Kunle Adelabu & Mariam Akinloye
-Building named after former SSG, Asiwaju Olorunfunmi Basorun
Three years after construction of an ultra – modern council secretariat, Chairman, Igbogbo/Bayeku Local Council Development Area (LCDA), in Ikorodu Local Government of Lagos State, Southwest, Nigeria, Builder Sesan Daini, has completed another legacy project – Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA Legislative & Administrative Complex.
The project, which was awarded to be completed in 12 months, was eventually completed and delivered in a record time of six months.
The new structure, which was named after the former Secretary to the Lagos State Government, Asiwaju Olorunfunmi Basorun, was commissioned on Monday, September 16, 2024, by the representative of Ikorodu Federal Constituency, Rep. Babajimi Adegoke Benson.
Builder Daini said that the building, which comprises a 54-seaters chamber, 5 councilors’ offices, the clerk’s office, offices for 3 heads of department, and 30 workstation spaces, 15 modern toilets and 17 air-conditioners, will serve as hub for legislative and administrative activities, fostering collaboration, innovation, and progress.
At the commissioning were royal father, traditional chieftains, political leaders, federal and state lawmakers, council chairmen, head of government parastatals and agencies, youth leaders, market men and women, community developers among others
His Royal Majesty, Oba Semiudeen Orimadegun Kasali, the Adeboruwa of Igbogbo, Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, Deputy Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Prince Abiodun Ogunleye, former Deputy Governor, Lagos State and GAC chieftain, Asiwaju Olorunfunmi Basorun, former SLG and GAC chieftain, Sen. Adeseye Ogunlewe, former Minister of Works and GAC chieftain, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, Chairman, APC Lagos State, Hon. Kamal Ayinde Bayewu, Chairman, Lagos State Local Government Service Commission, Hon. Gbolahan Ogunleye, Member, Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Ganiyu Sanni, Member, Lagos State House of Assembly, Chief (Mrs) Adebimpe Akinsola, former Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Hon. Gbenga Oshin, former Member, Lagos State House of Assembly, Otunba Olasunkanmi Tijani, Divisional Chairman, APC, and Prince Adesegun Ogunlewe, former Head of Service, Lagos State, were among the dignitaries at the event.
The host Chairman, who conceived and executed the project, Builder Sesan Daini, while addressing the large gathering at the Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA Secretariat, said that the structure is one of the testaments to his administration’s efforts to create good atmosphere for good governance and effective service delivery in the last seven years.
“Today marks a momentous occasion as we commission this magnificent legislative and administrative building. After over 7 years of tireless efforts, we have finally achieved another milestone, fulfilling a key promise to our people.
“This edifice is a testament to our commitment to providing a conducive environment for effective governance and service delivery.
“It will serve as a hub for legislative and administrative activities, fostering collaboration, innovation, and progress”.
While mentioning features of the new legislative structure, Daini said that it will serve as one of his administration’s legacies when he rounded off his second term tenure next year.
“This building is more than just a physical structure; it symbolizes our dedication to serving our community. This structure boasts of a 54-seaters chamber, 5 councilors’ offices, the clerk’s office, offices for 3 heads of department, and 30 workstation spaces.
“It also features 15 modern toilets and 17 air-conditioners. I am pleased to note that all these facilities are fully furnished, ensuring our councilors and staff have the necessary tools to excel in their duties.
“As we round of our 2nd term in office, this project stands as one of the legacies of our administration’s achievements. We have worked tirelessly to improve the lives of our citizens, and this building will serve as a hub for our continued efforts”, he said.
The Special Guest of Houour at the grand ceremony, Rep. Babajimi Benson, before commissioning the project, described it as a significant milestone, adding that it was achieved through a collective efforts and commitment.
“I am honored to stand before you today to mark a significant milestone in the journey towards the progress and development of Igbogbo-Baiyeku LCDA.
“Today, we gather to commission the ultra-modern legislative and administrative building of Igbogbo-Baiyeku LCDA, a testament to the collective efforts and commitment of the Executive Chairman, Builder Sesan Daini, to provide a serene and conducive legislative environment.
“This same vision was actualized three years ago, when his administration commissioned a one-storey ultra-modern administrative building for the management team and other members of his cabinet”, he said.
The three -term federal lawmaker, also said that the new legislative building would enhance the work of the council legislators.
He commended the Igbogbo/Bayeku Council boss for recognizing the importance of legislature.
“This legislative chamber is the heartbeat of our democracy, where representatives of the people gather to debate, deliberate, and make laws that shape our community’s future. A well-structured legislative chamber like this ensures accountability, transparency, and good governance, allowing the elected representatives effectively serve the people.
“As your representative in the Federal House of Representatives, I recognize the crucial role that a vibrant legislative chamber plays in driving development and progress. This chamber will provide a conducive environment for our councilors to be able to achieve their mandates of legislation, representation and oversight.
“The legislative building is also expected to serve as impetus for robust debates, passing resolutions, and making vital decisions that will propel the community to an enviable height in Lagos State.
