Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government, though not a utopia, has distinguished itself among other local governments in Lagos State. Endowed with politically astute individuals and forward-thinking young people, the peace-loving residents consistently pursue excellence, tackling challenges with determination while looking up to God and individuals — some elected, others self-appointed — to ease their journey.
These individuals are not ordinary citizens; they are catalysts for change, visionaries wielding the ability to propel the local government toward progress. Living among us as our neighbours, they include grassroots activists, seasoned politicians, thought leaders, and crusaders. Each shoulders the responsibility in their respective domains and is committed to elevating Ifako-Ijaiye to greatness through their altruistic contributions, unparalleled enthusiasm, and an unwavering desire to bring smiles to the faces of the people.
Listed below are the prominent faces and names to keep an eye on in 2024 and beyond
Hon. Adewale Temitope Adedeji (ATA):
A lot has been said about the man with the magic wand representing Ifako-Ijaiye Constituency 01 at the Lagos State House of Assembly. Hon. Adedeji will not stop being in the news for good reasons. A consummate leader who spends his time thinking of other ways to reciprocate the love of his constituents, his long list of achievements is hard to keep up with as he has and continues to make his mark in education, infrastructure, health, and welfare of the people, amongst others.
His unmatched records in education – 606 free GCE forms; 4100 free JAMB forms; Rehabilitation of Fagba Junior Grammar School; Rehabilitation of Ogundimu Primary School; Rehabilitation of Teo schools inside Bishop Oluwole school complex; award of scholarships to 43 students; Facilitation of several admissions of Ifako-Ijaiye students to various higher institutions in Lagos State; Free adult Education classes for almost 200 people with certificates and lots more – speak volume to his commitment to seeing the young and old get educated in Ifako-Ijaiye. His leadership style is not just about making promises but delivering tangible results.
On infrastructure, Hon. Adedeji has facilitated the construction and rehabilitation of over 24 roads. Prominent among them is the Abiola/Onijemo road with a bridge, Shittu Thompson, Daddy Salvage, Moyo Agoro, Inuobimi Street, Ibari Street, Mojisola, Alimi Ogunyemi, Ogunbore, Coker, Moshalashi Alao, and Omoomo.
Concerning social welfare, 250 widows and 100 elders were given cash and food, while another set of 200 widows and women received N25,000 each to support their trade, along with daily cash support to constituents.
In the area of health, over 1,500 women and men were provided with free health insurance, and 700 residents received free glasses.
As 2024 unfolds, Hon. Adewale Temitope Adedeji, no doubt, has other aces up his sleeves and he has demonstrated times without number that he will champion the rebirth of a new Ifako-Ijaiye that will be the pride of Lagos and the world.
Hon. Fateema Mohammed:
An amazon with a large heart, Hon. Fateema has stamped her name in the annals of history in Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government, leaving an indelible mark through her unrivalled commitment to the community’s well-being. A staunch advocate of women, Aduke, as she’s fondly called by those close to her, is continually working towards creating an environment where women can thrive and contribute meaningfully to society.
With a heart as vast as her vision for a better community, she has become an influential presence in Ifako-Ijaiye.
Hon. Fateema has actively been instrumental in many development projects in Ifako-Ijaye, namely; Purchase of hospital equipment for Lagos State Government General Hospital, Ifako-Ijaiye, Lagos State; Renovation of Lagos State General Hospital, Ifako-Ijaiye, Lagos State; Donation of Health Equipment and gifts to Kola Primary Health Care, Ifako-Ijaiye LGA, Lagos State; Scholarship Scheme from Primary to University for 150 kids; Provision of Pipeborne water in Over 23 communities within Ifako Ijaiye Constituency, Lagos State, as against water scarcity been experienced by the constituency in the time past; Empowerment of over 3,000 youths; Empowerment of over 5,000 women, to name but a few. This gesture, one that could only come from a place of kindness, is an attestation of her love for the people of Ifako-Ijaiye. A recipient of many deserving awards, Hon. Fateema is someone to keep an eye on in 2024 and beyond — one of those few people that will shape the future of the local government.
CS Temitope Lawal:
The youthful and vibrant coordinator of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC) in Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government is another person to look out for in 2024. CS Lawal, since his appointment to man the affairs of the “state police” in the local government, has gone about his task with professionalism and optimism glaringly missing under the past leadership. He has successfully slotted into the new role, liaising with communities on their security challenges; going above and beyond in enlightening the populace, through the Community Development Associations (CDAs) on the need to “See something, say something and take action” mantra for peaceful coexistence.
His approach has once again put the corps in the right perspective of residents of the local government, earning their trust and respect. His emphasis on collaboration with CDAs has not only strengthened community bonds but has also created a unified front against security threats.
CS Temitope Lawal exemplifies good leadership. His youthfulness and vibrancy, along with a great awareness of the changing dynamics of security issues, make him someone to watch out for this year and beyond.
Eyitayo Ogunmola (Eyitayo Eko):
The CEO of Utiva, the largest tech learning company on the continent with over 90,000 people and clients among the biggest global brands, is a man who has made a name for himself beyond the shores of Ifako-Ijaiye and Nigeria. Arguably one of the brightest names out of Ifako-Ijaiye, EyiTayo Eko is another brand name to look out for in 2024. With the EyiEko Trust Fund, Ogunmola is reinvesting back in the community, allocating a dedicated N20 million from the Trust Fund for women and people from low-income backgrounds. He has earned numerous prestigious awards, including Lagos Young Person in Technology, MIT Solve Entrepreneur, UK Global Talent, and Antler Entrepreneur, UK, among others.
Hon. Ibrahim Adenekan:
The councillor representing Ward C2 in Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government, is another young man doing great things. As the youngest of councillors in Ifako-Ijaiye, often touted as the “youngest in Lagos,” he is a strong lobbying point for the need for more youths in governance. Despite his youth, he has demonstrated a profound commitment to progressive change, showcasing that age is not a barrier to effective leadership.
Some of the achievements to his name include the awarding of 50 scholarships for students in Ifako Ijaiye to Graceland Polytechnic, the distribution of 25 free JAMB forms to students in Ifako Ijaiye, the empowerment of 20 youths with a Free Tech Scholarship in Ward C2, the facilitation of a loan scheme from the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) for his constituents, and the empowerment of 30 widows, aged individuals, and artisans with a cash gift of three hundred thousand naira (N300,000), among other accomplishments. Keep an eye on Phylum in 2024, as he is fondly called.
Adekunle Shobola (Elele Movement):
One of the hallmarks of excellence is recognising a void and filling it. Shobala’s Elele Movement has sprung to the surface like a morning flower, blooming with the brilliant colours of transformation and empowerment. Shobola’s ambition extends beyond filling a hole to creating a legacy of unity and upliftment.The impact of the movement extends well beyond its inception, transforming his home into a type of Mecca.
Through the movement, Shobola distributed Christmas gifts, including a food bank and cash gifts, to 100 widows; provided a food bank to 500 households; and distributed 500 mini bags of rice with cash gifts. Additionally, 1,000 mini bags of rice were distributed, along with a cow, to indigent residents of Ifako-Ijaiye.
As the Elele Movement continues to expand, it becomes evident that the impact of this work will be felt for long, motivating others to take action as well. Part of the movement’s intervention was the awareness about Permanent Voter Cards (PVC) registration drive during the recently concluded elections, amongst others.
Written By: By Ukhueleigbe Zaccheus
Note: The concluding part will be published soon.
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