The Principal Secretary to President Bola Tinubu, Mr. Hakeem Muri-Okunola, has expressed confidence in the capacity of local governments to deliver quality services when given the right opportunities, while commending the President for granting them financial autonomy.
He also lauded the outgoing Chairman of Ikoyi-Obalende LCDA, Hon. Fuad Atanda-Lawal, for his selfless service to the people and for making the leadership of the party proud throughout his eight-year tenure.
Mr. Muri-Okunola made these remarks in a message delivered at the commissioning of the remodelled Ikoyi-Obalende Council Secretariat and a network of roads constructed by the council. He was represented by Hon. Kolawole Peregrino.
The former Lagos State Head of Service said he was delighted to return to Obalende and commended Hon. Atanda-Lawal for serving with passion and purpose, noting that the outgoing chairman positively impacted lives in the area.
He emphasized that the commissioned roads—including Oluwa Street and Maitama Sule Street—would foster a more functional Obalende, unlock new opportunities for residents, and boost the socio-economic development of the area.
In his remarks, Hon. Fuad Atanda-Lawal noted that the event marked the final chapter of his eight-year journey in office, which he described as one driven by sincerity of purpose. He pledged to continue supporting the incoming administration when necessary.
He emphasized that his administration had debunked the long-held belief that local governments cannot deliver democratic dividends, attributing his success to the support of colleagues in the executive and legislative arms, as well as the dedication of council staff.
He urged residents to support the incoming chairman to build on existing legacies and further improve the wellbeing of the people.
In his remarks, the Chairman-elect, Mr. Bola Oladunjoye, pledged to run an inclusive administration that will serve all residents, regardless of political affiliation or ethnic background.
Former Lagos State Commissioner for Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Relations, Mrs. Teju Phillips, described the commissioning as a milestone for the community.
She noted that the area had faced several challenges in the past but had been significantly transformed under Atanda-Lawal’s leadership.
She praised the outgoing chairman for transitioning from the corporate world to public service and maintaining law and order while delivering impactful governance.
Also speaking, Hon. Gbolahan Yishawu, representing Eti-Osa Constituency 2 at the Lagos State House of Assembly, emphasized the strategic role of local governments in national development.
He said that President Tinubu’s push for financial autonomy was to ensure greater accountability and accelerated growth across grassroots areas.
Dr. Samuel Akingbehin, who oversees sanitation at the council, applauded the chairman’s resolve in implementing infrastructural projects despite the area’s challenging terrain.
He noted that Obalende, being a strategic location that attracts people from diverse backgrounds, generates significant waste, which has been well managed under the outgoing administration.
He expressed hope that the new leadership would sustain and improve on the gains achieved.
