A serving councillor in Surulere Local Government Area of Lagos State and two-time chairman of the Lagos State Chief Whip Forum, Eric Otinwa, has urged elected officials, especially at the grassroots level, to place greater value on documentation and knowledge-building while in office.

He noted that this will serve as valuable material for the younger generation of politicians, teaching them the pitfalls to avoid to ensure successful political careers.

According to him, public service must go beyond routine governance to include preserving the experiences and lessons that can guide future leaders.

He said, “While in office, document your work. Make research. History will always resurface, and what we leave behind is what others will build on. You don’t have to wait for a bigger office. Even from your small desk, you can write something that outlives your tenure.”

Otinwa made the remarks while receiving a Recognition Award of Excellence from Prestige Media Concept in Lagos.

The honour was presented in recognition of his recent publication, Council Autonomy and Grassroots Governance, which was tagged as a bold contribution to civic education and local government reform.

According to Otinwa, the book makes him the first serving councillor in Lagos to publish a book while still in office.

The CEO of Prestige Group, Oluwakemi Oni, who presented the award, described Otinwa as a record-breaker whose intellectual effort reflects a rare commitment to legacy. She said the organisation, which honours individuals creating positive impact in their communities, found his achievement exceptional.

“To write and publish a book while serving as a councillor is no small feat. It sends a powerful message to other grassroots leaders about the importance of documentation and legacy,” she said.

While acknowledging that no public official is without fault, Oni said Otinwa’s performance over two terms has been marked by consistency, community engagement, and a growing influence in local governance.

The book, which explores the inner workings of local councils, draws on historical developments in Surulere and compares governance models across different countries, stirring new discussions about autonomy, representation, and the capacity of local governments to drive real development. It also brings to the fore the often-ignored role of councillors in Nigeria’s democracy.