By Kunle Adelabu, Oluwaseun Hassan & Boluwatife Hassan
-Governor Ambode says annual event is celebration of Lagos rich cultural heritage
-Dr Anifowoshe donates patrol van to Onyabo Vigilante Group
The conferment of Merit Award, which is the highest honour of the Ikorodu-Oga Development Association (IKODASS),a socio – cultural group in Ikorodu, on Hon. Sanai Agunbiade, the Majority Leader of the Lagos State House of Assembly and the Opomulero (Pillar) of Ikorodu, was the climax of the grand finale of this year’s Ikorodu – Oga Day Celebration.
The memorable event, which drew curtain on the weeklong ceremony, was held at the Ayangbure palace in Ikorodu on Saturday, November 18, 2017, and recorded impressive attendance of government functionaries, captains of industries, traditional rulers and chiefs,Baales, members of the academia, politicians, eminent personalities as well as members of clubs and associations, market women and men and residents of Ikorodu and its environs.
On the attendance list of the state functionaries were the governor of Lagos State, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, who was ably represented by Hon. Muslim Folami, the Honourable Commissioner for Local Government & Communities Affairs, Prince Rotimi Ogunleye, Commissioner for Commerce, Industry & Cooperatives, Hon. Adebimpe Akinsola, acting Commissioner for Tourism/Special Adviser on Arts & Culture and Mrs Uzamat Yusuf-Akinbile, Commissioner for Youths & Social Development.
On the roll call of the Federal and State lawmakers were Hon. Babajimi Benson, member, Federal House of Representatives, Hon. Nurudeen Solaja, Hon. Rotimi Olowo, Hon. Rotimi Abiru and Hon. Desmond Elliot.
Other important dignitaries were HRM Oba Kazeem Kashimawo Olaonipekun Gbadamosi, the Ologijo of Ogijo, Prof. Kunle Ade Wahab, former Chairman of Due Process Unit in the Presidency and Chairman of Ikorodu-Oga Day Education Foundation (IKODEF), Otunba (Dr) Steve Adewale Anifowoshe, Chairman of the occasion, Alhaja Chief (Mrs) Lateef Gbajabiamila, Mother of the day, Asipa Kaoli Olusanya, former Commissioner for Agriculture and Otunba Ayodele Elesho, former Commissioner for Information among others.
The Governor of Lagos State, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, in his speech, stated that Ikorodu-Oga day celebration is the celebration of achievements and resilence of the people of Ikorodu towards the development of the town which has place it among the leading committee of nations.
“It is the celebration our rich cultural heritage and what binds us together as a people which is very commendable. I’m particularly happy that this celebration is taking place in a free and fair environment that is devoid of fear or insecurity as experienced a couple of months back”, said the Governor.
“The peace we are enjoying today is source of hardwork of all lovely residents who demonstrated courage and partnership with security agencies to make Ikorodu safer for businesses and habitation. The success of what we have seen is the outcome of what you see when the people and security agencies resolve to work together in fighting common enemies”, the Governor stated while recalling how Badoo menace was tackled in Ikorodu division.
The representative of the Governor added that the administration of Mr Ambode has surpassed the achievements of previous administrations in providing security, infrastructures, sound economy and socio-cultural developments and solicited for the people’s support for the governor.
He then stated that the only way to compensate him is to give him a second term.
Otunba Ganiu Abiru, Chairman, Ikorodu-Oga Development Association (IKODASS), in his speech thanked everyone who has contributed immensely to the success of this year’s celebration and specially expressed his gratitude to Gov. Ambode for his monetary support and also for his contribution in putting a stop to the badoo menace in ikorodu.
While announcing the names of the two merit awardees – Hon. Sanai Agunbiade and Late (Dr) Oluyombo Awojobi, who was conferred with the award post humously, the IKODASS Chairman said, “These two people have done wonderfully well and they deserve the highest award of the Association which of course is the Merit Award”.
He added, “The year 2017 brochure contains the list of the awardees and we hope that it would motivate and inspire others to do more for Ikorodu community”.
“Hon. Agunbiade, whom we are celebrating today, has brought to the fore the Asa culture which was nearly going into extinction , but for his determination, we can proudly say Ikorodu also has something to showcase when called upon to display some of its cultural heritage”, he said while commending Hon. Agunbiade.
Also, Dr Steve Adewale Anifowoshe, in his own address, expressed his appreciation for being made the chairman of the event and donated an undisclosed amount of money and a brand new Toyota Pick Up van to IKODASS and Onyabo Vigilante Group respectively as his own modest way of contributing to Ikorodu development.
The Ayangbure of Ikorodu, His Royal Majesty, Oba Adewale Shotobi, in his royal speech, was full of praises for Gov. Ambode and his cabinet for the developmental projects being embarked upon in Ikorodu division.
In demonstration of his sincere appreciation for the governor’s gestures, the monarch appealed to residents of Ikorodu division to support the re – election of the governor for a second term because of what he termed as a laudable first term performance.
He also highlighted some of the achievements of the Ambode’s administration; particularly its efforts in tackling the Badoo menace.
Also, Oba Shotobi urged the awardee of the the day, Hon. Sanai Agunbiade, to continue his quality representation to his people and Lagos State.
“Agunbiade is my son in whom I am well pleased. He has been doing it before, that is why we are honoring him today. I’m very sure that he will continue to soar higher because he has not reach his destination yet”.
And while concluding his address, he said to Ikorodu residents, “Let’s come together to make Ikorodu a peaceful and harmonious place to live for all”.
In his response after his conferrement, Hon. Agunbiade said, “I thank God for this beautiful award and also appreciate our king for this deserving acknowledgement. I’m dedicating this award to a true friend, comrade and colleague who we were school mates in Teachers’ College, Lagos State University and the Nigerian Law School. We have been in the struggle for the development of Ikorodu and humanity together. That person is Barr. Saheed Kolawole Shillings”.
He added that the best honour that could be given to anybody is the recognition by his own people.He, however, promised to continue to do his best for his people.
A retired Permanent Secretary in the Lagos State Public Service and the Technical Director of the IIoyds Limited and Pavement, Engr. Kayode Anibaba, was also decorated as a patron of IKODASS at the event.
More so,the Ikorodu Harmony Brother’s Club emerged the Club of the year out of over 200 clubs that registered with IKODASS.
After the event at the Ayangbure palace, indigenes and residents of Ikorodu and their guests as well as other dignitaries moved to Ikorodu Town hall along Olubi Street and Owolowo Street for a memorable social party which featured a sumptuous feast and dance session that lasted into the night.
Eighteen indigent students in Ikorodu from different higher institutions in Nigeria were also awarded scholarship awards by IKODASS at the event.
According to the Chairman of Ikorodu-Oga Day Education Foundation (IKODEF), Prof. Kunle Ade Wahab, the beneficiaries of this year’s scholarship awards emerged through a thorough interview.
