Oyegbola-Sodipo Honoured with Prestigious “Local Government Chairman of the Year” Award
Chairman of Abeokuta North Local Government Area, Hon. (Dr.) Lanre Oyegbola-Sodipo, has been conferred with the prestigious “Local Government Chairman of the Year” Award at the South West Investment Summit and Advancement Awards. This esteemed recognition is a testament to his transformative leadership, good governance, and impactful developmental projects that have significantly improved the lives of the people in Abeokuta North.
The award also honours the shining example of his unwavering commitment to delivering dividends of democracy to the people of Abeokuta North. The formal investiture ceremony, held on Monday 3, November 2025, at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, brought together top government officials, business and thought leaders, political leaders, and stakeholders to celebrate Dr. Oyegbola-Sodipo’s outstanding achievements. “Receiving this award is a great honour, not just for me, but for the people of Abeokuta North and the entire Ogun State,” Dr. Oyegbola-Sodipo said. “It is a testament to the tireless efforts of my team and the people of Abeokuta North, who have worked together to drive development and progress in our local government area. I dedicate this award to the people of Abeokuta North, and I promise to continue serving with passion and dedication.”
Dr. Oyegbola-Sodipo expressed his gratitude to Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, Governor of Ogun State, for the opportunity to serve the people of Abeokuta North, commending him for fostering the atmosphere for progressive ideals and development in the state. He said this has enabled the innovative and transformative initiatives recorded not only in Abeokuta North but across the state. “I extend my deepest gratitude to Governor Dapo Abiodun for entrusting me with the responsibility to serve the people of Abeokuta North. Under His Excellency’s transformative leadership, Ogun State has become a hub for progressive ideals and development, and I am proud to have been part of this journey,” Oyegbola-Sodipo said.
“The atmosphere of innovation and transformation that his administration has fostered has enabled us to push boundaries and implement initiatives that are redefining the landscape of Abeokuta North. I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the growth and development of our local government area and the state at large.” Dr. Oyegbola-Sodipo’s leadership has been marked by numerous life-impacting projects, including significant investments in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and agriculture. His commitment to good governance has created an enabling environment for businesses to thrive, attracting investments and creating jobs for the people of Abeokuta North.
Over the last one year, 300 old women and widows have benefitted from his administration’s full health insurance scheme, and over 2,500 commercial motorcycle riders from the “Safe Road, Safe Rider, Safe Passenger Programme” – a full health insurance cover. The “Light Up Abeokuta North” project has seen more than 50 communities and 15 wards lit up with solar-powered streetlights. Impact on the education sector includes renovation of St. Paul Primary School, Ilewo Orile Oke Ogun; provision of benches and tables for 11 primary schools, and allocation of plots of land to exemplary teachers to build personal houses. Impact on the housing sector includes the commencement of a housing estate and new town project, while the local government secretariat has been given complete overhaul and facelift.
Others are digitisation of the revenue collection and generation systems and processes; establishment of OGOO Skills Acquisition and Enterprise Development Centre; refurbishment of the council’s Hiace bus and grader; and provision of portable water and public toilets across communities in Owu, Gbagura, Oke Ona and Oke Ogun respectively. His impact scores also include refurbishment of the marriage registry to drive up revenue; establishment of agricultural revolution to train 400 youths and engage them in agribusiness value chain; as well as many other projects and interventions that delivered value to the people of Abeokuta North.
“With a heart full of gratitude, I say a big thank you to all our leaders, the legislative house, management staff, friends, professional colleagues and associates who took out time out of their busy schedules to join me as I was recognised and awarded the “Local Government Chairman of the Year” at the South West Economic Summit and Advancement Awards,” Oyegbola-Sodipo enthused. “This award is OUR AWARD. It’s our award because it takes an individual to give birth to a child but it takes a community to raise the child. Ours is a collective will, not to only make a difference but to be the difference. We are OGOO – the glory of the latter house, which according to Haggai Chapter 2 and verse 9 shall be greater than the former. “I thank you most sincerely on behalf of my wife – the chairperson, my children and family; we are most grateful for your contributions and support in making Abeokuta North the cynosure of all eyes and a proof of what can be progressively achieved when there’s unity of purpose and commitment from all quarters and interests. When we place the will of all above the will of some.’’
Oyegbola-Sodipo affirmed that the progress made so far in the local government was a testament to the receipt of the prestigious award and numerous others that have been quietly accepted or declined. “All of these would only exist in our imagination if not for the cooperative efforts of all and sundry. The progress we see today, is what we have all done and achieved. And I believe that we have not even started because what is to come is far bigger and better, and for this, I will continue to seek your support and prayers as we proceed into the second year,” he concluded.
Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abeokuta North, Alhaja Faidat Sarumi-Akindele, celebrated Oyegbola-Sodipo for winning the award. “I am thrilled that Dr. Oyegbola-Sodipo has received this well-deserved recognition. His leadership is a shining example of what can be achieved through dedication, hard work, and a commitment to serving the people. This award is a testament to the progress we are making in Ogun State, and I congratulate Dr. Oyegbola-Sodipo and the people of Abeokuta North on this achievement.”
The “Local Government Chairman of the Year” Award is a significant milestone for Abeokuta North Local Government Area, and it is expected to propel the local government to new heights. Dr. Oyegbola-Sodipo’s leadership and vision will continue to drive development and progress in the area, making it an attractive destination for investments and opportunities. “This award is a motivation for us to continue pushing the boundaries of excellence,” Dr. Oyegbola-Sodipo further stated.
“We will continue to work tirelessly to deliver more projects and programs that will improve the lives of our people and make Abeokuta North a model local government area in Nigeria.” The South West Investment Summit and Advancement Awards is a premier event that brings together top government officials, business leaders, and investors to discuss investment opportunities and development initiatives in the South West region of Nigeria. Abeokuta North is one of the 20 local government areas in Ogun State, Nigeria. The local government is known for its rich cultural heritage, natural resources, and strategic location, making it an attractive destination for investments and opportunities.
Dr. Lanre Oyegbola-Sodipo is a visionary and dynamic leader with a proven track record of delivering impactful developmental projects and programs that have improved the lives of the people in Abeokuta North. He is a marketing communications and brand strategist, and community developer with over two decades of impactful experience across business, governance, and social enterprise. He is an alumnus of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta; Lagos State University, Ojo, and the University of Liverpool. He holds honorary doctorate degree in strategic leadership and organisational transformation. Oyegbola-Sodipo also holds numerous professional certifications and membership of respected corporate bodies, including the prestigious Chartered Institute of Directors (IoD); Registered Member of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON); and Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Corporate Administration of Nigeria (CICAN).
Before venturing into politics, he successfully managed strategic communications for several multinational brands and national projects, including N-Power Programme, MTN, Guinness, Emirates, Interswitch, and BBC Language Service, amongst others. As Chairman of Abeokuta North Local Government, he has distinguished himself through innovative and people-centered governance. Within days of assuming office, he launched a Healthcare Insurance Scheme for the Elderly, covering over 200 senior citizens. His administration has also executed multiple youth empowerment programs, education support projects, and community infrastructure improvements aimed at enhancing grassroots development.
Dr. Oyegbola-Sodipo is the Founder of EMAG Youth Development Foundation, which has sponsored nearly 100 tertiary students and provided free tutorials for over 50,000 youths, and co-founder of #Mask4AllNigerians, a COVID-19 response initiative that empowered 100,000 tailors and distributed over 30,000 masks in Abeokuta North. As a mentor, role model and advocate of youth inclusion in governance, he continues to inspire transformation through dedication, innovation, and service to humanity.
