Agboyi-Ketu Chairman Oshinowo Honoured with Vanguard Grassroots Development Icon Award Amidst Glitz and Glamour

Agboyi-Ketu Chairman Oshinowo Honoured with Vanguard Grassroots Development Icon Award Amidst Glitz and Glamour

By Oki Samson

It was a moment of pride and celebration for Agboyi-Ketu LCDA as its Executive Chairman, Mayor Dele Oshinowo, was honoured with the prestigious Grassroots Governance Icon of the Year award at the 2025 Vanguard Personality of the Year event.

Held in grand style, the ceremony drew a distinguished crowd including political leaders from Kosofe Federal Constituency, members of the Lagos State House of Assembly, the Chairman of Ikoyi-Obalende LCDA, top APC stalwarts from Agboyi-Ketu, council executives, friends, and family—all gathered to celebrate a man whose transformative leadership has become a benchmark in grassroots governance.

Mayor Oshinowo was honoured for his outstanding contributions to local governance, especially in the areas of infrastructure, education, healthcare, youth empowerment, and security. His tenure has seen Agboyi-Ketu LCDA transformed from a once troubled community into a thriving urban center, complete with new estates, modern stadiums, schools, bridges, healthcare facilities, and road networks.

Speaking to the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP), Oshinowo expressed gratitude for the recognition. “This award is not just for me, it represents the efforts of all LGAs and LCDAs in Lagos. It showcases the vision of our leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who laid the foundation for us to think outside the box and drive development at the grassroots level.”

He further acknowledged the financial autonomy enjoyed by local councils in Lagos, crediting it as a key factor in sustained development across the state. “Some states are just talking about financial autonomy, but Lagos has had it for over 20 years. That’s why Lagos continues to lead,” he added.

Highlighting his approach to governance, Oshinowo said he remains in constant touch with the people through social media and physical engagements with market communities. He also revealed an ongoing empowerment initiative: “Next Tuesday, we’ll be distributing N75 million to 1,500 petty traders—N50,000 each. This support helps boost their businesses, enabling them to support their families and communities.”

He thanked Vanguard Newspaper for recognizing the efforts of local councils. “I appreciate Vanguard for creating this category to shine the spotlight on the work being done by the third tier of government,” he said.

Mayor Oshinowo joined a high-profile list of 2024 awardees, including Deji Adeleke (Vanguard Personality of the Year), and posthumous recognitions for Chief Ayo Adebanjo and Chief Edwin Clark. Other honourees included Governors Douye Diri (Bayelsa), Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Abba Yusuf (Kano), and Charles Soludo (Anambra).

The event was hosted by Uncle Sam Amuka, Chairman of Vanguard Newspaper, with Mr. Atedo Peterside as Chairman of the Day and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, among the royal dignitaries in attendance. Musical performances by Johnny Drille and Laolu Gbenjo added a touch of elegance to the night.