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
The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in Kwara State, Honourable Bashir Omolaja Bolarinwa has visited the state Governor, AbdulRahman AbadulRazaq in his office, it was gathered.
It was reported further that the visit took place in the last of Monday evening , 27 April, 2026.
According to sources, the meeting was conveyed to intimate the Governor on the official declaration of Bolarinwa to contest for the governorship seat of the state coming up today, Tuesday, 28 April, 2026 in Ilorin.
Reports indicated that the APC governorship aspirant popularly called BOB by supporters and admirers, was warmly received by the Governor.
Bolarinwa, former Chairman of APC in Kwara State is one of the front line aspirants for the governorship ticket of APC in Kwara State
Stakeholders of the All-Progressives Congress (APC) in Zamfara State have thrown their full weight behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Dauda Lawal for a second term in the 2027 general elections.
The endorsement came on Saturday, April 25, 2026, during a high-level stakeholders’ meeting convened at the Government House in Gusau. The gathering drew all four former governors of the state, elected officials, elders, and representatives of youth and women from all 14 local government areas.
Speaking at the event, Governor Lawal described the meeting as timely, noting that political activities ahead of the 2027 elections are about to intensify.
He explained that his decision to join the APC was not merely political but a strategic move to reposition Zamfara, strengthen collaboration with the federal government, and advance the Renewed Hope Agenda. He thanked stakeholders for their unwavering support throughout the transition process.
Lawal urged party leaders to manage public expectations with maturity and fairness, acknowledging that not all political aspirations can be met immediately. He stressed that leadership goes beyond positions and that political relevance comes from service and contribution to development.
He further assured that fairness, equity, and justice would guide his administration’s decisions, and called for discipline and loyalty to the party.
All four former governors of Zamfara Ahmed Sani Yarima, Mahmuda Aliyu Shinkafi, Abdul’aziz Yari, and Bello Mohammed Matawalle were present and made clear commitments to the APC and the re-election bid of the president and the governor.
Politics in Bauchi State may never remain the same again after Yusuf Maitama Tuggar officially declared his intention to contest for the top job in the state. What many expected to be an ordinary political gathering quickly transformed into a historic show of strength, popularity and mass acceptance as thousands of supporters thronged the venue in the state capital to witness the moment many believe signals a new chapter for Bauchi politics.
From the early hours of the day, roads leading to the Eid Prayer Ground, venue of the declaration was filled with enthusiastic supporters, youth groups, women associations, traditional loyalists and political stakeholders who came from different parts of the state to identify with the man many now describe as the bridge between experience, competence and modern leadership. The atmosphere was electric. Chants of solidarity songs rented the air while banners, posters and colourful attires bearing Tuggar’s image painted the city in festive colours.
For observers of Bauchi politics, the declaration was more than just another campaign launch—it was a statement. It was a loud signal that Tuggar remains one of the most formidable political figures in the state today. The sheer size of the crowd and the organic enthusiasm displayed by supporters suggested that his political relevance has only grown stronger over time.
Known for his calm intellect, diplomatic reach and strategic thinking, Tuggar has built a reputation that stretches beyond Bauchi and Nigeria. His years in public service, particularly at the national level, have positioned him as a politician with global exposure and local understanding. Supporters believe these qualities make him uniquely qualified to steer Bauchi into a new era of prosperity, investment and inclusive governance.
At the venue, speakers after speakers extolled his leadership qualities, describing him as a son of the soil who has remained connected to his roots despite his national and international engagements. Many praised his accessibility, humility and commitment to youth development, while others insisted that Bauchi needs a leader with vision, networks and the courage to make bold decisions.
During his speech the former Foreign Affairs Minister said he presented himself not merely as a candidate, but as a humble servant committed to the progress and prosperity of the good people of Bauchi State. With the vision to anchor on strengthening agriculture as a driver of economic growth and food security, while ensuring the prompt and consistent payment of salaries and gratuities to preserve the dignity and welfare of our civil servants.
‘’I am dedicated to advancing youth and women empowerment through sustainable opportunities that foster inclusion, productivity, and self-reliance. My agenda also prioritizes comprehensive infrastructural development to support economic activities and improve the quality of life across the state.
Furthermore, I am committed to delivering accessible and high-quality education and healthcare systems that meet the needs of our people, alongside promoting innovation and ICT development as tools for modernization and global competitiveness. Above all, my mission is centered on improving the overall well-being of every citizen of Bauchi State through responsive, people-oriented governance’’ He stated.
Political analysts say the declaration instantly changes the arithmetic of the Bauchi governorship race. With one appearance, Tuggar has injected momentum, excitement and renewed competition into the contest. Rivals, many believe, can no longer ignore the strength he commands or the growing movement around his candidacy.
As the sun set on the colourful gathering, one message rang clear across the state capital: Tuggar is not merely testing the waters—he has entered the race with force, structure and undeniable public goodwill.