Political leaders from Kosofe Federal Constituency, House of Assembly members, the Chairman of Ikoyi-Obalende LCDA, All Progressives Congress (APC) Party leaders from , the Council management, friends, family, and relatives thronged the venue of the Vanguard Newspaper Awards Gala to congratulate the Executive Chairman of Agboyi-Ketu LCDA, Mayor Dele Oshinowo who emerged as the winner of the Vanguard Icon of Grassroots Governance Award.
This award is in recognition of his exemplary leadership, infrastructure development, promotion of education, arts, and literature, support of safety and security agencies, among other initiatives. The exceptional go-getter LCDA Chairman, Dele Oshinowo who is making giant strides and attaining results that some State Governors fail to achieve has transformed Agboyi-Ketu into a mega city, the erstwhile den of criminals around Mile12 has been transformed into highbrow Estates. He has also built Stadium, Schools, Health centres, Bridge, and roads to provide infrastructural facelift.
In the area of human development, the savvy administrator supported the educational progression of indigent students with purchase of forms, supported MSMEs with grants and soft loans, provided skills empowerment and business support for youths and women, while ensuring that peace, stability, and tolerance reigns in the local council. In the political space, Oshinowo is known for being a great grassroots mobilizer who matches grand electioneering promises with proven record of good governance.
Speaking on the feat, Mayor Dele Oshinowo said: ‘I am happy and elated for this award. It is not for me alone, it represents what the LGAs and LCDAs in Lagos are doing. I am just a representative. This shows what Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has actually created a platform for us to grow and develop and think outside the box. You cannot develop Nigeria without the LGAs/LCDAs. It is the foundation of development.’
‘This is a recognition of what Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu did. I will say that the financial autonomy that some people are just talking about, we have been having it for over 20 years. The reason why Lagos is improving.’
On how he is making great progress in the local council, Oshinowo hinted: ‘I engage my people on social media, I engage by meeting with market men and women and other communities. Next Tuesday, I will be distributing N75 million to 1500 people. N50,000 is a lot for some of our petty traders. By boosting their stock with N50,000, it will greatly help. These people are trying with their small stock, they are saving, doing thrift, and sending their children to school. Last year alone, we did over N200 million.’
The local council boss also thanked the Vanguard Newspaper for creating an award category which recognizes giant strides in local council administration. ‘I want to commend Vanguard Newspaper for looking into the government to showcase what the 3rd tier is doing. I want to thank them for recognizing the 774 LGAs’, he said.
Other awardees of the 2024 Vanguard Personality of the Year Award are Deji Adeleke – Vanguard Personality of the Year; Chief Ayo Adebanjo – Posthumous Recognition; Chief Edwin Clark – Posthumous recognition; Sen. Douye Diri, Governor Of Bayelsa State; Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, Governor of Ekiti State; Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Governor of Delta State; Gov. Abba Yusuf, Governor of Kano State; Prof Charles Soludo, Governor of Anambra state, among other award winners.
Dignitaries present at the event are the Chief Host: Uncle Sam Amuka, Chairman, Vanguard Newspaper, Chairman of the event: Mr. Atedo N.A Peterside, the Arole Oodua and Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, among others.
The Artists who serenaded the audience with their melody and rhythm are Johnny Drille and Laolu Gbenjo.