In Lagos State’s bustling political landscape, where urban development often dominates the spotlight, it is easy to overlook the quiet but transformative work happening in rural communities.
Yet, one man has consistently shown that governance must reach the farthest corners of the state—Dr. Nurudeen Yekinni Agbaje, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Rural Development.Whenever Dr. Agbaje steps up to the plate, he gets the job done.Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu’s decision to entrust him with the Office of Rural Development under the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs, and Rural Development appears nothing short of inspired.
With a clear passion for grassroots transformation, Agbaje has taken ownership of the portfolio with both technical precision and administrative vision.Under his watch, rural communities across Lagos have witnessed projects that directly address long-standing challenges.
The Office has spearheaded the construction of roads to improve accessibility, the distribution of high-capacity transformers to underserved communities for reliable power supply, the rehabilitation and installation of water schemes to provide clean water to households, and the deployment of solar-powered lights to enhance safety and extend economic activity after dark.
These are not cosmetic interventions but life-changing developments for communities too often left behind.But Agbaje’s vision goes beyond brick-and-mortar projects.
Through the Centre for Rural Development, his office has launched training programs in agriculture and digital skills acquisition.
This dual approach—modernizing agriculture while preparing youths for the digital economy—shows a recognition that sustainable development requires both traditional and future-oriented solutions.
Many young people have benefitted from empowerment programs that give them a sense of direction and purpose, placing them on paths to self-reliance.Perhaps one of Agbaje’s most significant contributions is the institutionalization of regular dialogue with the grassroots.
His office engages with the leadership of more than 5,000 Community Development Associations (CDAs) every month, creating a platform where the concerns of residents are not only heard but also factored into policymaking.
This approach embodies Governor Sanwo-Olu’s directive for participatory governance—one that listens before acting and acts with precision.What stands out in Dr. Agbaje’s leadership is his deep understanding of governance as service.
He is not merely pushing files or commissioning projects for political visibility; he is delivering the dividends of democracy where they matter most—at the grassroots.His administrative efficiency and technical expertise mark him as a silent force shaping Lagos’ rural development narrative.
At a time when rural-urban inequality remains a pressing challenge across Nigeria, the Lagos model under Agbaje’s stewardship of the rural development office offers lessons. It shows that with the right leadership, rural communities can be centres of growth, not symbols of neglect.
Dr. Agbaje may not be one of the loudest voices in Lagos politics, but his results speak volumes. He is, without question, an engine of grassroots transformation and a reminder that true governance is measured not by speeches made in the city but by lives changed in the villages.