Youngest LG administrator in Lagos isn't your mate

Last weekend, 29-year-old Gbenga Abiola bagged the 20th City People award as the local government boss of the year.

It's no mean feat, considering his age and the State from where he scooped the gong.

Fresh faced Abiola is sole administrator for Agege Local Government Area.

He was handed the role alongside other local government administrators on June 13, 2016, by Lagos Governor Akinwunmi Ambode.

“I have confidence in God and I’m equally confident that my political leaders are there for me. I also have confidence in the staff of the local government. By the special grace of God, we will deliver,” Abiola said upon his swearing-in.

Those who work with Abiola in Agege LGA say he still keeps a level head and is stealthily delivering on his promises.

As the youngest LGA boss in Lagos, Abiola has surrounded himself with other younger Nigerians who have a point to prove to the older generation of politicians.

“Youth involvement in politics is key to national development. Nobody is too young or too inexperienced to run," Abiola said after he was conferred with the City People award.

Abiola is also social media savvy.

He interacts with Agege LGA dwellers and receives feedback from his constituents on how to improve their neighborhoods, through his social media handles.

Septic tanks across public schools in Agege have been emptied; thanks to feedback from communities and Abiola has taken education to the grassroots.

He is also working hard at making Agege cleaner and greener.

His governance style is hands-on. Folks attest that the young LGA boss is also approachable and accessible.

Abiola attended the Eucharistic Heart of Jesus Nursery and Primary School.

His secondary education came from the government college, Ketu and the Folbim High School.

Abiola obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from the University of Lagos and learnt the political ropes while serving as Special Assistant on New Media and publicity to Lagos House Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa.

In a society where gerontocracy still reigns supreme, Gbenga Abiola is no doubt doing more to demand youth inclusion in government than thousands of hashtags on social media will achieve.

He’s become the face and voice of a disenchanted young population in Nigeria’s commercial capital.

And that's a good thing.