Former member of Lagos State House of Assembly, Honourable Dr Oluyinka Ogundimu, has congratulated the newly-elected Speaker of the Assembly, Rt Honourable Lasbat Mojisola Meranda on her new achievement.

Honourable Ogundimu described Rt Honourable Meranda’s election as well deserved nothing that the fact she was overwhelmingly voted for to lead the House by her colleagues was a testament of the confidence repose in her by them.

“That you were overwhelmingly voted for by your colleagues to lead them is a confirmation of their belief in your ability and capacity to lead them,” Dr Ogundimu said.

He stated further, “and having related, interacted and worked with you closely during the 8th and 9th Assemblies, I have no doubt that you have the ability to restore the Assembly glory and return it to its status of being above common standard of excellence”.

Dr Ogundimu, who was a member of the House in the 7th, 8th and 9th Assemblies, urged the lawmakers to rally round the new Speaker, support her and cooperate with her to make the House great again.

“It’s your collective responsibility to join hands with Rt Honourable Meranda to restore the dignity of the House,” he said

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

In the archives of The Guardian newspaper, a publication dated February 29, 1988, reveals a fascinating story of a young and ambitious businessman, Mr. Gbenga Daniel. At the time, Daniel was the General Manager of H.F-Schroeder (W.A) Limited, a company that distributed Express and Sabiem lifts, Demag cranes, and Hoists.

The article highlights Daniel’s business acumen and strategic vision as he embarked on a European tour to explore new business opportunities. His itinerary included meetings with officials from Express Lift Company Limited in Northampton, Morganite International Limited in London, and Onan International in Peterborough.

Little did anyone know that this young businessman would go on to achieve greatness in multiple fields. After leaving Schroeder, Daniel established his own company, Kresta Laurel Ltd which became the first indigenous lift company in Nigeria. This bold move marked the beginning of an illustrious career that would take him to the pinnacle of success.

Today, Mr. Gbenga Daniel is known as Otunba Gbenga Daniel (OGD), a renowned politician who has made an indelible mark on Nigeria’s political landscape. A two-time governor of Ogun State, OGD has consistently demonstrated his commitment to public service and his ability to drive positive change.

Currently, OGD serves as a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, representing the good people of Ogun East Senatorial District in the National Assembly. His dedication to his constituents and his passion for nation-building have earned him a reputation as a respected and effective leader.

As we reflect on OGD’s remarkable journey, we are reminded that success is often the result of hard work, determination, and a willingness to take calculated risks. From his humble beginnings as a young businessman to his current status as a respected politician, Otunba Gbenga Daniel’s story is a testament to the power of vision, perseverance, and leadership