The Executive Chairman of Ikorodu Local Government, Hon. Prince Adedayo Ladega, has unveiled the proposed 2027 ‘Budget of Transformation’ at the council’s Budget Consultative Forum, seeking stakeholders’ contributions towards addressing the developmental needs of residents across the local government.

The forum, themed “Budget of Transformation,” took place on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, at the Council Secretariat, with traditional rulers, religious leaders, community leaders, youth and women representatives, traders and other stakeholders in attendance.

Addressing participants, Ladega reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to inclusive governance and sustainable development, noting that the proposed budget would be anchored on the SEED Agenda, focusing on Security, Education, Enhanced Healthcare and Development.

He explained that the consultation was designed to give residents and community stakeholders the opportunity to identify their needs, propose priority projects and contribute directly to the budget preparation process.

The Chairman highlighted key areas of focus for 2027, including road construction and rehabilitation, improved educational facilities, accessible healthcare, youth and women development, clean water provision, environmental sanitation and improved security.

He also called on residents to fulfil their civic responsibilities by paying approved taxes and levies, assuring that available resources would be judiciously utilised to promote equitable development across the council’s wards.

Speaking on the proposed budget, the Supervisor for Budget, Hon. Adenuga Olasupo, described it as a credible and achievable financial plan designed to reflect the aspirations and priorities of residents. He stressed that effective budgeting required public participation and urged traders, business operators and other residents to meet their tax obligations to support service delivery.

Similarly, the Secretary to the Local Government, Hon. Yusuf Gbadebo Lawal, highlighted some of the administration’s interventions in security, infrastructure and economic empowerment.

He disclosed that the council had facilitated the completion of 22 solar-powered boreholes and provided vocational equipment and other forms of support to over 500 beneficiaries to strengthen their businesses.

Lawal emphasised the importance of continuous engagement with communities, noting that infrastructure development, particularly road construction, remained essential to connecting communities and addressing grassroots challenges.

In a health sensitisation session, the Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Dapo Ojo Abosede, educated participants on healthy living, medication adherence and regular physical exercise, particularly among older adults.

He encouraged residents to engage in at least 30 minutes of physical activity daily, maintain healthy eating habits and participate in activities that promote mental alertness and general well-being.

The consultation also featured presentations and recommendations from various stakeholder groups on projects and programmes requiring attention in the 2027 fiscal year.

Representatives of the Community Development Associations (CDAs) and Community Development Committee (CDC) called for increased budgetary allocation and institutional support to strengthen community development structures, citing financial and operational challenges facing several associations.

The Iya Oloja General of Ikorodu, Deaconess Busola Isikalu, appreciated the local government for its previous interventions while requesting additional support, including office accommodation, financial assistance and programmes to improve traders’ welfare, youth development and community growth.

Former Commissioner for Education, Hon. Fatai Olukoga, advocated increased investment in security and education, recommending that 15 per cent of the budget be allocated to education in line with UNESCO’s benchmark.

He also raised concerns about environmental sanitation, particularly the activities of roadside traders, and called for improved environmental management and street-by-street infrastructural development.

The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Ikorodu Branch, represented by Comr. Lawal Keji, presented the youth sector’s proposals to the Executive Chairman, emphasising the need for youth development and welfare to receive adequate attention in the forthcoming budget.

Other associations and community-based groups also presented submissions highlighting their operational challenges, welfare concerns, logistics and developmental priorities.

In his vote of thanks, the Council Manager, represented by the Head of Human Resources, Mr. Oluwo Akingbade, appreciated the Chairman, management team, community leaders and other participants for their contributions.

He described the consultation as an important step towards achieving the council’s development objectives and called for sustained cooperation between the government and residents.

The forum ended with renewed calls for collective responsibility, inclusive participation and stronger collaboration between the local government and stakeholders in shaping the 2027 budget and addressing the developmental needs of communities across Ikorodu.