Roots Watch Magazine has honoured 24 Local Government Chairmen from across Nigeria for their outstanding contributions to community development and public service in a bid to promote good governance and encourage effective service delivery at the grassroots level.
Speaking at the award ceremony, the Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria (VON), Jibrin Baba Ndace, described the award as a recognition of excellence and a call to greater service.
He urged the award recipients to intensify their efforts in delivering impactful projects that improve the lives of people at the grassroots.
Represented by the Head of News, Ladifat Afegbua, the VON Director-General commended Roots Watch Magazine for instituting the award and creating a platform that promotes healthy competition among local government administrators.
He noted that recognition serves as motivation for public officials to remain committed to their responsibilities, adding that effective grassroots governance remains essential to national development.
According to him, “Local government councils are the closest tier of government to the people, and their activities have a direct impact on citizens’ welfare.“
He stressed the need for council chairmen to continue implementing projects and programmes that address the needs of their communities.
The VON Director-General further assured the awardees that their activities are being closely monitored and appreciated by citizens, emphasising that accountability and transparency are critical to sustainable development.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of Roots Watch Magazine, Bayo Ojo, said the awards were instituted to celebrate excellence, dedication, and selfless service at the local government level.
He explained that since its establishment in 2000, Roots Watch Magazine has remained committed to highlighting the activities, achievements, and challenges of local government administrations across the country.
Mr Ojo stated that the award initiative was designed to stimulate constructive engagement and encourage local government leaders to deliver quality services to their constituents.
According to him, the awardees emerged after successfully meeting stringent evaluation criteria and demonstrating exceptional commitment to grassroots development in areas such as infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, youth empowerment, and community welfare.
He added that the recognition would further inspire local government administrators to improve service delivery and strengthen democratic governance at the grassroots level.
One of the awardees, Mr Inibehe Umahi, the Executive Chairman of the Ini Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Southern Nigeria, described the award as a support and privilege given by their State Governor.
He further pledges to continue the good work for his community and appreciates the Roots Watch Magazine for recognising him among the 774 LGA chairmen across the country.
The event featured the presentation of awards to the outstanding local government chairmen, as well as the unveiling of a special edition of Roots Watch Magazine showcasing the achievements of the recipients.
