LSCDAC Unveils Maiden Merit Awards, Honours Grassroots Development Champions Across Lagos
By Emmanuel Daniji
In a landmark move to celebrate excellence, service, and participatory governance at the grassroots, the Lagos State Community Development Advisory Council (LSCDAC) has unveiled the maiden edition of its Merit Awards, recognising individuals and institutions whose contributions have significantly advanced community development and local governance across Lagos State.
The award ceremony, held on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at the Adeyemi Bero Hall, Alausa, Ikeja, brought together political leaders, community development practitioners, traditional stakeholders and public servants from across the state. The initiative was organised with the approval of the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu.
The LSCDAC, which serves as the apex coordinating body for Community Development Committees (CDCs) and Community Development Associations (CDAs) under the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Office of Rural Development, said the awards were conceived to spotlight impactful grassroots leadership and encourage sustainable community-driven development.
Presenting the awards, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Rural Development, Dr. Nurudeen Yekinni Agbaje, described Community Development Associations as the backbone of grassroots transformation in Lagos State.
According to him, CDAs play a critical role in planning and executing joint self-help projects that directly improve the social and economic well-being of communities.
Dr. Agbaje explained that beyond project execution, CDAs also mobilise and manage funds for development initiatives, ensure proper maintenance of completed projects, and promote their effective utilisation. He added that they foster unity, leadership, initiative and collective responsibility among residents, while also serving as reliable partners in the implementation of government policies and programmes at the grassroots.
He further noted that CDAs serve as vital communication channels across the state’s recognised grassroots structures, helping to identify and articulate the “felt needs” of communities in ways that directly improve living standards.
Dr. Agbaje disclosed that the LSCDAC Merit Awards, making their debut this year, will now become an annual platform to honour individuals, institutions and local government leaders who demonstrate commitment to community service, infrastructural development and people-centred governance.
A significant highlight of the ceremony was the recognition of serving and former local government and local council development area chairmen for their measurable impact at the grassroots.
Those honoured include Mr. Johnson Sunday Babatunde, former Chairman of Oriade LCDA; Otunba Adebayo Olasoju, Chairman of Isolo LCDA; Hon. Muibi Alade Folawiyo, Chairman of Lagos Island East LCDA; Princess Samiat Abolanle Bada, Chairman of Ikosi-Isheri LCDA; Prince Usman Akanbi Hamzat, Chairman of Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government; Hon. (Engr.) Abdullahi Sesan Olowa, Chairman of Ibeju-Lekki Local Government; Hon. Rasulu Olushola Idowu, former Chairman of Ojo Local Government; Hon. David Olusegun Odunmbaku, Chairman of Ojodu LCDA; and Hon. Monsuru Oloyede Bello, former Chairman of Ejigbo LCDA.
In a solemn moment, Merit Awards for Lifetime Achievement were posthumously conferred on four distinguished community leaders — Late Alhaji Yinusa Adisa Akinola, Late Chief Israel Orilja, Late Mr. Banky Adenusi and Late Elder Jola Ogunlusi — in recognition of their enduring legacies in grassroots service.
The Merit Award for Excellence from the Lagos State Government was presented to Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State; Hon. Lanre Balogun; Hon. Teslim Folami; Mr. M.O. Akinsanya; and Mr. Jafaar Babatunde Sanuth, acknowledging their contributions to governance and public service.
Also honoured with the Merit Award for Impactful Service were Mr. Eniola Awolaru and Alhaja Sherifah Ewumi-Dosunmu, while awards for outstanding contributions to Community Development went to Alhaji M.A.K. Dosunmu, Alhaji Tajudeen A. Quadri, Elder Ebenezer Enayon Kuponu and Elder Olusola Esan.
Lagos Television (LTV) received a Merit Award in recognition of its sustained media support for community development initiatives and grassroots advocacy across the state.
In his remarks, the Chairman of LSCDAC, Alhaji Azeez Hamzat, said the awards were inspired by the numerous self-help projects and development efforts being driven quietly but effectively by CDAs and committed individuals across Lagos.
He described the initiative as a deliberate effort to reward excellence, promote participatory development and encourage communities to take ownership of their growth.
According to him, recognising grassroots champions is essential to building a development culture where impact, service and accountability are celebrated and sustained across Lagos State.
