The Executive Chairman of Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government, Hon. Olamilekan Olu Akindipe, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to inclusiveness, peace, and equal opportunity for all residents, as leaders of the Igbo community in the area pledged unwavering support for the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking at a well-attended stakeholders’ engagement with members of the Igbo community, the chairman expressed pleasant surprise at the large turnout, noting that it reflected trust in the current administration and shared belief in peaceful coexistence.
“This is a new regime. We are all brothers and sisters,” the chairman said. “If you have any complaints, take them to your leaders. My door is always open to you and your leaders. Nobody will intimidate you. We will only appeal, and that is what I am doing here today,appealing that you join us to build a greater Ajeromi where your children and my children will live together as one.”
Addressing concerns around ongoing political registration exercises, the chairman explained that valid voter cards and active National Identification Numbers (NIN) were required, acknowledging the challenges many residents faced with inactive NINs. He disclosed that the council had, since January 5, provided a permanent canopy where residents could resolve NIN issues free of charge.
“About 50 to 60 per cent of people who have NINs do not even know they are inactive until they get to the point of registration,” he explained. “That is why we intervened, so nobody is disenfranchised.”
Emphasising that his administration was driven by fairness rather than sentiment, the chairman highlighted the distribution of palliatives across churches and religious institutions in the local government, cutting across denominations.
“Our palliatives cover almost all churches; Catholic, Anglican, Redeemed, TREM, Assemblies of God, MFM, New Creatures, among others. I am laying a legacy that we are all equal, whether Christian or Muslim. We all have equal rights,” he said.
He further stressed the importance of peace as the foundation of economic stability and communal growth, warning that insecurity and unrest drive residents away from their homes and livelihoods.
“Peace is what we need most. Without peace, you cannot be comfortable at home or in your business. Lagos has worked hard to preserve harmony, and that is what we must sustain for ourselves and our children,” he added, recalling past inter-ethnic clashes and urging residents never to allow a repeat.
Earlier, Rev. Ifembiri Eugene, who led the opening prayer, prayed for sustained peace and unity in Ajeromi and Lagos State at large.
Responding on behalf of the Igbo leadership, Hon. Chief Barr. Anayochukwu Emenua commended the chairman’s openness and inclusive leadership, assuring him of the community’s political commitment.
“We know what to do. APC will be victorious,” he declared, as the crowd chorused in unison, pledging their votes to the ruling party.
Hon. Ifeoma Anene also urged residents without voter cards to take advantage of arrangements made by the Igbo leadership, including transportation to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office in Tolu for voter registration, and access to the NIN support centre provided by the chairman.
In his remarks, a former Chairman of Ndi Igbo in APC, Chief Uche Amagba, described the council chairman as “God-sent” and reassured him of the sincerity of Igbo support for the party and its leadership.
“We are real in our support for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. We are not window dressing,” he said.
