The Chairman of Ajoni Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Prince Michael Ogungbemi, has declared that unfettered financial independence being savoured under Governor Biodun Oyebanji responsible for rapid grassroots development being experienced in the state.
Ogungbemi gave the revelation in Ayedun Ekiti, on Thursday, while being conferred with the prestigious “Distinguished Council Chairman of the Year” award by Kayegbo Media International, in recognition of his exceptional leadership and transformative impact at the grassroots level.
Speaking at the event, Ogungbemi saluted Governor Oyebanji’s unwavering commitment to development at the third tier of government, where over 60% of the Nigerian citizens are resident.
Dedicating the award to Governor Oyebanji, the council boss acknowledged that the Governor’s continued support for financial independence to local governments , was largely instrumental to the success of numerous developmental projects in his LCDA.
“Without financial independence and adequate release of funds, I wouldn’t have been able to achieve all these laudable projects. We need to give kudos to our dear Governor for making local government system functional in Ekiti”.
On the significance of the award, Ogungbemi expressed deep gratitude to Kayegbo Media International magazine for the recognition, stating that this will serve as a motivation to further deepen his commitment to public service.
He also appreciated the council’s management and staff for their steadfast support, collaboration, and dedication to the vision of a progressive and people-centered local government.
The Publisher of Kayegbo Media International and initiator of the Afe Babalola Hall of Fame, Chief Morakinyo Ogunniyi, said Ogungbemi earned the accolade due to his visionary leadership, transformational initiatives, and remarkable community impact, which have collectively driven over 70 critical and sustainable programmes and development projects across the LCDA.
He described the chairman as a “shining example of grassroots governance and a true partner in progress, commending him for his effective domestication of Governor Oyebanji’s six-pillar development agenda at the local government level.
The Alaaye of Oke Ayedun, HRM Oba (Sir) Olufemi Aribisala, and former Chairman of Ikole Local Government, Chief Funke Owoseni, lauded the council boss for his dedication to grassroots development, branding him as “Mr. Project”, a testament to his consistent execution of community-impacting projects within Ajoni LCDA.
The award stands as a testament to Amb. Prince Michael Ogungbemi’s enduring legacy of visionary leadership, hard work, and unwavering passion for grassroots development—reinforcing his reputation as a role model in local governance across Ekiti State and beyond.
The event was attended by key officials of the LCDA including the Vice Chairman, Prince Babatunde Famoroti; Secretary to the Local Government, Hon. Olusola Alagbo; Head of Local Administration, Mr. Kayode Oludipe, and other senior council officials.