ODIO DG Commends The Gazelle News over 5th Anniversary Public Lecture

The Oduduwa Development and Integrity Organisation (ODIO), represented by its Director General, Otunba Olusola Orelaja, Thursday, participated in The Gazelle News 5th Anniversary Annual Public Lecture and Awards 2026, held at the Radisson Blu Hotel, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos.

The event, themed “Driving Grassroots Governance with Public-Private Partnership: The Gains, the Pains and the Prospects,” brought together policymakers, business leaders, traditional rulers, media practitioners, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to discuss practical approaches to strengthening grassroots governance through effective collaboration between the public and private sectors.

Delivering the keynote lecture, the Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Media and Public Communications, Hon. Chief Sunday Dare, CON, stressed that sustainable national development depends largely on strategic partnerships between government and the private sector.

According to him, such partnerships can improve service delivery, stimulate economic growth, create employment opportunities and accelerate development at the grassroots.

The Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, was represented by former Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, who chaired the occasion.

Senator Idiat Adebule, representing Lagos West Senatorial District, was represented by Sadiq, who attended as the Special Guest of Honour.

The anniversary celebration also featured an awards ceremony during which The Gazelle News honoured eminent Nigerians for their outstanding contributions to public service, leadership, community development and nation-building.

Among those honoured were former Senator Ganiyu Solomon, Chief Olorunfunmi Basorun, Jide Ojuko, Akinwale Okunola (BKO), veteran Nollywood actor Antar Laniyan, and several other distinguished Nigerians who have made remarkable contributions in their respective fields.

Speaking on the significance of the event, ODIO Director General, Otunba Olusola Orelaja, commended The Gazelle News for creating a platform that promotes constructive dialogue on governance and national development.

He reiterated the organisation’s commitment to supporting initiatives that foster transparency, accountability, integrity and sustainable grassroots development.

The event ended with renewed calls for stronger collaboration among governments, the private sector, civil society organisations and community leaders to address development challenges, deepen democratic governance and improve the welfare of Nigerians at the grassroots.