The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, has named the Chairman of the Oyo State Local Government Service Commission, Bashorun Akinwale Solomon Akinwole, as its Best Administrator of the Year.

According to a letter jointly signed by the NUJ Chairman, Comrade Ademola Babalola; Chairman of the Planning Committee, Kemi Olaitan; and Secretary, Omolola Alamu, the honour is in recognition of Akinwole’s outstanding leadership, administrative excellence, and impactful reforms since assuming office.

The award presentation will take place on Friday October 17, during the grand finale of the NUJ 2025 Press Week tagged Pen Night.

The weeklong celebration, which runs from Sunday, October 12 to Friday, October 17, will feature several activities, including a church service, opening ceremony to be declared open by Governor Seyi Makinde, anniversary lecture, visits to motherless babies’ homes, Family and Veteran’s Day, and Jumat service.

“The union deems it necessary to confer on you the NUJ Award of Best Administrator of the Year during the Pen Night, given your remarkable achievements within a short time in office,” the statement read in part.

The Ogbomoso-born Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stalwart, appointed few months ago by Governor Makinde, has recorded unprecedented progress at the Commission. Among his major achievements are the clearance of promotion backlogs affecting over 10,000 staff, consistent capacity-building programs for workers across all cadres, and a comprehensive staff verification and welfare assessment tour of the 33 local government areas in the state.

Other notable reforms under his leadership include the review and expansion of training packages, introduction of out-of-state professional development programmes, establishment of a swift Staff Complaints Resolution mechanism, and enhancement of staff welfare policies to foster a supportive work environment.

Akinwole also oversaw the modernization of the Local Government House, equipping it with CCTV for improved security, Wi-Fi for seamless connectivity, and a new intercom system to enhance communication and productivity.

Through these reforms, the Oyo State Local Government Service Commission has been transformed into a modern, efficient, and people-oriented institution, underscoring Akinwole’s dedication to excellence, innovation, and accountability in public service.