It was a night of resounding tributes, emotional testimonies and shared gratitude as youth leaders, political figures, government officials, and community stakeholders gathered in Ilupeju, Lagos, for a special event tagged “An Evening with HRA”.
Organized by the HRA Youth Vanguard, the event honoured the life, leadership and legacy of Hon Rasaq Ajala, the Executive Chairman of Odi-Olowo Ojuwoye LCDA.
The evening was not only a celebration of Ajala’s enduring impact but a collective moment of appreciation from the very people whose lives have been shaped by his passion for youth development, community transformation, and visionary governance.
In attendace at the event were top government officials, management and executive members of Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye LCDA, Senator Ganiyu Olanrewaju Solomon; Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Hon. Mobolaji Ogunlende; the Director General of Lagos State Sports Commission, Hon. Lekan Fatodu; House of Representatives member, Hon. Yemi Alli; Hon. Nureni Akisanya, representing Mushin Constituency I in the Lagos State House of Assembly; Director General of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo, among others as well as various youth groups and students.
He Is Our Leader, Our Mentor, Our Benefactor – NYCN Lagos Chapter Chairman Ibrahim Adigun
The event opened with an emotionally charged address by Engr. Ibrahim Adigun, Chairman of the Lagos State Chapter of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN).
Adigun said, “Today is not a day for speeches; it is a day to celebrate our leader. But calling him just a leader is not enough. He is our mentor, our benefactor — no other than Hon. Rasaq Ajala.”
Speaking on behalf of youth from Mushin, Odi-Olowo, Lagos, Abuja and beyond, he emphasized that the evening was initiated and powered by young people — united by a desire to say thank you.
“Hon. Ajala, before you leave office, please accept this as a humble token of appreciation. We know it may not meet the full standards you’ve set, but it is the least we could do to acknowledge your outstanding service to youth development.”
He highlighted Ajala’s groundbreaking initiatives, including a nationwide grassroots talent hunt, free GCE forms for youth nationwide, international sponsorships for sports talents, five years of consistent grassroots sports fiestas and scholarships for high-achieving indigent students.
According to Adigun, others include empowerment programmes for persons with disabilities, ICT training for over 4,000 youths, two state-of-the-art ICT centres and free laptops for graduates of the programme.
“Where private institutions charge ₦50,000 for such programs, Hon. Ajala made them free and still gave out laptops. These are just a few of the many things he has done. Today is all about him, ” the NYCN chairman explained.
He Listens, He Leads, He Delivers – D.G ARCON Dr Lekan Fadolapo
The Director General, Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), Dr Lekan Fadolapo, a respected public servant, reflected on his personal and professional relationship with Ajala, spanning over four decades.
He noted, “It’s been a journey of over 40 years, and it’s been a pleasure every step of the way.”
The ARCON D.G added, “Hon. Ajala is not just a political leader, he’s a man of purpose, vision, and deep commitment to youth development. Growing up in Mushin is not a curse — it’s a badge of honour.”
Recalling a personal conversation with Ajala’s wife, Fadolapo shared, “She said, ‘Please help thank my husband. He listens to you.’ That moment reminded me that true leadership is not just about office — it’s about balance, presence, and empathy.”
He praised Ajala’s humility and leadership qualities: “Even before becoming the vice-chairman, Ajala was serving people. His political journey didn’t begin with glamour — it began as a councillor. What has kept people with him is not money or charisma. It’s trust.”
Ajala Represents the Best of Us– DG, Lagos Sports Commission Lekan Fatodu
The Director-General, Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC0), Lekan Fatodu, spoke passionately about Ajala.
He said, “Hon. Ajala embodies our values — he is a man of the people, a lover of tradition and a promoter of culture through music and leadership.”
“He understands the rhythm of the people and moves with them. His leadership is rooted in action, empathy, and heritage.”
Ajala Is a Model of Growth and Grace” Lagos APC Youth Leader
The Lagos State APC Youth Leader, Hon Seriki Muritala, shared his personal admiration.
