From Agege to Africa: Abdul-Ganiyu Vinod Obasa Emerges Continental Vice President, Retains West African Presidency

Abdul-Ganiyu Vinod Obasa, Executive Chairman of the Agege Local Government Area, has been elected Vice President of the Young Elected Local Officials (YELO) Network for Africa, while also retaining his position as President of the organisation’s West African region.

The continental election was concluded on 24 March in Nouakchott, Mauritania, following a series of strategic engagements among young elected local government leaders from across Africa. Obasa’s emergence at the continental level comes shortly after his election as West African President, a role he continues to hold.

The process followed deliberations at the YELO Summit held in Dakhla, Morocco, where participants focused on youth inclusion in governance, leadership development, peer learning and the strengthening of local government institutions across African cities and territories.

Both elections were conducted under the platform of United Cities and Local Governments of Africa (UCLG Africa). The YELO Network serves as the collective voice of young elected local officials on the continent, with a mandate to prepare the next generation of political leaders and promote accountable, inclusive local governance.

As Nigeria’s youngest serving local government chairman, Obasa’s simultaneous leadership at regional and continental levels has been described by observers as a significant endorsement of youth-driven governance and Nigeria’s growing influence in Africa’s local government diplomacy.

In his remarks following the election, Obasa described his emergence as a call to service, pledging to work closely with the continental president and regional leaders to deepen cooperation among African local governments. He emphasised the importance of translating policy dialogue into practical reforms that improve service delivery, strengthen democratic participation, and empower young people at the grassroots level.

With his dual mandate as West African President and Continental Vice President, Obasa is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the strategic direction of the YELO Network, advancing youth leadership and strengthening Africa’s voice in global local governance conversations.