Friday, 13 December, 2024, another day of glory for the Chairman of Odiolowo/Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area of Lagos, Honourable Rasaq Olusola Ajala at the prestigious MUSON Centre in the heart of Lagos.

It was the day the General Secretary of Conference 57, umbrella organisation for Council Chairmen in Lagos State bagged the Shinning Star Award for Grassroots Governance presented to him by the Lagos State chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR).

It was the Lagos Public Relations Industry Gala and Awards (LaPRIGA 2024) and the Shell Hall of the MUSON Centre was packed full.

At the event on that day, Ajala was the cynosure of eyes as the entire council management led by the Council Manager, Pastor (Mrs) Folake Otenaike; and the Treasurer, Mr Mujitaba Rufai-Karounwi were on hand to felicitate with him.

Ajala’s amiable but ever humble wife, Alhaja Muheebah Kehinde Ajala, was also on hand to ensure that everything went well in terms of reception for the guests.

The political class led by the Council’s Vice Chairman, Seyi Jakande; the Chairman of the Council’s chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Tunde Kazeem (TUNKAZ); the Secretary to the Local Government, Alhaji Mujeeb Daramola; and the Supervisor for Health Services, Honourable Nureni Ogunbona were present.

The elected councillors were led by the Leader of the Legislative Arm of the Council, Honourable Rilwan Ajenifuja were also on hand to felicitate with their Chairman.

The award was presented to the Odiolowo/Ojuwoye LCDA Chairman by his teacher and mentor, Pastor (Dr) Peter Ogudero.

The Chairman of the Lagos State chapter of NIPR, Mrs Comfort Obot Nwankwo, described Ajala as an astute grassroots politician who is well connected with his people.

“He is a man of the people, always in their midst and his programmes have always centred on improving their standard of living and enhancing their welfare,” she said.

An elated Ajala, while responding after the presentation of the award, expressed gratitude to the organisers which he described as a recognition from the homefront, “because I’m also a member of the NIPR”.

He assured the organisers and the people of his council that rather than rest on his oars with the award, he will continue to do more to enhance their welfare.

“The reward for hard work is more work and I want to assure you all that we will not rest on our oars with this award.

“This is an award won via collective team work hence I’m dedicating it to the elected, appointed, management and staff of Odiolowo/Ojuwoye LCDA and more, to the people of Odiolowo/Ojuwoye LCDA,” he said