It was history and commendations galore yesterday as the Chairman, House of Reps Committee on Defence, Rep Babajimi Adegoke Benson commissioned a multi-purpose legislative building, office complex and event hall built by the Executive Chairman of Ikorodu North LCDA, Builder Adebisi Adeola Banjo-led administration.
Guests made up Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Kabir Adewale Shotobi, GAC Chieftains, APC Apex Leaders and other stakeholders poured encomium on Builder Adebisi Banjo for uplifting the infrastructure within the council Secretariat.
During the official commissioning, Benson who is the Member, representing Ikorodu Federal Constituency at the House of Reps described the project as strategic and pivotal to the promotion of Legislative excellence and quality service delivery at the Council area.
He noted that, as a Federal Lawmaker, he understood the importance of effective legislation in the delivery of democratic dividends by the executive arm of government, thus describing the legislative building project as timely and strategic.
He further commended Banjo for proving to be a true democrat through the execution of the project.
Responding, the Executive Chairman of Ikorodu North LCDA, Builder Adeola Adebisi Banjo, at the Grand Commissioning of the project gave a brief background history into the project.
‘As we gather here, it is important to reflect on the journey that has brought us to this point. At the inception of this LCDA, the foundations were laid with the construction of the main secretariat building—Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu Country Home—under the leadership of Hon. Kunle Ogunbela. What started as just two offices later grew, with Mr. Keshinro extending the foundation and completing the decking, followed by Hon. Jokomba, who fully completed the building in 2007′.
‘However, despite these strides, one key arm of the council—our legislative branch—lacked the facilities to operate efficiently. With only a legislative chamber and the Council Leader’s office available, our councillors were left without dedicated offices to discharge their duties effectively. Today, we change that narrative. The Ultra-modern complex we are commissioning today houses not only the chamber but also offices for our councillors, the Leader, the Clerk, and administrative staff—ensuring that our legislators now have the infrastructure to fulfil responsibilities in full’, he added.
Explaining further, Banjo noted that, ‘Ikorodu North LCDA has long felt the absence of a customary court, limiting our capacity to enforce environmental laws and settle local disputes. Today, that gap is filled as we commission a brand new Customary Court within this complex. This is a giant leap towards enhancing justice at the grassroots level, ensuring that our people can access fair and timely resolutions to their conflicts right here in their community’.
‘Further, our new multipurpose hall marks an end to a long-standing challenge. Since the inception of this LCDA, we have had to rent canopies and chairs for every major event, leaving us at the mercy of the weather and often compromising the aesthetics of our engagements. With this hall, our events will now take place in a dignified and conducive environment, shielded from the elements and representing the stature of Ikorodu North LCDA’.
It is also fitting to recall the transformation that took place in 2014, during my tenure as Executive Secretary. Back then, the secretariat grounds were little more than bare earth, and the muddy, slippery terrain earned the compound an unflattering nickname. With concerted effort, we transformed it into a motorable, respectable space—laying the groundwork for the future we now stand in.
A major highlight of the commissioning was the immortalization of a man who was described as deeply committed to the growth of the council during his lifetime— the late Moruf Onileyan.
‘His contributions as the then Chairman of NULGE left an indelible mark on Ikorodu North LCDA, and his sudden demise shocked us all. It is only fitting that the building we commission today bears his name—may his soul continue to rest in peace’, he stated.
The Council boss gave further insights into the project.
‘Equally noteworthy is our inclusion of a Secretariat Chapel in today’s commissioning. Following the recent completion of a mosque within the secretariat, it became imperative that we provide a place for Christian worship as well. We believe that fostering inclusivity for all religious groups—be they Christian, Muslim, or traditional worshippers—is a cornerstone of good governance’.
Concluding, Banjo noted that the past two weeks have been a whirlwind of progress as his administration has commissioned a wide range of projects across the LCDA. They include the establishment of Gbaga Secondary School to the first-ever medical outreach center.
