The Executive Chairman of Abeokuta North Local Government, Dr. Lanre Oyegbola-Sodipo, has joined an elite group of public office holders recognised by the Presidency for exceptional service delivery at the grassroots level.

Oyegbola-Sodipo received the Distinguished Public Service Award in Grassroots Development at the Nigeria Public Service Lecture Series and Awards held in Abuja to mark the 2026 United Nations Public Service Day.

The prestigious award, organised by the Bureau of Public Service Reforms under the Presidency, celebrates individuals whose leadership, innovation and commitment have positively impacted their communities and contributed significantly to national development.

Only four Local Government Chairmen across the country were selected for the award, with representatives emerging from Ogun, Ondo, Rivers and Akwa Ibom States.

Dr. Oyegbola-Sodipo stood out as Ogun State’s sole recipient.

Reacting to the honour, the Abeokuta North Council Chairman dedicated the recognition to Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, and Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi), describing their support and commitment to development as instrumental to his achievements in office.

He noted that the recognition was a reflection of the enabling environment created by Governor Abiodun and the developmental initiatives championed by Senator Adeola across Ogun State.

“This recognition is a reflection of the enabling environment provided by Governor Dapo Abiodun, whose administration continues to encourage excellence in public service,” he said

While commending his unwavering commitment to grassroots development, Oyegbola-Sodipo also acknowledged the contributions of the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate in Ogun State, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, for championing developmental initiatives across the state.

The council boss noted that the award was equally dedicated to the people and workforce of Abeokuta North Local Government, whose support and cooperation have contributed to the successes recorded by his administration.

Representing the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, Dr. Abubakar Ibrahim Kana, congratulated the award recipients, stressing that the honour was earned through merit and careful assessment.

“You did not receive this award by chance. You were carefully monitored, evaluated and found worthy of national recognition. Your achievements have made the Federal Government proud,” he said.

Director-General of the Bureau of Public Service Reforms, Dr. Ibrahim Arabi, described the award as a celebration of selfless service and impactful leadership.

“This year’s celebration is not only about recognising the best, but also about honouring those who have made meaningful contributions to their communities and the nation at large,” Arabi noted.

The award further underscores Abeokuta North Local Government’s growing reputation as a model of grassroots governance and people-oriented development in Ogun State and Oyegbola-Sodipo’s ingenuity at the helms of affairs.

The Odemo of Isara-Remo, His Royal Majesty Oba Peter Oluwole Ogunbayo (Otete III), has reaffirmed his commitment to transforming Isara into a leading commercial and cultural destination in Ogun State, unveiling an ambitious development vision tied to the forthcoming 57th AFOTAMODI Festival.

The monarch spoke during the inauguration of the festival planning committee, where he emphasized the need for collective efforts toward building a more prosperous and modern Isara capable of attracting investment, creating employment opportunities and improving the standard of living of residents.

According to the royal father, the development of Isara remains a top priority of his administration, with special focus on infrastructure, education, healthcare, youth empowerment and economic expansion.

“We are determined to build an Isara that reflects the aspirations of its people and competes favorably with other emerging communities across the country. The future of our town depends on the actions we take today,” the monarch said.

Chairman of the 57th AFOTAMODI Festival Planning Committee, Mr. Eric Ola-Animashaun Sonupe, disclosed that the committee has set a fundraising target of ₦500 million to execute projects and activities designed to elevate the status of the annual cultural celebration.

He noted that one of the flagship projects under consideration is the renovation and modernization of the Odemo’s Palace into a world-class traditional institution befitting the status of Isara as one of the oldest settlements in Remoland.

Sonupe explained that beyond celebrating culture and tradition, this year’s AFOTAMODI Festival would serve as a strategic platform for promoting the town’s economic potential and attracting local and foreign investors.

“We are positioning AFOTAMODI as a vehicle for development. We want to showcase Isara’s strengths, highlight opportunities for investment and project the town as a destination for business, tourism and culture,” he said.

The committee chairman also revealed plans for a variety of activities, including cultural exhibitions, sports competitions, educational programmes, medical outreach services, fashion showcases, pageantry and musical performances by leading Nigerian artistes.

He called on sons and daughters of Isara, corporate organizations and development partners to support the initiative, stressing that the success of the festival would depend largely on collective participation.

The 57th AFOTAMODI Festival is expected to draw dignitaries, investors, tourists and cultural enthusiasts from across Nigeria and beyond, further strengthening Isara’s position as a growing centre of culture, commerce and community development.

The Planning Committee of the Afotamodi Day Festival, Isara-Remo, has announced a World Press Conference as part of activities marking the 57th edition of the annual cultural festival.

The press conference is to hold on Saturday 13th lf June, 2026 and it is billed to provide details of programmes lined up for the celebration and highlight the significance of the festival to the cultural heritage and socio-economic development of Isara-Remo and Ogun State at large.

The 57th Afotamodi Day Festival is being held under the royal leadership of His Royal Highness, Alaiyeluwa Oba Peter Oluwole Ogunbayo, (Otete III), Odemo of Isara-Remo.

According to the organisers, the grand finale of the festival will hold on Saturday, November 14, 2026, and is expected to attract sons and daughters of Isara-Remo, traditional rulers, government officials, business leaders, cultural enthusiasts and visitors from across Nigeria and beyond.

Adding glamour to the celebration, renowned Fuji maestro, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (K1 De Ultimate), veteran musician Alhaji Musiliu Haruna Ishola, and celebrated gospel artiste, Evangelist (Dr.) Lanre Teriba Atorise, will provide musical entertainment at the grand finale.

The organisers noted that the festival remains one of the most enduring cultural events in Remoland, serving as a platform for promoting unity, cultural preservation and community development.

The Afotamodi Day Festival Planning Committee expressed appreciation to corporate organisations supporting the event, including Sonia Foods Industries Limited, International Breweries Plc, Apple & Pears Limited and Seaman’s Schnapps.

Members of the media, stakeholders and the general public are expected to attend the World Press Conference, where further details of the festival activities will be unveiled.