerment programme included 50 deep freezers, 50 industrial machines, 50 stone-processing machines, 25 welding machines and 25 shoe-making machines.
He added that 100 cake mixers, 25 vulcanising machines, 100 make-up kits and accessories, 50 solar generators, chairs and a standard canopy were also distributed to beneficiaries.
Additionally, the council distributed 3,000 bags of 10kg rice and N10,000 cash each to widows and elderly residents.
Olu-Akindipe said the beneficiaries were selected following visits by council officials to various communities to identify residents’ needs and ensure that the intervention reached people who required support.
“Our criteria for choosing beneficiaries differed. A documentary was shown on how we visited different streets and every nook and cranny,” he said.
Reflecting on his first year in office, the chairman said he assumed office with a clear determination to implement projects and programmes capable of making a direct impact on residents.
He said the administration had recorded interventions in infrastructure, education, healthcare, environmental sanitation, youth and women development, social welfare and human capital development.
“Today is not merely a celebration of one year in office. It is an opportunity to reflect on the journey so far, appreciate the progress recorded, recognise the collective efforts behind these achievements and renew our commitment to the development of our local government,” he said.
Olu-Akindipe also commended President Bola Tinubu’s administration, saying increased allocations had enhanced the capacity of local governments to execute development projects.
“Unlike before, we are no longer facing serious financial burdens. The JAAC allocation that comes in is very huge,” he said.
He expressed appreciation to Tinubu for the Renewed Hope Agenda and its focus on development at all levels of government.
The chairman assured residents that the projects and empowerment programmes would continue, stressing that his administration remained committed to improving their quality of life and promoting sustainable development.
“To the good people of Ajeromi-Ifelodun, I say one year is just the beginning. With your continued support, prayers and partnership, we shall take our Local Government to greater heights,” he added.
He thanked residents for their support, prayers and cooperation, noting that their continued partnership remained essential to achieving further development.
Reacting to the achievements, Prince Rabiu Oluwa, a member of the Lagos State Governor’s Advisory Council, commended the chairman and expressed confidence in his administration.
The Olu of Iwa and Apapa Kingdom, Oba Moruf Oluwa, also prayed for the chairman and pledged continued support for the administration.
Similarly, the immediate past chairman of the council, Mr Fatai Ayoola, commended the achievements recorded by the present administration and wished Olu-Akindipe greater success in the years ahead.
One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Shola Adekoya, a fish seller who received a deep freezer, praised the chairman for empowering women and youths.
Adekoya urged other local governments in the state to emulate the initiative, saying the financial assistance and equipment would enable beneficiaries to start, expand and sustain their businesses while reducing poverty.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the anniversary celebration attracted dignitaries from the state and federal levels, traditional rulers, political leaders, stakeholders and residents.
The event provided an opportunity for the administration to showcase its first-year achievements and reaffirm its commitment to purposeful leadership, inclusive development and service to the people.
