Princess Samiat Abolanle Bada, Mayoress of Ikosi-Isheri Local Council Development Area (LCDA), has engaged community stakeholders on their development needs and priorities ahead of the 2027 fiscal year.

The engagement took place at the 2027 Budget Stakeholders’ Consultative Forum, themed “Budget of Inclusive and Equitable Development,” which provided an opportunity for stakeholders to present their concerns and make recommendations towards improving infrastructure and service delivery across the council area.

In her address, Bada emphasised the importance of ensuring that every ward, community and resident receives fair consideration in the council’s development plans. She identified roads, healthcare, education, drainage, sanitation and economic opportunities as key areas requiring attention.

She encouraged participants to express their concerns freely and offer practical suggestions, noting that their contributions would guide the council in setting priorities and making informed decisions.

The Mayoress reaffirmed her administration’s commitment to transparency, accountability and prudent management of public resources, stressing that public funds must be utilised responsibly in the collective interest of residents.

She also acknowledged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and commended Lagos State Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu for his leadership, the T.H.E.M.E.S Plus development agenda and continued support for grassroots development.

Bada further highlighted the importance of local government autonomy in enabling councils to plan and implement programmes that directly address the needs of their communities.

During the interactive session, stakeholders presented their respective needs and concerns, highlighting challenges requiring government intervention in their communities.

Responding to the issues raised, Bada assured participants that the concerns presented would be worked upon, reaffirming her administration’s commitment to addressing residents’ needs.

On the provision of solar-powered streetlights, she explained that the council’s light-up initiative was ongoing, with efforts directed towards improving street lighting across communities. She also responded to other concerns raised during the engagement, emphasising the importance of continued collaboration between the council and community representatives in finding practical solutions to local challenges.

Speaking at the forum, Hon. Agemo Kehinde, Special Adviser on Budget to Ikosi-Isheri LCDA, explained that the meeting was convened to obtain stakeholders’ input on their needs, particularly in infrastructure and other essential services.

He noted that their contributions would assist the council in identifying priority areas and aligning its development plans with residents’ expectations.

Also speaking, Chief Adekoya Adeshina, Chairman of the Community Development Committee (CDC), Ikosi-Isheri LCDA, described the consultation as a positive development, commending the Mayoress for engaging stakeholders ahead of the new budget year.

Adeshina noted that the council had recorded progress in road infrastructure and healthcare delivery during the current year, citing road projects and the provision of a world-class hospital.

He expressed optimism that the consultative process would further strengthen communication between the council and residents, ensuring that community needs receive appropriate attention.

The forum highlighted the importance of stakeholder participation in grassroots governance, with the engagement providing a platform for residents and community leaders to contribute to development planning and identify practical solutions to challenges across Ikosi-Isheri LCDA.