PRESIDENCY HONOUR: Oyegbola-Sodipo Dedicates National Award to Abiodun, Yayi

....Abeokuta North LG Chairman, Oyegbola-Sodipo Dedicates Presidency Award To Abiodun, Yayi

 

 

By Our Correspondent

ABUJA — The Executive Chairman of Abeokuta North Local Government, Dr. Lanre Oyegbola-Sodipo, has dedicated his Distinguished Public Service Award in Grassroots Development to Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, and Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi), attributing the national recognition to their leadership, support and commitment to sustainable development across Ogun State.

Dr. Oyegbola-Sodipo received the prestigious award during the Nigeria Public Service Lecture Series and Awards held in Abuja as part of activities commemorating the 2026 United Nations Public Service Day.

The award, organised by the Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR) under the Presidency, celebrates public officials whose dedication, innovation and excellence in service delivery have significantly impacted grassroots communities and contributed to national development.

The Abeokuta North chairman emerged as the only recipient from Ogun State and was among just four local government chairmen selected nationwide for the honour. Other awardees were drawn from Ondo, Rivers and Akwa Ibom States, underscoring the highly competitive and merit-based nature of the selection process.

Speaking shortly after receiving the award, Dr. Oyegbola-Sodipo described the recognition as a collective achievement rather than a personal accolade, stressing that it reflected the shared commitment of government officials, council workers and residents to the development of Abeokuta North Local Government.

According to him, the award would not have been possible without the enabling environment created by Governor Dapo Abiodun, whose administration has consistently promoted excellence, accountability and effective public service delivery across the state.

“This recognition is a reflection of the enabling environment provided by Governor Dapo Abiodun, whose administration continues to encourage excellence in public service,” Oyegbola-Sodipo stated.

He praised the governor’s dedication to good governance, infrastructure development and people-centred policies, noting that such initiatives have empowered local governments to implement impactful projects and improve the quality of life of residents.

The council chairman also paid glowing tribute to Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, for his unwavering commitment to grassroots development and numerous interventions aimed at enhancing the welfare of communities across Ogun State.

Oyegbola-Sodipo noted that the senator’s developmental programmes, constituency projects and social intervention initiatives have complemented government efforts and accelerated progress in many communities.

“Senator Adeola’s people-oriented programmes and developmental interventions have contributed immensely to the transformation being witnessed across Ogun State. His support for grassroots development continues to make a positive difference in the lives of ordinary citizens,” he said.

The chairman further dedicated the award to the people of Abeokuta North Local Government and members of the council workforce, acknowledging their cooperation, hard work and commitment to the successful implementation of policies and programmes under his administration.

He described the recognition as an encouragement to do more in the areas of service delivery, infrastructure development, community empowerment and sustainable grassroots governance.

Representing the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, at the ceremony, the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, Dr. Abubakar Ibrahim Kana, congratulated the recipients and emphasised that the awards were based strictly on merit.

“You did not receive this award by chance. You were carefully monitored, evaluated and found worthy of national recognition. Your achievements have made the Federal Government proud,” Kana said.

Also speaking, the Director-General of the Bureau of Public Service Reforms, Dr. Ibrahim Arabi, described the awards as a celebration of visionary leadership, selfless service and measurable impact on society.

According to him, the annual recognition programme is designed not only to honour exceptional public servants but also to inspire greater commitment to excellence and innovation across all levels of government.

“This year’s celebration is not only about recognising the best, but also about honouring those who have made meaningful contributions to their communities and the nation at large,” Arabi stated.

The Nigeria Public Service Lecture Series and Awards remains one of the Federal Government’s flagship platforms for recognising outstanding public servants and institutions whose efforts continue to strengthen governance, promote accountability and improve service delivery nationwide.

Political observers and development stakeholders have described the recognition of Dr. Oyegbola-Sodipo as a testament to the growing reputation of Abeokuta North Local Government as a model of effective grassroots governance and people-focused development in Ogun State.

For the award recipient, however, the honour represents more than personal recognition. It stands as a national endorsement of a leadership philosophy anchored on service, accountability, community engagement and sustainable development.

As congratulations continue to pour in from across Ogun State and beyond, many believe the award will further inspire efforts to deepen grassroots development and strengthen local governance, reinforcing the crucial role local governments play in driving national progress from the grassroots upward.