Mayor marks one year of survival from life-threatening illness with prayer, food and community engagement
Felix Mbata, Lagos state
It was a day of joy, testimonies and thanksgiving in Ifelodun Local Council Development Area on Saturday, 2nd August 2026, as the Executive Chairman, Mayor Olufemi Akanbi Okeowo, PhD, hosted over 1,000 residents to a special prayer and food outreach in appreciation to Almighty God for preserving his life exactly one year after surviving a life-threatening illness.
What began as the council’s monthly prayer gathering took a deeper dimension, drawing political leaders, clerics, market people and residents who came together under one roof to celebrate God’s faithfulness and pray for the continued peace and progress of Ifelodun.
The atmosphere was filled with gratitude as respected Islamic and Christian leaders took turns to minister. Among them were Sheikh Ahmad Hannaphy Almubaraq, Prophet Elijah Adeniyi (Baba Niwoyiola), Sheikh Abdulrahaman Akewuyanju Oyan, representatives of CAN, the League of Imams, and a representative of Sheikh Tanimola. The clerics unanimously thanked God for sparing the Chairman’s life and urged residents to remain steadfast in faith and united for community development.
In an emotional moment, the Apex Leader of APC in Ifelodun, Hon. Taiwo Oyewole Adenekan, recounted how dark that period was when the Mayor battled the illness. He described the recovery as “nothing short of divine intervention” and called on party faithful and residents to keep praying for the Chairman and supporting his administration.
The thanksgiving received a special boost with the presence of Moremi Ojudu, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (South West). She was in Ifelodun after concluding the Ajeromi-Ifelodun legs of the #EngageLagos Market Storm Community Engagement Project — a grassroots initiative that takes Federal Government policies directly to traders, artisans, transport workers and residents in market communities to boost civic participation.
As a demonstration of compassion, Mayor Okeowo provided meals for over 1,000 residents who attended the thanksgiving. The gesture was received with joy and prayers from beneficiaries across the council.
Dignitaries at the event included members of the APC Apex Leadership Council (G17), Council Legislators, Ward Chairmen, the Super Women, party leaders, community stakeholders and well-wishers from within and outside Ifelodun LCDA.
In his closing remarks, Mayor Okeowo poured out his heart in gratitude to God, residents, political associates and religious leaders whose prayers and support sustained him through his darkest moment.
“Today is not about me, it is about God’s mercy and the love of the people of Ifelodun. I am alive to serve you better,” he said.
The Unique Model Magazine joins the people of Ifelodun to celebrate God’s faithfulness upon Mayor Okeowo and commends the fusion of governance, faith and community engagement witnessed at the event.
Source: Kamaldeen Iyanda Abdulsalam, Executive Assistant/CPS to the Executive Chairman, Ifelodun LCDA.