Two years ago, the people of Lagelu placed their trust in me, not because I had all the answers, but because we shared a common belief: that our communities deserve a government that works for them, that sees their struggles, honors their dignity, and unlocks their extraordinary potential. In the grassroots governance space, where decisions touch lives most directly, two years can feel like a whisper in time, or at best, they can become the foundation of real and lasting change. Today, as we mark this second year count in office as Chairman of Lagelu Local Government, we do so not for grand ceremony, but for honest reflection: to celebrate the progress we have made together, and to reaffirm that our shared work is only just beginning.
At its core, leadership is not about holding office, but about deploying whatever power we have in the service of human flourishing and hope. It demands a philosophical commitment to the idea that no community is destined to perpetual hardships. With intentionality, strategic focus, and empathy for the human condition, even modest resources can yield profound outcomes. I came into this office guided by that conviction, and in these two years, the resilient and hardworking people of Lagelu have walked alongside me, turning belief into action and possibility into progress.
We have pursued an infrastructure renaissance with clear purpose. The construction of the 1.34-kilometer Wofun-Kute Road, the advancement of the 5.9km Phase II Akobo-Olohunda Road Dualization Project, the flag-off of the Alao Akala-Oke’Badan Road, the reconstruction of Alegongo Market, commencement of the Lagelu Ultra-modern Complex at Dezengoff and Shopping Mall at Texaco, Iwo Road. These are more than physical projects. They represent our deliberate assault on the geography of exclusion, reconnecting communities, unlocking economic corridors, and affirming that development must be felt in the daily lives of our people. We have also delivered strategic drainage systems, modern motorcycle and tricycle parks, and boreholes at critical locations to bring relief and modern amenities closer to our citizens.
Understanding that peace is the bedrock of all progress, these past two years, we have continue to move decisively on security. We constructed the Amotekun Permanent Base at Lagun Village, established the ‘Lagelu Secure’ network, procured LG security patrol vehicle, implemented profiling exercise for herders, and upgraded existing security facilities across the local government area. These steps reflect our belief in a holistic approach to human security that combines institutional strength with community ownership.
In trade, investment, and agriculture, we have worked to build self-reliance. We resuscitated the Lagelu Garri Factory, launched Lagelu Paint Products, supported startups, established a Cooperative Credit Bank for MSMEs, and invested substantially in our farmers through agricultural inputs, livestock rearing, mini-farm settlements, and the flag-off of Governor Seyi Makinde’s Farmers’ Market at Lagun. These interventions seek to restore dignity to productive labour and strengthen our local economy.
Nothing, however, defines our future more than our investment in human capital. We have sponsored thousands of indigent students for JAMB and WASSCE examinations, facilitated dozens of school building and renovation projects across our communities, and distributed over 50,000 exercise books and school bags. When we honoured Uthman Olayode for his outstanding academic achievement and symbolically elevated young Iyiola Bukunmi to be a day Council Chairman haven won a keenly contested inter-school debate, we sent a clear message: talent and excellence will be recognised and nurtured in Lagelu LGA.
We have also attended to the wellbeing of our people with utmost compassion: The complete renovation of Lagelu General Hospital at Lagun, the provision of first aid boxes to all public primary schools in the local government area, support for abandoned newborns, distribution of sanitary pads to the girl child, and social support through our Food Bank and assistance to indigent senior citizens reflect our commitment to leave no one behind.
Through the procurement and installation of multiple 500KVA electricity transformers and ambitious solar light-up projects across schools, communities, and our General Hospital, we are gradually moving our people from darkness to light. At the same time, we have upgraded the Council Secretariat and, for the first time, created an official website for Lagelu Local Government to promote transparency and open governance.
Fellow indigenes and residents of Lagelu, two years is but a beginning. The work is far from finished. There is still much ground to cover, many more lives to touch, and greater heights to reach. Yet I remain profoundly optimistic because I have seen your resilience, your aspirations, and your willingness to walk this journey with me.
As we mark this anniversary, I renew my pledge: to continue serving with sincerity, focus, and an unwavering commitment to the progress of our Local Government. The foundation has been laid. Now, together, we must build upon it.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership. The best sure, is yet to come.
