Lagos State House Of Assembly Honours Hon. Kasunmu & Personal Assistant

It was an emotional moment on Friday 18th December, 2020, when the Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon.(Dr) Mudashiru Obasa, presented an AWARD OF EXCELLENCE to Hon. Adedamola Richard Kasunmu.

The special award, which was part of the activities marking the 18th Thanksgiving Anniversary of Lagos State House of Assembly Chapel, was presented to Hon. Kasunmu in recognition of his sterling performance as the Chairman of the 17th Edition of the Thanksgiving Anniversary which held last year.

The Lagos State House of Assembly Chapel is an interdenominational convergence of Christian staff of the House of Assembly. The Chapel usually organises end-of-the-year Thanksgiving programme annually featuring an invited Guest Preacher, high pitched praise and worship sessions by guest artistes and other side attractions. Each year’s edition is usually Chaired by a sitting Honourable Member of the House of Assembly. Hon. Adedamola Kasunmu was the Chairman of the 17th edition last year, while Hon. Desmond Elliott was the Chairman of this year’s edition.

It would be recalled that during the 17th Anniversary last year, Hon. Adedamola Richard Kasunmu (fondly called ARK) took the Anniversary to an unprecedented level in terms of  organisation, satisfaction and sufficient entertainment. He also introduced new innovations to concept of the anniversary.

It was therefore, little surprising that that the lawmaker representing Ikeja Constituency 2, was honoured with an Award of Excellence yesterday during the 18th edition.

During the event also, the Personal Assistant to Hon. Kasunmu, Olayinka Kehinde Dada, also won the award of BEST OFFICER OF THE YEAR 2020 (Legislative Aides Category).

The award was presented to the hardworking PA by the Deputy Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Wasiu Eshilokun.

According to the organisers, the award was bestowed on Olayinka Dada out of about 40 other Personal Assistants in the House of Assembly in recognition of his “Outstanding Performance, Loyalty, Dedication to Duty and Innovative Ideas”. The plaque was signed by the Acting Clerk of The House, Barr. O. B. Onafeko.

Shortly after the award, it was celebration galore on the 5th Floor office of Hon. Kasunmu as this is the first time an Honourable Member and his aide would be winning a merit award at the same time in the House of Assembly.

Speaking shortly after the award, Hon. Kasunmu expressed profound appreciation to the Management of the House of Assembly, the Chapel and the Rt. Honourable Speaker for the honour, which he said came as huge surprise. Hon. Kasunmu thanked God Almighty and dedicated the Award to Mr. Speaker for his constant support. He also thanked all the members of the 17th Edition organising committee.

On his award, the Personal Assistant to Hon. Kasunmu, also thanked the authorities of the House of Assembly and the Chapel leaders and the Right Honourable Speaker for the award.
According to Yinka Dada, “I am still in shock, I don’t know what to say. This award is a big surprise to me, but I am excited and highly appreciative. This award is an inspiration to work harder.  ‘The reward for hard work is more work’.  I thank God almighty for making it possible”.

Speaking further, Mr. Yinka Dada said, “On this note, I dedicate this award to my wonderful boss, Hon. Adedamola Richard Kasunmu (ARK). It’s been a big privilege to work with him and learn from him. I also want to thank my darling wife, parents, family, friends and colleagues in office and the House of Assembly, without your support, this award wouldn’t have been possible. God bless you all”.

Meanwhile the 18th Thanksgiving Anniversary of the Lagos House of Assembly Chapel under the Chairmanship of Hon. Desmond Elliott was successful and very colourful.

Pastor Wole Olaniyun was the Guest Preacher while Faith Band, Pastor Nathaniel Bassey and other Gospel Artistes were on the band stand. Seasoned compere, Gbenga Adeyinka the 1st, anchored the event. Also in attendance were Chief of Staff to Lagos State Governor, Mr. Tayo Ayinde (who stood in for the Governor) and the representative of Governor Sanwo-Olu’s wife. Traditional leaders, Lagos white cap chiefs, and other VIPs were there. 

The Speaker and his beautiful wife, Mrs. Falilat Obasa, attended the event together as usual. It was a memorable event.