“I commend Builder Olusesan Daini’s administration for prioritizing the establishment of this legislative chamber, demonstrating commitment to democratic principles. I urge you all to cherish and utilize this chamber to address the needs of our people, promote inclusivity, and foster community engagement”, Rep. Benson said.
Hon. Kamal Ayinde Bayewu, Chairman, Lagos State Local Government Service Commission, expressed his happiness at the development in Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA.
He commended the Council Chairman for his revenue generation and utilization for the public good.
The Deputy Speaker, Hon. Mojisola Meranda, in her address, also commended Builder Daini for empowering the legislature which she called the engine room of democracy.
She charged the councilors on the need to make use of the new facilities in making good laws that will impact positively on the people.
“For the chairman to have thought about this; to put this building together in other to make and provide a conductive working environment for the legislators of Igbogbo/Bayeku, he has really done well.
“I also believe that the councilors that will be using this building will also do what is right and perform their duties as at when due”, Hon. Meranda said.
APC State Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, also speaking, thanked President Bola Ahmed who initiated the creation of the LCDAs which he said has brought developments to the grassroots.
He commended the Igbogbo/Bayeku Council boss, Daini, for his developmental stride which he said has positively projected the party’s image.
“It is a great honour for me to be here and be part of this very historic occasion of commissioning a building for the councilors to manage the affairs of this noble Local Council Development Area.
“I want to give kudos to Asiwaju (Bola Tinubu) for initiating the idea of increasing the 20 local governments into 57 in 2023. We have seen the benefits and the essence of bringing governance much nearer to the people.
“Instead of just only one council chairman (in Ikordu Local Government) putting pressure on the governor regarding infrastructural developments, we have six of them pushing for development
“Jimi Benson would have been much more relax if there is only one local government, but today, he is being bombarded by six council chairmen, yearning for developments for the entire councils in Ikorodu. That is the essence of the creation of additional LCDAs in Lagos State.
“I want to thank the Chairman of the council for projecting the image of our party; for standing by the philosophy of our part and for believing in the progressive ideas of the All Progressives Congress. That is what we are witnessing today.
“When I got to this place, I saw men of the council’s joint task force. This is the Chairman knowing fully well that the primary responsibility of any government is security; realizing that the state and federal government cannot do it on their own, he muted the idea of having a joint security taskforce to complement their efforts”.
While stating that the young council boss has delivered to the fulfilment of the party, Pastor Ojelabi also said that the party is proud of his achievements.
“We have heard so much about you in terms of monument developments and achievements that you have recorded as the Chairman of the council and I make bold to state that whosoever that is able to deliver the dividends of democracy at the grassroots level, the sky is your limit.
“There are so many here who have performed as local government chairmen, and they have been rewarded with higher responsibilities. If you serve local government diligently and you are not rewarded with a higher responsibility, you will need to examine yourself. It means that you have not serve the people perfectly.
“In your own case, you came, served and make tremendous impacts, and I want to say that as the Chairman of the party that produced you, myself and our team are proud that we have presented a product to the people of Igbogbo/Bayeku and you have delivered”, the APC State Chairman said.
Former Deputy Governor, Prince Ogunleye Abiodun, said that he and other leaders have been watching the council chairman since his inception as the council chairman seven years ago, and added that he has shaped the course of history in Igbogbo with his performance.
Asiwaju Olorunfunmi Basorun, whom the newly commissioned complex was named after, while commending the council boss for putting his profession as a builder into practice, also charged him to continue to deliver on his promises.
Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe described the project as a first class structure, while also commending Builder Daini and members of his administration for the laudable project.
After the commissioning of the new structure by Rep. Benson, Builder Daini led him, the traditional ruler of Igbogbo Kingdom, party leaders, guests and others in touring the building and during the tour, the legislative arm of the council, led by Hon. Nurudeen Alimi, also had its first plenary session with all the guests in attendance.
Also at the occasion were Prince Jimoh Ogunmuyiwa, former Chairman, Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA, Hon. Gbenga Basanya, Chairman, former Chairman, Igbogbo/Bayeku, Yeye Bolanle Basorun, former Sole Administrator, Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA, Hon. Motunrayo Gbadebo – Alogba, Chairman, Ijede LCDA, Hon. Wasiu Agoro, Chairman, Imota LCDA, Builder Adeola Banjo, Chairman, Ikorodu North LCDA, Hon. Sulaimon Kazeem Olanrewwaju, Chairman, Ikorodu North LCDA and Hon. Wasiu Adeshina, Chairman, Ikorodu Local Government, Hon. Taiwo Orenuga, Chairman APC Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA, Hon. Sefiu Ogunyemi, former Council Leader, Ikorodu LG and APC chieftain, Council leaders and Councilors from Igbogb/Bayeku LCDA, Mayor Muhydeen Sanwoola, Executive Assistant to Governor on park Management, Comrade Lekan Biliamin Oba, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Social Development, Chief (Dr.) Omotunde Ogunlaja, President, IDEA, Alhaji Jamiu Abdullahi, APC chieftain, Mr Nasril Andu, Chairman, Igbogbo Day Planning Committee, Hameed Olalekan Aroyewun, Chairmanship aspirant, Mr Shakiru Seidu, Chairmanship aspirant and other councils across the state among others.
