Hon. (Engr.) Abiola Okanlawon Olowu, FNSE, joined traditional rulers, community leaders, youth groups, market women and other stakeholders at the Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Town Hall Meeting and 2027 Budget Consultative Forum held at the Local Government Secretariat, Igando-Oloja.
Epe Insights reports that the forum was convened by the Executive Chairman of Ibeju-Lekki Local Government, Hon. (Engr.) Abdullahi Sesan Olowa, as part of efforts to deepen community participation in the 2027 budget process.
Olowu, who is the APC candidate for Lagos State House of Assembly, Ibeju-Lekki Constituency I, participated in the engagement alongside other stakeholders and representatives of different groups within the community.
His presence at the forum provided an opportunity for him to engage with residents and stakeholders on issues relating to development, representation and the future priorities of Ibeju-Lekki.
Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Olowu commended Chairman Olowa for bringing residents and stakeholders together as part of the budget consultation.
According to Olowu, the involvement of community stakeholders in determining budget priorities provides an avenue for residents to contribute their perspectives on issues affecting their communities.
He also commended the administration for presenting its development initiatives through the S.H.I.E.L.D Agenda, which covers Security, Health, Infrastructure, Education, Environment, Local Economy and Digital Governance.
Olowu said the approach demonstrates the importance of connecting government programmes with the needs identified by residents.
He noted that collaboration among stakeholders would remain important as Ibeju-Lekki continues to experience significant economic and infrastructural activity.
The constituency is home to major developments and investments, including the Lekki Free Trade Zone, Dangote Refinery and Lekki Deep Sea Port.
Olowu said the scale of these developments makes effective coordination among government institutions and elected representatives important in addressing community needs.
He stressed the need for residents to benefit from opportunities associated with the economic activities taking place within the area.
The forum also gave Olowu an opportunity to listen to concerns and expectations from community stakeholders as discussions on the 2027 Budget progressed.
He maintained that legislative representation and local government administration can complement each other through constructive engagement and collaboration.
Olowu’s participation came against the backdrop of preparations for the 2027 Lagos State House of Assembly election, in which he is the APC candidate for Ibeju-Lekki Constituency I.
The APC candidate has previously been involved in community-focused interventions in Ibeju-Lekki. Epe Insights reported earlier in September that he facilitated the provision and installation of a 500KVA transformer for residents of Ibaoloja Road, Ibeju Agbe.
At the budget forum, however, Olowu’s focus was on the importance of participatory governance and cooperation among stakeholders.
Chairman Olowa presented the administration’s development agenda and highlighted projects and programmes across different sectors.
The S.H.I.E.L.D Agenda places attention on security, healthcare, infrastructure, education, environmental management, the local economy and digital governance.
The forum was therefore structured to combine a review of development activities with discussions on priorities for the coming fiscal year.
Olowu joined traditional institutions, community leaders, youth representatives, market groups and other stakeholders in the engagement.
The gathering also provided a platform for residents to participate in discussions concerning projects, services and interventions that may receive attention under the 2027 Budget.
For Olowu, the consultation was an opportunity to underline the importance of cooperation between the local government and future legislative representation.
He said stronger coordination could help ensure that the interests of residents remain part of discussions surrounding development in the constituency.
The event was attended by other political and community stakeholders who participated in the town hall dialogue.
Their presence reflected the broad range of interests involved in the development planning process in Ibeju-Lekki.
The local government is expected to consider contributions from residents and stakeholders as it works towards finalising priorities for the 2027 fiscal year.
The consultative process also allows communities to communicate their needs directly to government representatives.
As Ibeju-Lekki continues to attract major investments and population growth, issues surrounding infrastructure, employment, education, healthcare, security and community development remain central to public discussions.
The participation of stakeholders such as Olowu at the forum adds to the ongoing engagement around these priorities.
The 2027 Budget Consultative Forum consequently provided another platform for dialogue between the local government, residents, traditional institutions and other stakeholders.
For Olowu, the engagement offered an opportunity to listen, contribute to the discussion and highlight the importance of collaboration in addressing the needs of Ibeju-Lekki Constituency I.
