Celebrating Hon. Segun Odunmbaku: A Visionary Leader Transforming Ojodu LCDA

BELLO AKINKUNMI YAKUB


A week ago, the vibrant community of Ojodu LCDA came together to honour the exceptional leadership of Hon. Segun Odunmbaku with a surprise birthday celebration. Community leaders, council staff, and residents gathered to express their admiration and appreciation for a man whose dedication to governance remains unwavering. However, amidst the well-wishers and celebratory moments, Hon. Odunmbaku was seen excusing himself periodically to attend to pressing matters of governance. Later that day, he proceeded to a project site inspection, exemplifying his hands-on approach to leadership.


This is the hallmark of Hon. Segun Odunmbaku—an administrator who never takes a day off, committed to delivering the dividends of democracy. His philosophy of governance is built on a results-driven approach, ensuring that policies and projects meet the highest standards. His leadership reflects a deep understanding that systemic reforms are most effective when driven by exemplary leaders who inspire excellence from the top down.


Before emerging as one of Nigeria’s most outstanding local government chairmen, Hon. Odunmbaku had already built a strong foundation in grassroots governance. His tenure as Secretary to the Local Government at both Ikeja LGA and Ojodu LCDA provided him with invaluable insights into the workings of the system. Like a watchmaker studying the intricate mechanics of a timepiece, he meticulously analyzed how to optimize local government operations for maximum efficiency and impact.


When he assumed office as Chairman of Ojodu LCDA in 2021, the Harvard-trained technocrat wasted no time in implementing transformative policies. He streamlined operations, upgraded public facilities, and redefined grassroots governance, setting a new benchmark for effectiveness. His leadership has not only impacted Ojodu LCDA but has also garnered admiration beyond its borders.

Hon. Segun Odunmbaku’s development blueprint, the H.E.Y.S Agenda (Health, Education, Youth & Women Development, and Social & Infrastructure Development), was meticulously crafted to ensure targeted resource allocation for maximum impact. His approach aligns seamlessly with the Lagos State THEMES+ Agenda and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), enabling collaborative projects that foster sustainable growth at the grassroots level.

Drawing inspiration from his political mentor, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose initiatives such as Jigi Bola, LASAMBUS, and Free SSCE Examinations set new standards for progressive governance, Hon. Odunmbaku has implemented similar people-oriented policies. His administration introduced Free Bus Transportation, Free and Subsidized Food Packages, and Free Health Surgeries, including dental and eye care services that continue to run free of charge for residents.


A key hallmark of his administration is an open-door policy that fosters partnerships and collaborations across multiple sectors. These include Inter-governmental projects in road rehabilitation and infrastructure development with Lagos State Public Works Corporation (LSPWC), Provision of WASH and medical facilities facilities in partnership with WaterAid Nigeria and PEPSICO FOUNDATION, Free Medical Missions in collaboration with Rotary International and Eko Club of Atlanta, Back-to-School Kits for students provided by Lagos State Signage & Advertisement Agency (LASAA) and SME loans facilitated in conjunction with Thrive Microfinance Bank


These collaborations have significantly enhanced service delivery, ensuring that governance extends beyond the limitations of budgetary allocations.

Ojodu LCDA is one of the 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) created under President Tinubu’s leadership as Governor of Lagos State—an initiative that faced monumental opposition from the federal government at the time. Today, the exceptional performance of Hon. Segun Odunmbaku at Ojodu LCDA is a testament to the wisdom of that decision. His success further strengthens the case for Local Government Autonomy, a policy recently championed by President Tinubu to empower grassroots governance.


Under Hon. Segun Odunmbaku’s leadership, Ojodu LCDA has continued to witnessed remarkable progress in upgrade of health centers, school renovations, bursaries, and free GCE/JAMB forms for students, Infrastructure development including road construction to connect communities, Empowerment programs for teachers, widows, and the elderly, Security support through the provision of police outposts, patrol vans, and security equipment with market redevelopment and building of recreational centers.


With an unrelenting drive for excellence, Hon. Segun Odunmbaku continues to raise the bar for local governance in Nigeria. His transformative leadership has earned him the admiration of the people, who now eagerly anticipate even more unprecedented achievements
in the years ahead.

As the Mayor of Ojodu LCDA, he remains a beacon of progressive governance—an icon of excellence who is redefining what it means to serve the people.




*-Bello Akinkunmi Yakub (Chief Press Secretary, Ojodu LCDA)*