The Lagos State Community Development Advisory Council (LSCDAC) has unveiled the maiden edition of its Merit Awards, recognising outstanding contributions to grassroots development, community service and effective local governance across Lagos State.
The award ceremony, held on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at the Adeyemi Bero Hall, Alausa, Ikeja, was organised with the approval of the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, and brought together political leaders, community stakeholders and development practitioners from across the state.
The LSCDAC, the apex body coordinating Community Development Committees and Associations in Lagos State under the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Office of Rural Development, explained that the selection of the honourees was based on a thorough assessment of their contributions to community welfare and infrastructural advancement, underscoring the council’s dedication to inclusive and sustainable grassroots development.
Speaking at the event, the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Rural Development, Dr. Nurudeen Yekinni Agbaje, who presented the awards, highlighted the objectives and core functions of Community Development Associations (CDAs) as critical drivers of grassroots transformation.
Dr. Agbaje explained that CDAs are established to promote, plan and organise joint self-help projects aimed at improving the social and economic standards of communities.
According to him, they also serve as platforms to raise and manage funds for community development projects, ensure proper maintenance of completed projects, and encourage their effective use.
He further noted that CDAs are tasked with promoting unity, leadership, initiative and togetherness among residents, while also supporting government policies, programmes and interventions at the grassroots level.
Other key functions include disseminating vital information across the 18 recognised grassroots structures and identifying “felt needs” that directly improve the living standards of community members.
Dr. Agbaje disclosed that the LSCDAC Merit Awards, which debut this year, will be sustained as an annual initiative to honour individuals, institutions and local government leaders who have demonstrated commitment to community service and infrastructural development.
Among those honoured were several serving and former Local Government and Local Council Development Area chairmen for their impact in grassroots governance.
The award recipients include Mr. Johnson Sunday Babatunde, former Executive Chairman of Oriade LCDA; Otunba Adebayo Olasoju, Executive Chairman of Isolo LCDA; Hon. Muibi Alade Folawiyo, Executive Chairman of Lagos Island East LCDA; Princess Samiat Abolanle Bada, Executive Chairman of Ikosi-Isheri LCDA.
Prince Usman Akanbi Hamzat, Executive Chairman of Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government; Hon. (Engr.) Abdullahi Sesan Olowa, Executive Chairman of Ibeju-Lekki Local Government; Hon. Rasulu Olushola Idowu, former Executive Chairman of Ojo Local Government; Hon. David Olusegun Odunmbaku, Executive Chairman of Ojodu LCDA; and Hon. Monsuru Oloyede Bello, former Executive Chairman of Ejigbo LCDA.
A Merit Award for Lifetime Achievement was posthumously bestowed on four notable individuals for their enduring legacies in community service: Late Alhaji Yinusa Adisa Akinola, Late Chief Israel Orilja, Late Mr. Banky Adenusi, and Late Elder Jola Ogunlusi.
The Merit Award for Excellence from the Lagos State Government was conferred on 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, in recognition of their contributions to governance and public service.
Recipients of the Merit Award for Impactful Service were Mr. Eniola Awolaru and Alhaja Sherifah Ewumi-Dosunmu, while awards for outstanding contributions to Community Development were presented to Alhaji M.A.K. Dosunmu, Alhaji Tajudeen A. Quadri, Elder Ebenezer Enayon Kuponu, and Elder Olusola Esan.
Lagos Television (LTV) was also a recipient of the Merit Award, in appreciation of its sustained media support for community development initiatives across the state.
In his remarks, the LSCDAC Chairman, Alhaji Azeez Hamzat, said the awards were inspired by the numerous self-help projects executed by CDAs and committed individuals in their respective communities.
He described the initiative as a way of encouraging participatory development and rewarding excellence at the grassroots.
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