CHAIRMAN OWOLABI AT 60: DIGNITARIES PRAISE HIS LEADERSHIP AND COMMUNITY IMPACT

The Executive Chairman of Akoko Northwest Local Government Area, Hon. Esan Owolabi, was celebrated at a grand 60th Birthday Symposium held on Thursday, December 18, 2025, at the Kudirat Abiola Hall, Local Government Secretariat, Okeagbe Akoko. The venue was filled to capacity as dignitaries, traditional rulers, political leaders, family members, friends, and well-wishers gathered to honour the chairman.

The symposium featured the theme:
“Leadership, Grassroots Governance, and the Power of Legacy.”

It is noteworthy that Hon. Esan Owolabi will officially turn 60 years old on December 31, 2025.

Key activities at the symposium included:Presentation of financial support to three infants born on the same date as the celebrant, Launch of his book titled “Life of Service, Impact & Legacy”,Empowerment and support programmes for constituents,Cutting of the 60th birthday cake.

Many attendees described the occasion as unprecedented in the history of the council.

In his goodwill message, His Royal Majesty, Oba Samuel Agboola, the Onirun of Irun Akoko, described Hon. Owolabi as a worthy ambassador and distinguished public servant. The first-class monarch expressed joy and gratitude over the celebrant’s life of service, stating that at 60, his life stands as a remarkable testament to humility, dedication, and unwavering commitment to community development.

The Head of Local Government Administration (HOLGA), Mr. Adewunmi Arijeniwa, praised the chairman’s simple lifestyle and exemplary leadership style. He described Hon. Owolabi as friendly, approachable, and delightful to work with, noting that his 60th celebration reflects a life devoted to humanity.

The ALGON Chairman in Ondo State, Hon. Gbenga Fasua, who also served as the guest lecturer, extolled Hon. Owolabi’s leadership qualities. He emphasized that the chairman’s personal values have positively reshaped governance narratives, describing him as a leader par excellence whose contributions have brought meaningful progress within ALGON and across Ondo State.

> “We are happy to have him in our midst. His leadership contributions have resulted in remarkable progress and positive change in Ondo State,” Fasua stated.
In his appreciation speech, Hon. Owolabi expressed deep gratitude to his family, whom he described as the foundation of his journey in life and public service.

He highlighted several achievements recorded within 10 months of his administration, including:

* Installation of solar street lights across communities to enhance safety.
* Construction of culverts to improve drainage and mobility during the rainy season.
* Renovation of key buildings within the local government premises
* Distribution of relief materials to victims of recent rainstorms in Arigidi, Erusu, Ikaram/Ibaram, Iyanu, and other affected communities
* Distribution of 10,000 exercise books to primary school pupils across all 10 wards
* Purchase and presentation of 27 vehicles to traditional rulers to support their responsibilities
* Distribution of welfare packages for elderly citizens
* Purchase of a brand-new bus for legislators
* Purchase of buses for NULGE across all 22 branches

The chairman attributed his success to the support of constituents and his commitment to fulfilling campaign promises.

Hon. Owolabi specially appreciated the Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, his benefactor, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, ALGON Chairman, Hon. Gbenga Fasua, all the local government chairmen,NULGE leadership, State EXCOs, traditional rulers, political stakeholders, legislative council members, and social clubs

He also commended the Birthday Planning Committee for their dedication and thanked all well-wishers for celebrating with him.

Several speakers described Hon. Owolabi as an achiever who has made lasting contributions to humanity. The celebration brought together friends, family, political associates, and admirers, marking the event as one of the most memorable in the history of Akoko Northwest Local Government Area.

The convener of the event, Mr. Tunde Adewunmi (Echoe Newspaper), expressed appreciation to all guests for honouring the invitation. Photo frames were presented to the celebrant, and group photographs were taken to immortalize the occasion.Hon. Esan Owolabi’s birthday officially comes up on December 31.

Olagoke Adeyanju
Chief Press Secretary
Office of the Executive Chairman
Akoko Northwest Local Government Area