Top figures in the Lagos All Progressives Congress (APC) and community leaders converged at Odiolowo/Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area (LCDA) on Friday to celebrate Rasak Ajala, the outgoing council chairman.
The event, held at the council secretariat, brought together prominent politicians including Obafemi Hamzat, Lagos deputy governor; Cornelius Ojelabi, Lagos APC chairman; Opeyemi Bamidele, senate majority leader; and members of the Lagos Governance Advisory Council (GAC) such as Rabiu Oluwa and Ganiyu Solomon.
Others present were Femi Pedro, former Lagos deputy governor; Jumoke Okoya-Thomas, Lagos APC women leader; Adeyemi Ikuforiji, ex-speaker of the Lagos house of assembly; Funmi Tejuoso, former deputy speaker; and Wasiu Eshinlokun, a serving senator.
Traditional rulers, Islamic clerics, Christian leaders and adherents of traditional faiths also attended the event in Mushin to mark the end of Ajala’s eight-year administration.
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Among the projects commissioned were the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Legacy Building — an office complex housing 186 offices, a 2,500-capacity hall, legislative chamber, e-library, health clinic, lounge and an elevator — and the Babajide Sanwo-Olu Football Arena, described as a mini stadium for local athletes.
The council also unveiled nine solar-powered hubs spread across its nine wards to provide free charging points for up to 50 devices at a time.
According to Ajala, over 100 roads were completed during his tenure, including a newly commissioned 9.2km stretch, while 13 vehicles were distributed to recognised community stakeholders.
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Addressing the gathering, Ajala said his administration focused on infrastructure, waste management, education, youth development and environmental sustainability.
“We launched the Odiolowo/Ojuwoye Transportation and Environmental Corps (OTEC) to keep our roads clean and orderly,” he said.
“Two new waste compactors will help improve refuse management and recycling.”
He credited his team, the council’s legislature and staff, traditional rulers, religious leaders, market associations, artisans and corporate groups for their support.
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Senate Majority Leader Bamidele, who was the special guest of honour, said President Bola Tinubu had been briefed on Ajala’s stewardship.
“Mr President has expressed his satisfaction with the quality of leadership Ajala provided at the grassroots level,” Bamidele said.
Hamzat, the deputy governor, praised Ajala’s legacy and challenged his successor, Hon. Seyi Jakande, to build on it.
“Ajala has raised the bar. The quality of delivery here mirrors our master plan for Lagos,” Hamzat said.
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“To the incoming chairman, you have no choice but to do well and we will support you.”
Ajala said he was leaving behind a “solid foundation” for the incoming leadership to consolidate on.
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“Governance is a continuum,” he said.
“I am hopeful that what we have started will be sustained and improved upon.”
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