The Executive Chairman of Abeokuta North Local Government, Dr. Lanre Oyegbola-Sodipo, has been honoured with the Distinguished Public Service Award in Grassroots Development by the Presidency, joining a select group of public office holders recognised for outstanding contributions to community development and effective service delivery at the grassroots.
The award was presented during the Nigeria Public Service Lecture Series and Awards held in Abuja as part of activities commemorating the 2026 United Nations Public Service Day.
Organised by the Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR) under the Presidency, the annual event celebrates public servants and elected officials whose leadership, innovation and commitment to service have positively impacted their communities and contributed significantly to national development.
Dr. Oyegbola-Sodipo emerged as the only local government chairman from Ogun State to receive the prestigious award and was among only four council chairmen selected nationwide, alongside counterparts from Ondo, Rivers and Akwa Ibom states.
Representing the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, at the event, the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, Dr. Abubakar Ibrahim Kana, said the award recipients were carefully selected after a rigorous assessment process.
According to him, the award was not based on political considerations but on measurable achievements and contributions to public service.
“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 and serve as examples of what is possible through dedication, innovation and commitment to public service,” Kana said.
Also speaking, the Director-General of the Bureau of Public Service Reforms, Dr. Ibrahim Arabi, described the award as a celebration of excellence, integrity and impactful leadership.
“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.
The awardees have demonstrated exceptional commitment to service and have distinguished themselves through initiatives that have positively affected the lives of the people,” Arabi stated.
Reacting to the recognition, Dr. Oyegbola-Sodipo expressed gratitude to the Presidency and the organisers for the honour, describing the award as a challenge to do even more for the people of Abeokuta North and Ogun State.
The council chairman dedicated the award to Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, whom he credited with creating an enabling environment for public servants and elected officials to excel.
“This recognition is a reflection of the enabling environment provided by Governor Dapo Abiodun, whose administration continues to encourage excellence, accountability and innovation in public service. His unwavering support for local government administration has made it possible for us to deliver impactful projects and programmes to our people,” he said.
Oyegbola-Sodipo also paid tribute to the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Ogun State, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, for his contributions to infrastructural and human capital development across the state.
According to him, Senator Adeola’s commitment to grassroots development and people-oriented interventions has complemented the efforts of local government administrations and contributed significantly to the socio-economic advancement of communities.
The council chairman further dedicated the award to the people of Abeokuta North Local Government and members of the local government workforce, noting that the honour was a collective achievement.
“This award belongs to the good people of Abeokuta North and the dedicated workforce of the council whose commitment, cooperation and support have made our modest achievements possible. It is a recognition of our collective efforts and shared vision for the development of our local government,” he said.
Since assuming office, Oyegbola-Sodipo’s administration has embarked on several developmental initiatives aimed at improving infrastructure, healthcare, education, environmental sanitation and community welfare across Abeokuta North.
Observers say the national recognition further reinforces the local government’s growing reputation as one of the leading councils in grassroots governance and service delivery in Ogun State.
The award is also seen as an endorsement of a leadership style anchored on inclusiveness, accountability and community-driven development.
For many stakeholders, the honour not only celebrates the achievements of Dr. Oyegbola-Sodipo but also highlights the critical role local governments play in driving development and improving the quality of life of citizens at the grassroots level.
