Residents of Eletu Royal Estate CDA in Igando-Ikotun LCDA, Lagos have appealed the to local and state governments for infrastructural development such as good road network, drainage construction and other social amenities in their community.
The residents made the appeal on Saturday at the grand inauguration of a N90 million community-selfhelp electrification project and flagging off of over N300 million road project in the community.
The CDA Chairman, Hon. Kazeem Marshal Ilelaboye, said the projects were among the most significant developmental initiatives undertaken by the community to make life more convenient for the residents while they await government intervention.
He made it known that, the electricity project, valued at over N90 million, was funded solely through communal efforts with every landlord, resident and business owner contributing to the cause.
“We have faced numerous challenges in the past and this project will ensure that our community enjoy steady power supply. This area is often regarded as disadvantaged because of its proximity to the canal.
“However, we remain committed to adding value to our investments and improving the living conditions of residents. Many people did not believe in us and we faced discouragement, but through collaboration and determination, we were able to win the confidence of the people.
“Today, we are enjoying the benefits of our collective efforts,” he said.
Ilelaboye added that the road project would cover four major roads within the community.
He appealed to the Lagos State Government and local authority to support the community in executing the remaining part of the project.
In his remarks, Mr Olayiwola Abdurazak, the pioneer Chairman of Eletu CDA, recalled the challenges faced during his tenure when the community lacked basic infrastructure.
He said the community had continued to witness significant development under the current leadership.
Abdurazak commended Ilelaboye for his commitment to the growth of the community and his willingness to embrace constructive advice.
Chief Kazeem Kalejaiye, Chairman of the Central CDA of Isheri-Ijon, Ajaye and White Sand communities, described the occasion as a landmark achievement and lauded the efforts of the CDA chairman.
The Secretary of the CDA, Mr Lucky Ireaja, said the community had previously embarked on electricity projects to improve power supply.
According to him, the CDA has established a partnership with the Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company to ensure effective management of the electricity infrastructure.
Also, Mr Jonathan Itiveh, Deputy Chief Security Officer of the CDA, described the project as a milestone achievement.
He attributed the success to the goodwill of residents and the dynamic leadership of the CDA.
A resident, Mr Patrick Nkenchor, said the leadership of the CDA remained committed to improving the welfare of residents through impactful projects.
According to him, electricity and good road networks are critical drivers of development in any community.
He expressed optimism that Eletu community would continue to grow and become one of the most developed communities in Lagos State.
Commenting on the development, the chairman of Igando-Ikotun LCDA, Comrade Lasisi Akinsaya who was represented by the Secretary to the Local Government, Mrs Mojisola Badmus lauded the community for what he described as a democratic efforts towards community development.
He assured the community of governments’ complimentarty efforts as he announced that an iconic infrastructural project is in the pipeline for the community.
His words: “Igando-Ikotun LCDA is an area with large landmass and for us to get where we intend to get to (in terms of development) we must join hands and do it together. This is what we call democracy. They (Eletu Estate Royal CDA) have exemplified a proper democracy, which is known as the government of the people by the people and for the people. We all have to come together to do it in one way or the other,” he said as he urge other CDAs to key into such initiative.
“Igando-Ikotun LCDA appreciates this environment, community because of their collaboration and support for the government of the day very soon an iconic project is coming. Construction of a connecting road that will make life easier for everybody in the whole of this area,” he concluded.
The event which also featured free medical check up had in attendance other government officials which included the Leader and deputy leader of Igando-Ikotun legislative Arm, Hon. Olorunfemi Tajudeen and Hon. Oluwatosin Opebiyi, respectively among other community leaders.
