Bariga Local Council Development Area (LCDA) stands today as a symbol of progressive grassroots governance, thanks to the transformative leadership of Hon. David Kolade Alabi — fondly known as Kola Alabi — whose two-term tenure as Executive Chairman has redefined local administration in Lagos, writes Seun Oloketuyi.
Across the wards and communities of Bariga, the people are united in one voice: Thank you, Kola Alabi, for two great terms of visionary, people-first governance.
Hon. David Kolade Alabi’s journey into leadership was built on years of civic responsibility, grassroots engagement, and an unwavering belief in the power of local governance. A native of Lagos State, he holds a degree in Political Science and later pursued advanced studies in Public Administration. He further obtained his second degree in Law (LL.B) from the prestigious Lagos State University, followed by a Master’s Degree in Law (LL.M) from the University of Lagos—his alma mater—where he had also earlier completed his undergraduate studies.
He started his political career with deep community involvement, eventually rising to become one of the most respected local government administrators in Nigeria. Prior to his chairmanship, he served in various advisory and supervisory capacities within Lagos politics, building trust, loyalty, and strong ties with the people of Bariga and beyond.
From day one, Hon. Kola Alabi demonstrated a clear commitment to service. Under his watch, Bariga witnessed the construction and commissioning of the Bariga Health Centre, the introduction of free school bus services for students, the procurement of ambulances to boost emergency response, and a consistent focus on infrastructure upgrades that directly improved quality of life.
In response to rising economic challenges, Alabi established the Bariga Palliative Committee — a 16-member grassroots initiative designed to support the most vulnerable in the community. It wasn’t just about charity — it was about intentional, well-coordinated community upliftment.
Alabi’s impact was not confined to local boundaries. As President of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) and Vice Chair of the Commonwealth Local Government Affairs Board, he became a leading advocate for fiscal autonomy, capacity building, and institutional reform.
Representing Nigeria at major global events, including the UN Water Conference in New York and the Commonwealth Local Government Conference in Kigali, Alabi showcased Bariga as a working model of effective and transparent grassroots governance.
A firm believer in synergy between federal and local structures, Kola Alabi was a vocal supporter of President Bola Tinubu’s economic and infrastructural transformation agenda. As Chairman of Conference 57, which comprises all LGAs and LCDAs in Lagos, he consistently pushed for stronger collaboration between all tiers of government.
Today, as Hon. Alabi concludes his second term, the people of Bariga take a collective pause — not to say goodbye, but to say thank you.
Thank you for the roads.
Thank you for the buses.
Thank you for showing what accountable leadership can look like.
Your name is not just written in records, Kola Alabi — it is written in the hearts of the people you served.
Seunmanuel Faleye is a brand and communications strategist. He is a covert writer and an overt creative head. He publishes Apple’s Bite International Magazine.
