The Executive Chairman of Epe Local Government, Hon. Princess Surah Olayemi Animashaun, FHTI, has been recognised as the Best Local Government Chairman in Nigeria for 2026, receiving the prestigious African Leadership Award for her contributions to grassroots governance and community development.
Epe Insights reports that the prestigious honour was presented to Hon. Princess Surah Olayemi Animashaun in recognition of her outstanding leadership, dedication to public service and remarkable achievements in advancing sustainable development across Epe Local Government.
The award celebrates the Chairman’s commitment to delivering people-oriented governance through impactful policies and development programmes.
Organisers of the African Leadership Award described Hon. Animashaun as one of Nigeria’s outstanding local government administrators whose leadership has transformed lives and strengthened grassroots governance.
The award was presented by Dr. Josephine Oghenekvebe Ogufere, who praised the Chairman’s visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to public service.
She commended the administration for recording significant progress across critical sectors that directly improve the lives of residents.
According to Dr. Ogufere, the achievements of the Animashaun administration have positioned Epe Local Government as a model of responsive, inclusive and accountable governance.
She highlighted notable accomplishments in education, healthcare, security, infrastructure development, youth empowerment, women empowerment, environmental sustainability and social welfare.
The award presenter noted that these interventions have continued to enhance the quality of life of residents while promoting sustainable development across the local government.
Observers described the recognition as a reflection of the growing national appreciation for effective leadership at the grassroots level.
Since assuming office, Hon. Princess Surah Animashaun has consistently prioritised policies aimed at improving public services and expanding opportunities for residents.
Her administration has introduced programmes focused on education, youth development, healthcare delivery, environmental protection and economic empowerment.
These initiatives have continued to attract commendation from stakeholders for their positive impact on communities throughout Epe Local Government.
Receiving the award, Hon. Princess Surah Olayemi Animashaun expressed profound appreciation to the organisers for the recognition.
She dedicated the honour to the people of Epe, describing the award as a collective achievement made possible through the support, cooperation and resilience of residents.
The Chairman reaffirmed her administration’s commitment to sustaining transformational governance across the local government.
She pledged to continue investing in education, security, healthcare, human capital development, infrastructure and other people-focused initiatives.
According to Hon. Animashaun, the recognition serves as motivation to work even harder in delivering quality governance and improving the wellbeing of residents.
She stated that every policy of her administration would continue to reflect the aspirations and needs of the people of Epe.
The Chairman also reaffirmed her vision of building a more prosperous, peaceful, inclusive and economically vibrant local government.
She emphasised that good governance remains the foundation for sustainable development and long-term community progress.
The African Leadership Award further strengthens Epe Local Government’s growing reputation for innovation, accountability and responsive leadership at the grassroots.
Community leaders and residents congratulated Hon. Princess Surah Olayemi Animashaun on the prestigious recognition, describing it as a well-deserved honour that reflects her dedication to service.
They expressed confidence that the award would inspire even greater achievements as the administration continues implementing policies that improve livelihoods and accelerate development across Epe Local Government.
