Felix Mbata, Lagos state
When Mayor Dr. Olufemi Akanbi Okeowo, Executive Chairman of Ifelodun LCDA, took the helm, he pledged steady hands and a steadfast heart. This year’s fifth Christmas Carol and Thanksgiving, held on council premises for the first time, showcases the tangible results of his initiatives. The move from external venues to an in‑house celebration is clear evidence of the progress and pride he has cultivated, uniting residents, staff, and partners under one roof and setting the stage for even greater achievements..
The 2025 Christmas Carol of Renewed Hope and Thanksgiving event was a milestone. It was the fifth edition, and each year we have grown better than the last. This year’s celebration was far more vibrant than any before, thanks to the move to the council premises and the broad invitation extended to leaders across Lagos, the nation, and even beyond. Seeing national figures and community members gather on our grounds filled us with gratitude. We thank God for the success and for the opportunity to share that joy with our people.
Your prophecies have come to pass. You told Nigerians to be patient with President Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, and today we see the fruits of that patience. Food prices have dropped dramatically, hope is resurfacing, and the Renewed Hope agenda is delivering results. Nigeria is getting better every day, and with President Tinubu’s leadership, peace is gradually returning. There are still areas that need improvement, but we are confident that those gaps will be closed soon.
On security, the president is taking serious steps to protect lives and property, especially in the regions most affected by unrest. We are proud to support his efforts and to see our community benefit from a more stable environment.
When asked about the rapid completion of projects started in 2024, I emphasize that it is a collective effort. The leaders of our party, the management team, and all stakeholders share the belief that once a project is started, it must be finished. We run each initiative from conception to delivery, never stopping until it is actualized. That commitment is why you see projects moving forward without the usual delays.
We recently received the Ajegunle Business School award for excellence in infrastructure development and support for humanity, among other recognitions. Such accolades spur us onward. To whom much is given, much is expected. The more resources we receive from the federal government, the more we invest in education, health, and palliatives for our people. That is the dividend of democracy we are proud to deliver.
Our “Okeowo‑Food, Okeowo‑Education, Okeowo‑Business” initiatives are not just slogans. Before the Christmas celebration, we distributed rice and other essentials to families in need. Sharing during this season is a manifestation of our duty as a government—to show love, to give, and to ensure that no one feels alone. We will continue to issue palliatives and support because that is what leadership demands.
I must also acknowledge the APC leaders who have stood with us: Senators Musiliu Obanikoro, Ganiu Solomon, Prince Rabiu Oluwa, Hon. Cornelius Ojelabi, Hon. Kayode Robert, Hon. Jamiu All‑Balogun, Hon. Olumoh Lukman, Hon. Olalekan Akindipe, Hon. Taiwo Adenekan, Hon. Kolawole Taiwo, HRM Oba Muhammad Oluwa (Olu of Iwa and Apapa), Hon. Fatai Ajidagba, Hon. Dr. Biola Ajijola, and many others. They are major stakeholders, senators, ministers, and community champions. Their appreciation of the work we are doing in Ifelodun motivates us to keep improving infrastructure, to remain “good boys” to President Tinubu and Governor Sanwo‑Olu, and to continue building a united APC family across Lagos and Nigeria.
In the coming year, Ifelodun LCDA will continue its trajectory of continuous improvement. We will raise the standard of our facilities, create new avenues for economic activity, and ensure that every project meets higher benchmarks. The vision that began in my first term is now a living, breathing reality, and with the support of our people and our leaders, there is no limit to what we can achieve.
From the first term to the latest carol, Okeowo’s steadfastness is lifting Ifelodun LCDA, turning promises into palpable progress and setting a benchmark for local governance across Nigeria.