Olowu of Owu, HRM Oba (Prof) Saka Adelola Matemilola; Senator Gbenga Daniel, representing Ogun East; Director General, Imo Broadcasting Corporation; German Consul General, Weert Borner; and Tope Ojo, CEO, Autogig International Resource Limited, were among the dignitaries and speakers at the maiden edition of Nigeria Grassroots Governance Summit and Awards 2024.
The summit with the themed: ‘Sustainable Grassroots Governance; The Panacea for a Resilient Democracy and Progressive Economy,’ also had in attendance Adedamola Kasunmu of Lagos Assembly; Abdulbaqi Balogun, MD LAGFERRY; and Dr.Jimoh Ibrahim, CEO,Midas Partners, among others.
In her welcome address, Oluwatomisin Badewole, Executive Director, Hope for the Masses Foundation, organisers of the event said the theme touched on something that lies at the very core of nation building {the power of grassroots governance].
True governance, she said, does not begin in high offices or national policies, but in the villages, towns, local communities where the ordinary Nigerian wakes up each day striving for a better life.
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Olowu of Owu, Oba Saka Matemilola, who spoke on ‘Kingship and Governance-Navigating the Cultural and Administrative Roles of Traditional Rulers in Modern Local Government Structures,’ emphasized on trust in leadership, accountability, inclusive, responsive and consensus oriented for good governance.
Ify Onyegbule spoke on positive reportage for grassroots development and Senator Gbanga Daniel ably represented by his Chief of staff,Dr Onadeko spoke on ]from leadership to legacy; the power of community -centered governance.
The papers presentation was followed by awards presentation. Apapa/Iganmu LCDA received the best female led LCDA. Execllemc in citizen focus initiative award went to Coker/Aguda LCDA and Itire-Ikate LCDA.
For innovative programmes that empowered young people awards was won by Agboyi-Ketu LCDA,welfare intervention to address social and economic for the vulnerable,the winner was Somolu LGA .
The award for disability compliance and inclusiveness was also won by Somolu LGA.
Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government emerged as the standout honoree sweeping major awards across several categories.
Recognized for its exemplary contributions to grassroots development, Ifako-Ijaiye LGA, under the leadership of *Executive Chairman Prince Usman Akanbi Hamzat (UAH)*, received accolades for achievements in Unprecedented Road Construction Health Infrastructure, Employment and Empowerment, Wellbeing, and Sports Development.
Prince Usman’s leadership was particularly lauded for its focus on infrastructural development, with a survey conducted by major corporate partners of NIGGASA, including BudgIt, Hope for the Masses Foundation, and Paperless, confirming an impressive portfolio of 81 infrastructural projects, 54 of which were dedicated to road construction alongside construction of a nearly-completed Mini Sports Complex within his first 3 years in office.
Since assuming office in 2021, Prince Usman has driven significant transformation, with visible improvements across the Local Government Area.
The Executive Chairman was represented by Hon. Fasusi Kolawole (Mr Bachel), Secretary to the Local Government, who was joined by a delegation from Ifako-Ijaiye, including Hon. Olalekan Abdul-Waheed Agbeniga (Special Adviser, Budget and Planning), Lateef Oladimeji Salaam (Chief Press Secretary), Mr. Yussuf Olamilekan (Special Adviser, New Media), Mr. Afeez Mustapha (Special Adviser, Policy and Strategy), and Mr. Oluwafemi Ojo (Special Adviser, Partnership and Innovation).
Their collective presence underscored the team effort that has driven Ifako-Ijaiye’s development strides in recent times.
In addition to accolades from the summit’s partners, notable figures praised the Local Government’s achievements.
During his presentation, the German Consul General, Weert Börner, commended Ifako-Ijaiye and other awardees for promoting impactful governance at the grassroots, while HRM Oba Prof. Saka Adelola Adisa Matilola, the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, applauded the team for their commitment to progress and encouraged them to continue their efforts for the people’s benefit.
Hon. Fasusi, speaking on behalf of Prince Usman, dedicated the awards to the residents of Ifako-Ijaiye, attributing the accomplishments to their support and cooperation.