Mayor Ameen Olawale Apanishile, Executive Chairman of Ikorodu North Local Council Development Area (LCDA), has flagged off the construction of Apeka Road while simultaneously commencing the rehabilitation of the long-abandoned Army Children School, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to improving road infrastructure and revitalising public educational facilities across the council area.

Speaking during the flag-off ceremony, Apanishile said the Apeka Road project is significant because it serves as a major link connecting about eight communities, including Apeka, Agbala and Lasuwon, making it an important access route for residents.

He disclosed that the road is 7.5 metres wide with a total length of about 1.5 kilometres, adding that the project would be executed in phases to improve accessibility, with the first phase expected to be completed within six months.

The Chairman explained that his administration also decided to commence the rehabilitation of the Army Children School, which has been abandoned for years, to restore the facility for the benefit of pupils and improve educational infrastructure in the area.

Apanishile urged residents to take ownership of the projects by protecting and maintaining them after completion, noting that government investments can only be sustained through community participation.

Expressing satisfaction as he approaches his first anniversary in office, the Chairman described the simultaneous commencement of the projects as a reflection of his administration’s development plan. He said several projects are already underway and more would be commissioned before the end of his tenure as part of efforts to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people.

He appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for increasing financial allocations to local governments, which he said has enabled councils to execute more developmental projects. Apanishile also thanked his leader and mentor, Rep. Babajimi Benson, Member, House of Representatives, Ikorodu Federal Constituency, for accepting to continue the Apeka Road project from where the council’s intervention ends.

In his remarks, Rep. Babajimi Benson, Member, House of Representatives, Ikorodu Federal Constituency, assured residents that the Apeka Road project would be completed, affirming his commitment to continue the work from where the council stops. He noted that the projects were initiated in appreciation of the overwhelming support the people gave the APC during the last election.

The federal lawmaker urged residents to mobilise for 2027 election, stating that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has promised greater rewards for federal constituencies that record the highest number of votes. He reaffirmed his commitment to quality representation and the delivery of more dividends of democracy across the constituency.

Dr. Muyideen Adeola Jokomba commended Mayor Apanishile for what he described as an impressive start in office and urged him not to relent in delivering impactful projects. He also encouraged residents to make proper use of the road upon completion.

The APC Candidate for Ikorodu Constituency I, Hon. Oluwatoyin Gafaar Bolowotan, appreciated the people of Ikorodu North for their overwhelming support during the APC primary election. He commended the Chairman for delivering the dividends of democracy and urged residents to consolidate the achievements by voting for him and other APC candidates in the forthcoming elections, stressing that every vote matters.

Also speaking, the Education Secretary of Ikorodu Local Government Education Authority (LGEA), Alhaji Taiwo Odumbo, appreciated Mayor Apanishile for commencing the rehabilitation of the Army Children School. He said the intervention demonstrates the administration’s commitment to educational renewal and improving learning facilities for pupils, while expressing gratitude on behalf of parents and teachers.

Chairman of the Community Development Committee (CDC), Ikorodu North LCDA, Mr. Niran Ogunbanwo, lauded the Chairman for embarking on the road construction and school rehabilitation simultaneously. He also appreciated Rep. Babajimi Benson for numerous developmental projects across the constituency, including the Ogolonto Bridge, Igbe Lara Road, Command Secondary School and other projects in the pipeline.

The Baale of Apeka Community offered prayers for Mayor Ameen Olawale Apanishile and expressed appreciation to Rep. Babajimi Benson for their continued commitment to the development of Apeka Community and the entire Ikorodu Federal Constituency.

Delivering the vote of thanks, the Councillor representing Ward E3 Agbala, Hon. Risikat Ibrahim Abiodun, expressed appreciation to the Executive Chairman of Ikorodu North LCDA, Mayor Ameen Olawale Apanishile, for responding swiftly to the deplorable condition of the Apeka Estate Road by taking immediate steps to commence its construction.

She also commended the Member, House of Representatives representing Ikorodu Federal Constituency, Hon. Babajimi Benson, for accepting to construct the extension of the road project, describing both interventions as a testament to their commitment to grassroots development and improved infrastructure.

Speaking earlier at the ceremony, Chairman of the Apeka Community Development Association (CDA), Barrister Jagun Gbolahan, described the project as a historic milestone that will improve transportation, enhance security, boost economic activities and raise the quality of life for residents.

He commended the efforts of the Lagos State Government, Mayor Apanishile, Member House of Representatives representing Ikorodu Federal Constituency, Hon. Babajimi Benson, Ward E3 Councillor Hon. Ibrahim Risikat Abiodun, CDC Chairman Prince Adeniran Ogunbanwo, and other stakeholders for making the project a reality, while assuring the community’s full support towards its successful completion.