In a bold move to ensure inclusive governance and citizen participation in the budget-making process, the Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area (LCDA) has held a stakeholders’ engagement for the preparation of the 2026 budget.
The event, which was held across all nine wards of the LCDA, was aimed at gathering direct feedback from residents and ensuring that the budget reflects the true needs of the community.
The stakeholders’ engagement is a significant step towards ensuring that the 2026 budget is people-driven and reflects the needs of the community.
The event was attended by residents, community leaders, and other stakeholders who expressed their concerns and demands on various issues affecting their wards.
According to the Chairman of Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye LCDA, Hon. Seyi Lawal Jakande, the 2026 budget is envisioned as a ‘Budget of Sustainability’, aimed at enhancing the living standards of all citizens and ensuring that every voice is heard.
The budget will be informed by a thorough needs assessment conducted before the election and the feedback from the current engagements.
“We are committed to inclusive governance and ensuring that every voice is heard. We believe that the budget should reflect the needs and aspirations of our citizens, and that is why we are engaging with them directly,” Hon. Jakande said.
The LCDA has adopted a decentralized approach to budget-making, with councillors returning to their respective wards to conduct engagements with local stakeholders.
This approach aims to overcome the limitations of centralized meetings and ensure that all voices are heard.
A team was formed to inspect and address constituents in all nine wards, ensuring that every need is captured.
During the engagements, residents expressed their concerns and demands on various issues, including road rehabilitation, drainage desilting, and street lighting. In Ilupeju Central, residents pleaded for the rehabilitation of roads, fixing of culverts, and provision of street lights. They also highlighted the issue of blocked drainage and flooding in the area.
The Oba of Odi-Olowo Ojuwoye, His Royal Majesty Oba Sikiru Olamide Williams, commended the Chairman for his initiative, stating that it shows his commitment to listening to the people. He advised that the organizers should have stated the specific time of visit to avoid long waiting times and assured residents that every need from each ward would be met.
“I am impressed by the Chairman’s commitment to inclusive governance. He has shown that he is willing to listen to the people and ensure that their needs are met. I urge all residents to participate fully in the budget-making process and ensure that their voices are heard,” the Oba said.
The stakeholders’ engagement is a significant step towards ensuring that the 2026 budget is people-driven and reflects the needs of the community. With the LCDA’s commitment to transparency and accountability, residents can expect a budget that will drive progress and development in the area.
The event was also marked by a musical performance by Jako Angel, who sang in appreciation of the Chairman’s efforts.
“Soro Enu re aye Oni mu esi” The crowd responded with intense laughter when the Chairman responded in pigin saying “even though dem go arrest me, Na all of us dem go arrest.”
