25/07/2025
As I Pen Down
By Gbenga Abiola,
Out going Vice Chairman, Agege Local Government
In 2016, I crisscrossed from being a legislative aide to the current Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly in 2015 to becoming the youngest Local Government Boss in the history of Lagos State, Nigeria. Till this moment, I remain the youngest man that has ever sat on that seat as a Mayor in the great state of Lagos—on the recommendation and discovery of our great leader, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa. That single act of belief in my capacity transformed my life forever.
My contributions as a young man manning the affairs of Agege Local Government in 2016 earned me the prestigious Local Government Chairman of the Year award by City People Magazine, amongst other awards of merit. Those moments weren’t just acknowledgments—they were affirmations that dedication, vision, and youthful energy have a place in governance.
The journey didn’t end there. The recommendation and belief continued as I handed over to Alh. Ganiyu Egunjobi as Chairman, and humbly returned to serve as Secretary to the Local Government, and later as the Vice Chairman of our great Local Government. These weren’t just political appointments—they were renewed calls to serve, to give, and to lead with heart and humility.
My service to the community and to local governance spans from 2015 till date—nearly a decade of consistent, intentional, and passionate contribution to humanity and public service. It’s not just a career; it’s a calling.
From 2016 as Local Government Chairman of the Year, to becoming Lagos’ youngest Council Boss, the youngest Secretary to a Local Government, and Social Secretary of the Conference of Secretaries (Scribe 57), to now one of Lagos’ youngest Vice Chairmen—I have served with every fiber of my being. I have done so with silent sacrifices, unseen battles, and countless late nights—all in service of the greater good.
As Vice Chairman, I have stood as a pillar of strength and support to an administration that delivered real, tangible progress:
– From the transformation of black spots into modern markets,
– To simultaneous road construction across our communities,
– To the establishment of health centres in all wards of Agege,
– To the historic creation of the first Local Government CBT centre in Nigeria.
It has been a journey of tireless hard work, strategic foresight, and quiet dedication. Not for the cameras, not for applause, but for the people.
And though my title was Vice Chairman, I never let that limit my reach. I poured my heart into building institutions across Lagos, especially within the Youth and Students sector. I was honored to be recognized as an Ambassador of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (Lagos Chapter) and the National Association of Nigerian Students (Lagos Chapter)—symbols of trust that I carry with pride and responsibility.
My heart beats for young people. I believe in their strength, their potential, and their future. That belief led me to create the largest youth political structure in Agege—Obasa Youth Alliance—which now spans 28 Local Governments across Lagos West. This wasn’t just an idea—it was a movement. A bold statement that young people have a voice, a place, and a future in politics and leadership.
From that, we birthed the Obasa Youth Crusade—a yearly celebration of leadership, unity, and youthful excellence. Gathering over 10,000 young people each year, the Crusade has become a beacon of peace, creativity, and community spirit. Talent hunts, free raffle draws, studio recording sessions—it is more than a program, it is a legacy of hope.
Through my foundation, Agbelebu Foundation, I’ve stayed deeply rooted in the pain and passion of my people:
– Supporting the physically challenged,
– Empowering widows and the elderly,
– Providing GCE and JAMB forms for brilliant students,
– Building business hubs and mentoring networks amongst other major success as achieved by the Egunjobi led administration.
This is not charity. It is purpose. It is the very soul of service.
I draw deep inspiration from the life and legacy of our national leader and President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. His vision continues to birth platforms for young Nigerians to rise. I thank him sincerely for his unwavering focus on youth empowerment. Lagos has become the best economy in Africa under leaders like him and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, whose work speaks boldly for itself.
As I step down today as Vice Chairman of Agege Local Government, after nearly ten years of impactful public service, I do so with deep gratitude in my heart.
To God Almighty, thank You for life, for strength, and for grace—through every high and every storm.
To my Boss, Leader, and Benefactor, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa—thank you for seeing what others didn’t see and for opening the door that led me here. You gave me wings, and I will always soar with your name in honor.
To Alh. Ganiyu Egunjobi, who I handed over to in 2016, served with as Secretary, and eventually ran with as Vice Chairman—thank you for the opportunity to serve side by side in vision and action.
To all executives, legislative arms, management, and staff of Agege Local Government—thank you for your friendship, brilliance, and courage through it all.
To my wife, my children, my family, and my friends—your support, patience, and prayers have been my anchor. You’ve carried me when the world didn’t see.
And finally—to the great people of Agege. The ones whose mandate I held and never took for granted. Thank you for trusting me. Thank you for walking with me. My passion for Agege, for Lagos, and for Nigeria runs in my veins.
I pray to continue finding strength, courage, and wisdom—whenever and wherever I am called upon to serve. Service is not a title. It is a lifestyle. It is who I am.
The Agbelebu Ideologies will continue to serve—inside or outside public office—with the same fire, the same purpose, and the same love for humanity.
I remain
Oluwagbenga Michael Abiola.
( Agbelebu )
National Cordinator
Tinubu Media Force!
