The Youth Partnership for Africa’s Development (YOUPAD) has honoured the Chairman of Apapa-Iganmu Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Hon. Jimoh Olawale Saliu, with the Thomas Sankara Pan-African Selfless Leadership Prize.
Hon. Saliu received the “Icon of Selfless and Innovative Leadership” award on Wednesday, 16 September, 2026, in recognition of his contributions to grassroots development, public service, community transformation and institutional leadership.
Speaking at the presentation, YOUPAD President, Dr. Henry Nkem Nwankwo, said the award recognised Saliu’s commitment to effective grassroots governance, community empowerment, infrastructure development, accountability and innovation.
Nwankwo described the chairman’s leadership as an inspiration for purposeful governance, community development and sustainable growth at the grassroots, noting that his contributions had made a positive impact on the socio-economic development of Apapa-Iganmu LCDA.
He explained that the Thomas Sankara Pan-African Prize for Leadership Excellence is an honour reserved for African leaders and individuals whose lives demonstrate selfless service, hard work, moral values and commitment to Africa’s development beyond national, ethnic and religious boundaries.
According to him, YOUPAD is a Pan-African youth league and umbrella organisation for student and youth groups across Africa. Its core objective is to develop young people in leadership and entrepreneurship and promote the emergence of a peaceful, prosperous and integrated Africa.
Responding, Saliu thanked YOUPAD for the recognition, saying the honour would motivate him to implement more programmes aimed at improving the lives of residents.
He highlighted some of his administration’s initiatives in areas including road construction, education, security, environmental management and healthcare.
Present at the event were the Secretary to the Local Government, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim Olanrewaju, Supervisor for Health, Hon. Charles Achibong, Special Adviser on Information, Hon. Adamson Omobolaji amongst others.
