The Secretariat of Òdì‑Olowo/Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area (LCDA) was electrified on Monday, 17 August, 2026 as the council Chairman, *Hon. Dr. Seyi Jakande (JAKO), marked his first year in office with a bold ₦500 million Mega Empowerment Programme.
The landmark event drew political leaders, traditional rulers, community stakeholders and residents, all eager to witness fresh dividends of democracy.
Speaking at the ceremony, Jakande declared: “Government must be visible, accessible and impactful. Our commitment was, and remains, to improve the quality of life of our people, create opportunities, develop infrastructure and build a community where prosperity is accessible to all.”
At the centre of the celebration was the empowerment package: 1,000 residents received cash grants to support livelihoods and small businesses, while the Ile‑Owo interest‑free loan scheme was unveiled to give traders and entrepreneurs accessible financing.
“At the heart of our ₦500 million Mega Empowerment Programme is the ₦250 million interest‑free loan scheme for small and medium‑sized enterprises and individuals within the LCDA, tagged ILE‑OWO,” the Chairman explained.
The JAKO Bus Empowerment Scheme also took off, with nine mini‑buses allocated — one per ward — to beneficiaries in the transport sector. Healthcare got a boost with the commissioning of the newly constructed Kayode Primary Health Centre and the donation of an ambulance to strengthen emergency response.
Youth empowerment was another highlight, as 600 vocational trainees graduated, each receiving start‑up kits tailored to their skills — sewing machines for tailors, hair dryers for hairdressers, shoemaking kits for cobblers, makeup kits and ring lights for artists, and catering equipment for food vendors. The solar installation engineers were also equipped with all the necessary tools to start the work.
On infrastructure, Jakande was emphatic: “We have completed 18 roads and drainage projects, with four additional roads ongoing. Infrastructure must be functional, and it must serve the people.”
Security and community development were not left out. The administration inaugurated 302 Street Assistants to support neighbourhood safety and orderliness, complementing Jakande’s broader security drive which includes CCTV installations at strategic points like Ogunmokun Bridge and deployment of personnel to public schools.
Closing his address, Jakande urged beneficiaries to seize the opportunities wisely: “These are not merely gifts; they are investments in your future. Our goal is not only to empower people today, but to create people who will, in turn, empower others tomorrow.”
The celebration was graced by an impressive roll call of dignitaries. Leading the list was Alhaja Sikirat Jakande, mother of the Chairman and wife of the first civilian Governor of Lagos State. She was joined by Mrs. Adebimpe Jakande, wife of the Chairman.
Among the distinguished guests were the Chairman of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), Dr. Tajudeen Oluyole Olusi; GAC Leader, Asiwaju Olorunfunmi Basorun; Senator Ganiyu Olanrewaju Solomon (GOS); and the Lagos State APC Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi.
Asiwaju Olorunfunmi Basorun also conferred a special title on Jakande, describing him as “JAKO ọmọ kekere.”
Other dignitaries included: Aremo Adeyemi Alli, Member of the House of Representatives representing Mushin Federal Constituency I; Hon. Nurani Akinsanya (OSMAK), Member of the Lagos State House of Assembly representing Mushin State Constituency I; and the immediate past Chairman of the LCDA, Hon. Rasak Olusola Ajala.
Also in attendance was the LCDA’s APC Party Chairman, Hon. Ismail Babatunde (TUNKAZ).
Traditional rulers at the event included the Olu of Mushin, Oba Fatai Aileru, and the Oba of Òdì‑Olowo, Oba Sikiru Olamide Williams.
Other notable guests were: Hon. Deji Jakande, Hon. Lekan Fatodu, Alhaji Olowolagba, Engr. Sholabi, Hon. Bunmi Obakoya, Hon. Adedeji Owoeye, Hon. Femi Odusote, Chief Adekunle Adebayo, Iyaloja General Alhaja Adebunmi, Comrade Ademola Taiwo, among several other political leaders and stakeholders.
Security chiefs were also present, with the Divisional Police Officers of Alakara, Ilupeju, and Zone D in attendance, underscoring the administration’s strong ties with law enforcement.
Jakande’s performance over 1 year in office has earned him accolades across sectors.
In the Lagos Reporters’ independent ranking of all 20 LGAs and 37 LCDAs, his council rose from 5th after 100 days, to 2nd at half‑year, and now 1st at the one‑year mark.
The Lagos State House of Assembly inspection team also commended his ingenuity, noting his inclusive governance style and ability to carry everyone along.
The first anniversary celebration underscored Jakande’s commitment to inclusive governance, direct empowerment, and grassroots transformation. With ₦500 million in fresh initiatives unveiled, the administration has set the stage for a new phase of sustained growth in Òdì‑Olowo/Ojuwoye LCDA.
