365 DAYS OF WONDERS BY HON ADEOLA ADEBISI BANJO OF IKORODU NORTH LCDA. | Shakiru Seidu. ...Unveils portraits of past Council Chiefs.

While many office holders, especially the politicians, usually target their first term in office to record and celebrate their
achievements in office, the case was different with the Executive Chairman of Ikorodu North LCDA, Hon Adeola Adebisi Banjo. Rather than waiting till the end of his tenure before pointing at any minor or major achievements, Hon. Banjo from his inception had caused many to be dumbfounded with numerous achievements, some which appeared to be uncommon among the 6 Councils of Ikorodu Division.

MegaXpression magazine learnt that for the past 365 days, governance in Ikorodu North has been trailed with what the scripture refers to as 'signs and wonders', courtesy of Banjo's led administration. The one year celebration was also graced with special prayers from Muslim and Christian Clergymen.

While addressing the audience, Banjo said, "you cannot outsmart your destiny. I remember I presented myself for the 2003 House of Assembly election where I was persuaded by the revered National leader of our great party, the Jagaban himself to step down for Honourable Sunmi Odesanya.

"Again in 2007, I expressed interest in representing the people at the legislative Arm of government but Hon SOB Agunbiade, the current Majority leader in the Lagos State House of Assembly was nominated.

"In 2008, I equally vied for the chairmanship position, again in obedience to party leaders I dropped my ambition and I was compensated with the position of a Supervisory Councilor in the Hon. Jokomba led administration in Ikorodu North LCDA. In less than 24hours after I was sworn in, the politics swung in the opposite direction and I was denied that opportunity again.

"Having got myself noticed as a politician, and labeled a cat with nine lives, I was recognized and offered the opportunity to serve as a member of governing board of the Lagos State Ministry of Health before I was later appointed as the Executive Secretary, Ikorodu North LCDA.

"I saw this as an opportunity to show the stuff I am made of. I served as if my life depended on it. The foundation of what we are celebrating today while I was the Executive Secretary. I guess God noticed my hard work and sincerity of purpose, in reward I was returned unopposed by the good people of Ikorodu North. I was favored, and so the journey started."

The Chairman gave kudos to all his predecessors, particularly Hon. Muhyideen Adeola Jokomba who started the beautiful edifice of the Council. "When I came in, apart from this main building, the others are in a very poor state. The building are no fewer than three decades if I have to be modest, hence for us to make the best use of them, I owe it a responsibility to facelift them to meet contemporary structures.

"This is where we started from. We did not rejuvenate our compound at the expense of the good of Ikorodu North. While we were doing this, we were of course doing other impactful projects to better the lot of our people. Governance is the act of allocating states scarce resources to projects that would best impact on the common man, the Council Boss, Hon Banjo explained.

He further revealed some of his achievements to the gathering. "In the last 365 days, this administration has been able to record the following successes:

"Execution of a project each in the five wards of Ikorodu North ranging from construction of culvert at Lambo Lasunwon Opposite Laspotech Odogunyan, Borehole at ward E2 Erikorodo, Borehole at Igbagba Adamo, construction of drainage canal at Adamo to mention a few.

"Construction of 600 metres road with covered drainage, street light and walk way at Ita Oloja in Odogunyan.

"Quarterly distribution of white market boards to schools within Ikorodu North LCDA

"Distribution of Exercise books, mathematical set and other educational materials to pupils within Ikorodu North.

"Renovation/Extension of Parafa Health Centre to mitigate the pains and agonies of pregnant women and new born babies when they visit the health centre.

"Purchase of Motorbike and Walkie talkie to Onyabo Security group.

"Ongoing Training of over Three thousand beneficiaries of various skill acquisition programme.

"Refurbishment of the Head of Human Resources administrative Building.

"Asphalting/Beautification of Secretariat Compound.

"House numbering Project within Ikorodu North.

"Donation of gifts/drugs to new born babies on October 1st which coincides with my birthday.

"Facilitated the reconstruction of Olohunda Health Centre
Procurement of hospital equipments and other service materials to Odonla PHC.

"Payment of year 2017 Annual subvention to the CDC.

"Purchase of Serena bus for Revenue purposes

"Grading of over 155 roads within Ikorodu North.

"Flag off of BANJO SUPER CUP.

"Reconstruction of Isiu roundabout entrance
Printing/distribution of campaign materials to sensitize residents of Ikorodu North on Chicken Pox to mention a few.

"This list can go on and on. As a Council, we embarked on a few other projects which will soon materialize, and then we can count them as part of what we have done," Banjo concluded.

The dogged Chairman however revealed how happy he was with the National Award bestowed on him. "As with everything you do sincerely, there is always a pay day. In my wildest dream, I have never thought I would be getting a national award in recognition of our outstanding performance, Banjo said.

The Chairman further make use of the opportunity to thank his Vice, Hon Ameen Apanishile, Cabinet members, Councillors and the good people of Ikorodu North, for their understanding and supports for his administration. He assured better days ahead. "We know and understand where the shoe pinches. We all can attest to the fact that we are equally seeking new ways to understand Ikorodu North better. Few weeks ago, I visited Agbede community, Ikorodu North is unarguably the biggest LCDA in Ikorodu Division. This visitation has yielded result with the skill acquisition programme for over 2000 beneficiaries. This tells you how big this community is, and this is aimed at guiding us on how best to allocate our very scarce resources. The hardworking Chairman explained.

While addressing the gathering, one of the Apex leaders and past Chairman, Ikorodu North LCDA, Hon Tijani Olasunkanmi applauded the performance of Hon Adeola Adebisi Banjo for keeping the good legacies of his predecessors. "When Banjo sworn in last year, some people did not know that he was coming to perform wonders in Ikorodu North. It was not known to them that Banjo is the 'wonders performer' whom the people of Ikorodu North, including employees of the LCDA were looking for. I am no doubt not disappointed with his administration, he remarked.

In the same vein Mr Oduntan, Chairman, School Base management committee, Ikorodu, Comr. Moruf Onileyan, NULGE Chairman and other prominent personalities applauded the administrative style of Adeola Banjo. They further urged him not to loose focus.

Among those in attendance were the party leaders in Ikorodu North, Alhaji Akibu Adewunmi, Hon Tijani Olasunkanmi, Hon Adeola Jokomba, Alhaji Jimoh Odidi, Mrs Toyin Salau, Hon Shukurat Adewunmi-Okeowo, Alhaji Ogunleye, Alhaji Fayas and the mother of the Chairman, Elder Omolara Banjo.

Others are Otunba Ganiu Olusegun Abiru, Hon Ayo Adekoya, leader of the House, Hon Aderoju Balikis, majority leader and others councillors from Ikorodu North and Ikorodu Central. SLG and Supervisors, Baales, CDAs, market men and women, Muslim and Christian leaders.

SHAKIRU SEIDU
CEO/Editor-in-chief, MegaXpression Magazine.
08099799530.