One of the constant declarations of Chairman Akeem Olalekan Dauda (AKOD) since assuming office has been his commitment to making Ikeja the model local government in Nigeria. His visionary I.K.E.J.A AGENDA, the master blueprint for his administration, reflects this aspiration in clear, practical, and measurable terms. While marking 100 days in office is a common tradition among governments across the country, AKOD chose a different path by celebrating 100 working days, a deliberate move to distinguish his leadership style and to amplify the value of service, productivity, and impact.
The annual Spelling Bee Competition, an initiative introduced by the former First Lady of Lagos State, now the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has inspired countless Lagos children through the One-Day Governor concept. Traditionally, at the local government level, pupils compete, winners are rewarded, and the event ends there, until they proceed to slug it out at the state finals.
But in his characteristic think-out-of-the-box style, Chairman AKOD has rewritten the narrative.
In just his first 100 working days and presiding over his first Ikeja Spelling Bee Competition, AKOD decided to elevate the experience for the pupils by replicating the state’s One-Day Governor model at the local government level. He boldly transformed the competition from a simple academic contest into a leadership development platform.
For the first time in the history of local government administration in Lagos State, the overall winner of the Ikeja Spelling Bee 2025 was not just given a prize and sent home, she became the One-Day Chairman of Ikeja Local Government. The second-place winner became the One-Day Vice Chairman, and the third-place winner served as the One-Day Leader of the House.
This unprecedented initiative is more than symbolic; it is transformational. It creates memorable, life-shaping experiences for Ikeja children and exposes them early to governance, leadership, and responsibility. History shows that opportunities like this can change destinies, the first One-Day Governor in Lagos State is today a PhD holder and a successful oil and gas magnate. Such inspiration may very well propel Miss Zainab Ismail and her fellow winners toward greatness.
Chairman AKOD has once again demonstrated that leadership is about innovation, vision, and courage to depart from the norm. His commitment to making Ikeja a model local government is not mere rhetoric; it is visible in his actions. This groundbreaking initiative positions Ikeja as a reference point not just within Lagos, but across Nigeria and potentially on the global stage.
With AKOD at the helm, Ikeja is on a forward march. And this is only the beginning,
more groundbreaking, unprecedented initiatives are on the way.
Chairman AKOD is filled with ideas, energy, and the determination to keep setting the pace in grassroots governance.
Ikeja is rising. Better Days are here.