As the youngest local government administrator in Lagos State, Gbenga Abiola has done enough to prove to all that hope isn’t lost for the young in politics.
Last weekend, the 29 year old Agege Boss bagged Local Government Boss of the Year award at the just concluded 20th City People Award.
It’s no mean feat, considering his age and the State from where he scooped the gong.
He was handed the role alongside other local government administrators on June 13, 2016, by Lagos Governor Akinwunmi Ambode.
“I have confidence in God and I’m equally confident that my political leaders are there for me. I also have confidence in the staff of the local government. By the special grace of God, we will deliver,” Abiola said upon his swearing-in.
Those who work with Abiola in Agege LGA say he still keeps a level head and is steadily delivering on his promises.
As the youngest LG boss in Lagos, Abiola has surrounded himself with other younger Nigerians who have a point to prove to the older generation of politicians.
“Youth involvement in politics is key to national development. Nobody is too young or too inexperienced to run,” Abiola said after he was conferred with the City People award.
Abiola is also social media savvy. He interacts with Agege LGA dwellers and receives feedback from his constituents on how to improve their neighborhoods, through his social media handles.
Septic tanks across public schools in Agege have been emptied; thanks to feedback from communities and Abiola has taken education to the grassroots.
He is also working hard at making Agege cleaner and greener.
His governance style is hands-on. Folks attest that the young LGA boss is also approachable and accessible.
Abiola attended the Eucharistic Heart of Jesus Nursery and Primary School. His secondary education came from the government college, Ketu and the Folbim High School.
Abiola obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from the University of Lagos and learnt the political ropes while serving as Special Assistant on New Media and publicity to the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa.
In a society where gerontocracy still reigns supreme, Abiola is no doubt doing more to demand youth inclusion in government than thousands of hashtags on social media will achieve.
He has become the face and voice of a disenchanted young population in Nigeria’s commercial capital.
