Ward E2 Charts a Bold New Course as UJCDA Hosts Transformative 2025 Summit in Erikorodo
By Emmanuel Daniji
The United Joint Community Development Association (UJCDA) Ward E2, Erikorodo, set the tone for renewed grassroots progress on Thursday as it hosted its 2025 End-of-the-Year Summit—an annual gathering that has become a signature platform for reflection, collaboration, and strategic planning in the community. Themed “Strengthening Community Governance for Sustainable Development,” the summit united residents, traditional leaders, development partners, and local government officials in a shared commitment to shaping a stronger future for the ward.
A warm sense of purpose filled the hall as UJCDA Chairman, Hon. Babayemisi Kehinde Fakunmoju, opened the gathering with a reflection on the association’s journey. From its founding at Parafa Alagemo Palace in 2020 by visionary leaders, the UJCDA has grown into a vibrant engine of unity and progress. Fakunmoju described the summit as a continuation of the association’s mission to deepen peace, strengthen transparency, and advance development that truly reflects the needs of the people.
Representing the Chairman of Ikorodu North LCDA, Mayor Ameen Olawale Apanisile, the Vice Chairman, Hon. Aliu Matthew Adesanya, delivered a message of commendation and encouragement. Mayor Ameen praised the UJCDA for its people-centered initiatives and consistent dedication to grassroots empowerment. He affirmed the council’s continued support for community-led projects and appealed to residents—especially youths and women—to become more involved in shaping the future of Ward E2. His message emphasized collaboration, partnership, and active civic participation as the way forward.
One of the defining moments of the summit came from the keynote presentation by Pastor Taiwo Kayode, who spoke passionately on the indispensable role of community leadership in building a unified and secure environment. He highlighted the importance of synergy among residents, security institutions, and traditional rulers, stressing that sustainable development thrives only when a community stands together.
Adding to the depth of the summit was the message from the CDC Chairman of Ikorodu North LCDA, Prince Niran Ogunbanwo, who commended the Joint CDA for sustaining a forum that consistently brings the community together to assess progress and plan for the road ahead. He praised the annual summit as a strategic tool for identifying areas of need and deepening collaboration across the ward. Prince Ogunbanwo reaffirmed the CDC’s commitment to supporting all CDAs, urging leaders to champion transparency and encouraging residents to remain engaged. He also called for continued support for the administration of Mayor Ameen Apanisile, whose leadership he described as instrumental to the developmental progress recorded in Ikorodu North.
In his detailed address, Chairman Fakunmoju highlighted several milestones achieved by the UJCDA in recent years, including improved coordination among CDAs, strengthened partnerships with government agencies and NGOs, WaterAid-supported hygiene programs, enhanced peace-building engagements, and productive security collaborations. He noted the visible infrastructural gains facilitated by political leaders and emphasized that these improvements mirror the collective determination of the Ward E2 community.
Looking toward the coming year, he outlined a strategic roadmap focused on strengthening security structures, expanding access to clean water and hygiene initiatives, empowering youths with skills and leadership opportunities, promoting responsible governance, deepening peaceful coexistence, and executing new development projects that will uplift all residents.
A colorful highlight of the event was the recognition of distinguished philanthropists and contributors whose selfless efforts have had a lasting impact on Ward E2. Award recipients were celebrated for their roles in infrastructure development, community welfare, and empowerment programs—acts of service that continue to inspire progress.
Hon. Fakunmoju rounded off the summit with heartfelt appreciation to development partners, donors, political stakeholders, security agencies, traditional institutions, and residents for their unwavering support. He reminded the community that sustainable development is only possible when everyone plays a part, urging all stakeholders to remain united and committed.
The gathering concluded with a renewed spirit of optimism and a shared resolve to build a safer, more prosperous, and more organized Ward E2, Erikorodo—anchored on unity, collaboration, and transparent governance.
Present at the summit were notable leaders, including the Vice Chairman of Ikorodu North LCDA, Hon. Ali Matthew Adesanya; CDC Chairman, Prince Adeniran Ogunbanwo; Hon. Bose Benson; Leader of the House, Alhaji Isikilu Yekini; various CDC executives; CDA chairmen; traditional rulers; and respected community elders whose presence added depth and prestige to the occasion.
