Ikeja Local Government has taken decisive steps towards delivering a people-focused and development-driven 2026 budget following a two-day strategic budget retreat held in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.
The retreat, which commenced on Friday, December 12, 2025, at AM2PM Hotel and Suites, Ijebu Ode, Ogun State was convened under the leadership of the Executive Chairman, Comrade Akeem Olalekan Dauda (AKOD), as part of efforts to strengthen fiscal responsibility, improve service delivery and align governance with the needs of Ikeja residents.
Coordinated by the Department of Planning, Budget, Research and Statistics, led by Dr Yemisi Anita Rasak, the retreat brought together heads of departments and units, area officers, key management staff, facilitators and political office holders, including the Vice Chairman, Hon. Abisola Omisore, and the Chief of Staff to the Chairman, Chief Adeyi Adeniyi.
Focus on Wellness, Transparency and Accountability
Day One of the retreat featured two major sessions aimed at building institutional capacity and enhancing effective governance.
The first session, facilitated by Dr Alex, focused on “How to Ensure Longevity,” highlighting the importance of personal health, mental wellness and productivity among public servants as critical drivers of efficient service delivery.
The second session, led by Dr Wasiu, examined the Public Procurement Process, with emphasis on due process, transparency, compliance and value-for-money in government spending. Participants were urged to uphold ethical standards and ensure that public resources are deployed efficiently for the benefit of the people.
Strengthening Revenue and Fiscal Planning
Participants also engaged in robust deliberations on 2025 revenue performance, identifying challenges affecting Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), loopholes in collection processes and practical strategies to strengthen revenue inflows in 2026.
Speaking during the session, Chairman AKOD stressed that a sound budget remains the backbone of effective governance, charging departments to be strategic, innovative and realistic in their planning.
“The 2026 budget must reflect the aspirations of the people of Ikeja and align with our development agenda,” he said.
Day Two: Deepening People-Centred Budgeting
Day Two of the retreat shifted focus to technical budgeting and implementation strategies, with Mr Ibrahim Bajomo delivering an in-depth presentation on “The Budget Process and Its Importance.”
He explained the stages of budget formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation, emphasizing that allocations must translate into tangible outcomes such as improved infrastructure, quality service delivery and sustainable grassroots development.
In her remarks, the Council Manager, Mrs Juliana Taiwo Odubeko, commended the quality of discussions and urged departments to align their proposals with the administration’s priorities.
“Budgeting must go beyond figures. Every allocation must reflect accountability, value for money and measurable impact on the lives of our people,” she said.
AKOD: 2026 Budget Must Be Practical and People-Driven
Addressing participants on Day Two, Chairman AKOD charged heads of departments to be deliberate and people-focused in their submissions, noting that the Y2026 budget must be a practical working document anchored on the I.K.E.J.A Agenda.
He stressed the need to sustain ongoing projects while initiating new interventions that respond to the most pressing needs of residents, adding that the retreat was designed to promote transparency, stakeholder inclusion and effective utilisation of public funds.
Commitment to Sustainable Development
The retreat concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session, allowing participants to share insights and seek clarifications. Certificates of attendance were presented to participants by the Executive Chairman, marking the end of what officials described as a productive and impactful planning exercise.
Stakeholders at the retreat expressed optimism that the outcomes would translate into a credible, implementable and people-oriented 2026 budget, capable of driving sustainable development and improving the quality of life for residents of Ikeja Local Government.