“I remember asking my brother, ‘How old is this guy?’ Because someone so young achieving this much is rare. When I learned he had served eight years as chairman, I was amazed.”
“From 1998 to now — that kind of growth speaks volumes. It’s not noise; it’s work.”
He also urged young people to emulate Ajala’s journey: “Don’t just wake up one day and want to be a chairman. Start from somewhere. Ajala is a product of work, not luck.”
Ajala Embodies Humility and True Leadership” – Agbelebu, Vice Chairman, Agege LG
The Vice-Chairman of Agege Local Government, Mr Oluwagbenga Abiola, popularly known as Agbelebu, spoke with deep reverence.
“One of the greatest blessings of my political journey is meeting someone like Hon. Rasaq Ajala. He combines rare humility with results-driven leadership.”
“If any young person wants to see what real leadership looks like, look at Ajala. His legacy sings louder than words.”
Thank You for Your Sacrifice and Patience” – Lagos State Commissioner
The Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr. Mobolaji Abubakre Ogunlende, described Ajala’s leadership in spiritual and humanistic terms: “Leadership is spiritual. It demands patience, sacrifice, and grace. Hon. Ajala has made difficult things look easy — and never brags about his efforts.”
“He builds, he contributes, and he never competes. Thank you for your humility, support, and for carrying your office with dignity.”
Ajala Legacy Is a Model for Us All” – Hon. Seyi Jakande
The Vice-Chairman of Odi-Olowo Ojuwoye LCDA, Hon Seyi Jakande, paid heartfelt tribute to his boss.
While speaking at the event, Jakande said, “Ajala is not just a politician; he’s a professor in the school of practical leadership. His work has inspired policies, people, and platforms for change.”
“Let us honour this man not just with applause, but by carrying forward his legacy — built on hard work, vision, and service.”
*Ajala Bridges Policy with the People” – Senator Ganiyu Solomon*
Veteran Statesman, Senator Ganiyu Solomon described Ajala as “One of the most pragmatic and people-centered administrators Lagos has ever produced.”
He stated, “His leadership goes beyond projects — it’s about presence. The transformation in Odi-Olowo Ojuwoye is the product of intentional, accountable governance.”
Ajala Sets the Benchmark” – Hon. Nureni Akisanya
Hon. Nureni Akisanya, representing Mushin Constituency I in the Lagos State House of Assembly, added: “Ajala is a visionary. From roads to education to youth empowerment, he listens, he acts, and he delivers. He has set a benchmark for local leadership.”
A Moment of Reflection: Hon Rasaq Ajala Speaks
During a session tagged “an evening with Ajala”, the LCDA chairman took the stage to reflect on his life, journey and the foundation of his public service.
“I am a proud son of Mushin. My upbringing taught me humility, resilience, and service.”
Speaking about his education, he said, “My degree in Public Administration gave me more than certificates — it gave me clarity on governance, people management, and leadership.”
“Chief MKO Abiola taught me the power of community. Lateef Jakande gave us education. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu created the LCDA I now serve. These leaders inspired and mentored, and I am walking in their steps.”
On politics and purpose, he said, “Politics is not about power. It’s about people. I’ve served as a councillor, vice chairman, and now chairman — with one focus: service.”
“The difference is intentional leadership. Titles don’t matter. Impact does. I want to be remembered for what I did, not just what I said.”
The event witnessed cultural performances, presentations to Ajala, testimonials from scholars and ICT trainees, and a standing ovation that captured the emotions in the room.
With the chairman at the event was wife, Dr Muibat Omokehinde Ajala. Also among the dignitaries were The Chairman of the Lagos State Council of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Mustapha Adekunle—popularly known as Sego; ward councillors and SSAs to the state Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu; and others.
The highlight of the event was presentation of awards and cash prizes to an outstanding pupil and a graduate from Lagos State University, LASU.
