The administration of Senior Comrade Lasisi Akinsanya in Igando-Ikotun Local Council Development Area has always been known for people-oriented programmes and projects.
Akinsanya, a former Chairman of the Lagos State chapter of the Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) has brought to bear, his experience as a human manager and administrator to bear in his running of the council.
This has endeared him to the people of the council and the staff of the local council.
But Akinsanya, a quintessential gentleman would not make noise in his performance.
“We are here to serve the people and it should not be about noise-making,” he had always said.
But pressure continues to mount on him to let the world know how he has been able to lift the Igando-Ikotun LCDA to enviable height.
Recently, a team of journalists visited Igando-Ikotun and the administration released the comprehensive report of Akinsanya to the media.
The report covered the first tenure of the council Chairman and doubting Thomases were forced to hail him.
The report highlights significant strides across capital projects, social amenities, education, health, security, and human capital development, despite the challenging economic landscape inherited from the aftermath of the EndSARS protests and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Initially, the Akinsanya-led administration faced immediate challenges, which it was determined not to allow to deter the fulfilment of electoral promises.
However, the administration was able to overcome these challenges and make significant progress.
One of his first actions was addressing security concerns at the Council Secretariat by clearing the thick forest behind the main building, which had been an haven for cultists, rapists, and drug peddlers, negatively impacting the community and economy.
Furthermore, a key initial focus was settling outstanding liabilities inherited from the past administration, demonstrating fiscal responsibility. For instance, the administration paid N40 million in tax liability to the Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS) and N20 million in outstanding dues to the Lagos Inland Revenue Services (LIRS). It should be noted that these were liabilities left for him by his predecessor.
The report reveals numerous projects executed across all seven wards, with a strong emphasis on rehabilitating and equipping health facilities, many of which were in a dilapidated state.
The reports also revealed that Akinsanya is a grassroots administrator per excellence. His projects are spread across all the wards in the council area and they are constructed in relations to peculiar needs of each ward.
Thus, in Ikotun Central, Ward A, major reconstruction infrastructure destroyed during the EndSARS protests took priority.
It was in the light of this that the Ikotun Primary Health Care Centre was reconstructed and equipped with modern laboratory equipment.
In Abaranje-Okerube, Ward B, infrastructure projects focused on road and erosion control, focusing on the construction of drainage and erosion control at Osunba Street/Joshua Ogunaike Street off Igando-Ikotun Road.
At Isheri-Osun, Ward C, the Akinsanya administration invested in education infrastructure by purchasing two plots of land which was used for the construction of Community Primary School at Boltex Odesanya Street, Ayanwale.
In Ijegun, Ward D, the focus was on road construction, rehabilitation, and utility provision. Thus, the Akinsanya administration constructed interlocking road with reinforced concrete culverts at Ali Momodu Street.
In Igando, Ward E, several road maintenance and construction projects were carried out, including the construction of Adeshina Obinaike street with interlocks.
In Egan, Ward F, the ward saw significant infrastructure development, with the provision of solar-powered health facilities, the construction of Dosu Ekunrin Street with interlocks, and the reconstruction of Egan Health Centre with modern equipment and a borehole powered with solar energy.
In Akesan-Obadore, Ward G, the focus was on key roads and health projects, which was done through facilitating the construction of old Obadore-Akesan road by the State government.
The report underscores the administration’s commitment to education through direct support and infrastructure development.
For example, the Akinsanya administration distributed free GCE forms to 200 beneficiaries and school bags to pupils in all the 24 public primary schools in the council area.
The administration also prioritized poverty reduction and palliatives, particularly following the removal of fuel subsidy.
Through the National Youth Council (NYCN), Igando-Ikotun Local Branch, the Akinsanya administration has sponsored and engaged youth through various programmes, including monthly management meetings, youth skill-up programmes, and secondary schools art, cultural, and science competition.
Consequently, the NYCN Igando-Ikotun Local Branch was recognized with the Best Local Branch Award at the last International Youth Skill-Up Day.
In terms of security, the Akinsanya administration has prioritized the safety of lives and properties, resulting in a very low incident of armed robbery attack and other infringement of human rights. This success is attributed to periodic security meetings with key agencies and utilizing their monthly security reports.
As a former NULGE President, Chairman Akinsanya made staff welfare a priority. To ensure optimal performance and ease of movement for officials, the administration purchased utility vehicles for councilors, executive members, supervisors, and special advisers.
The report is a testament and confirmation of Akinsanya’s resilience and ability to transform challenges into opportunities.
Indeed, he had endeared himself to the residents and staff of the local council hence he was returned to office during the last local government in the council with overwhelming votes by the residents.
“He is arguably the best Chairman we have had in this council area and his achievements have proved that he knows his onions in grassroots administration,” Mariam Williams, a resident told reporters.
