Wale Jagun
The Lagos State Government through the Office of Rural Development has honoured outstanding contributors to the grassroots governance, community service and infrastructural development in the state at the maiden Lagos State Community Development Advisory Council (LSCDAC) Merit Awards.
At the award ceremony held at the Adeyemi Bero Hall, Alausa Secretariat, Ikeja, on Wednesday, December 17, awards were presented in grassroots governance category, Lifetime Achievements (posthumous), Excellence and other areas.
Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, Chairman, APC Lagos State led in the Merit Award of Excellence category, with Hon. Lanre Balogun, former Commissioner for Rural Development, Hon. Teslim Folami, former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. M. O. Akinsanya and Mr. Jafaar Babatunde Sanuth also receiving awards.
In the Merit Award for Grassroots Governance were past and serving Council Chairmen – Mr. Johnson Sunday Babatunde, former Executive Chairman, Oriade LCDA, Otunba Adebayo Olasoju – Executive Chairman, Isolo LCDA, Hon. Muibi Alade Folawiyo – Executive Chairman, Lagos Island East LCDA, Princess Samiat Abolanle Bada – Executive Chairman, Ikosi-Isheri LCDA, Prince Usman Akanbi Hamzat – Executive Chairman, Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government, Hon. (Engr.) Abdullahi Sesan Olowa – Executive Chairman, Ibeju-Lekki Local Government, Hon. Rasulu Olushola Idowu – Former Executive Chairman, Ojo Local Government, Hon. David Olusegun Odunmbaku – Executive Chairman, Ojodu LCDA and Hon. Monsuru Oloyede Bello – Former Executive Chairman, Ejigbo LCDA.
Dr Nurudeen Yekinn Agbaje, Special Adviser on Rural Development, in a statement said the awards which received the approval of the Governor of Lagos State, His Excellency, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, reiterated the objectives of CDAs in the state.
“At the event, the office reiterated the objectives and functions of Community Development Associations (CDAs), which include promoting self-help projects, mobilising and managing community funds, maintaining completed projects, fostering unity and leadership, supporting government policies and programmes, disseminating vital grassroots information, and addressing the felt needs of communities to improve living standards.
“The maiden LSCDAC Merit Awards celebrated outstanding contributions to grassroots governance, community service and infrastructural development across Lagos State.”
Dr Agbaje commended the LSCDAC leadership, under Alhaji Azeez Hamzat, for institutionalising this initiative, which strengthens community-driven development and supports our collective vision for inclusive and sustainable rural development in Lagos State.
Other awardees in the Merit Award for Lifetime Achievement (Posthumous) category were Late Alhaji Yinusa Adisa Akinola, Late Chief Israel Orija, Late Mr. Banky Adenusi and Late Elder Jola Ogunlusi
In the category of the Merit Award for Impactful Service, Mr. Eniola Awolaru and Alhaja Sherifah Ewumi-Dosunmu received honours, while Alhaji M.A.K. Dosunmu, Alhaji Tajudeen A. Quadri, Elder Ebenezer Enayon Kuponu and Elder Olusola Esan were honoured in the Awards for Community Development.
Lagos Television (LTV) is the sole recipient of the Award for Sustained Media Support.
