Kunle ADELABU & Mariam AKINLOYE
-Inaugurates development association
His Royal Majesty , Oba (Engr.) Bashiru Aremu Sotonwa, the Sekumade of Ipakodo (sitting middle), Chief Shonubi, the Aro of Ipakodo (sitting right) and Chief Animashaun, the Odofin of Ipakodo (sitting left) while Prince Sunkanmi Shotonwa, Chairman, Ipakodo Development Association (IDA), (standing) is addressing the gathering at the inauguration of Ipakodo Development Association at the Sekumade palace, Ipakodo on Saturday
Fun seekers in Ikorodu will soon have another opportunity to smile if plans by the Sekumade of Ipakodo, His Royal Majesty , Oba (Engr.) Bashiru Aremu Sotonwa, the Ipakodo Development Association and residents of Ipakodo Community in Ikorodu West Local Council Development Area of Ikorodu Division, Lagos State, Nigeria, to bring back the Easter Monday picnic gathering at Ebute see the light of the day.
The festival is an age-long gathering of Christians in Ikorodu at the Ebute beach in fulfillment of the Biblical meeting of Jesus Christ at Galilee, seven days after his resurrection and ascendance to heaven.
The picnic, which also accommodated other religious faithful and fun seekers, used to be a festival of sought which young and old usually look forward to as different Christian denominations, groups, clubs, families, associations and individuals usually occupied the large open-space in-front of the Nigeria Port Authority, Ikorodu Terminal down to Ebute-Iga (Bobby’s hotel), Ferry Terminal and Police Post.
To actualize these plans, a 6-man committee was inaugurated by Oba Sotonwa on Saturday, March 23,2019, with Prince Sunakanmi Shotonwa as chairman.
Oba Sotonwa, who ascended his ancestors’ throne about a year ago, while inaugurating the Ipakodo Development Association as part of preparations for the pre-first year coronation anniversary event, announced the resuscitation of the Easter Monday picnic.
“May I announce to you all that, the good people of Ipakodo and I have put the past behind us and have decided to forge a common front towards moving our community forward and positioning it as a force to reckon with among committee of progressive communities in Lagos State and Nigeria at large.
Inauguration of the executive council of the Ipakodo Development Association at the Sekumade palace on Saturday
“In view of the above and as part of my pre-first year coronation anniversary event, we are here today to formally inaugurate the Ipakodo Development Association (IDA) as the body responsible for advancing the development programmes and projects of Ipakodo Community on behalf of its people.
“To hit the ground running, the body has taken up the task of resuscitating our age-long “Oke-Odo” Easter picnic, as a way of fostering co-existence among our growing population, while also restoring our community’s tourism potentials.
“Ipakodo is blessed with massive natural water resources and we intend to leverage on this to make Ipakodo a recognized tourist destination in Lagos State”.
In his address, Prince Sunkanmi Shotonwa, Chairman, Ipakodo Development Association (IDA), stated that the association would serve as the umbrella body to all associations and clubs in the community .
“I am happy that today, Ipakodo is in the eyes of the whole world for very good reasons. This association seeks to galvanise and be the rallying point of all Ipakodo social clubs and associations.
L-R, Prof. Kunle Ade Wahab, Chief Animashaun, Oba Shotonwa and Chief Shonubi during the inauguration at the Sekumade palace
“It sees the future of this historic town with a view to harness resources, both human and materials, for the development of her younger generations. We seek cooperation of all youth elements in the town to achieve our desired goals.
“Thus, all youth organizations too numerous to mention in this short address are enjoined to, please, register with this umbrella body”, he appealed.
“In the fullness of time, a website and other social media handles will be created to showcase the history of the town, her growth and development, resources and goals”.
He stated further that IDA is open to all sons, daughters and residents of community to identify with.
“Ipakodo Development Association is open to all sons, daughters, residents, social clubs, CDAs, trade groups and associations operating within the Ipakodo community who are committed to her development.
The Chairman also announced the plan of IDA to resuscitate the age-long ‘Oke-Odo’ Easter picnic as stated by Oba Sotonwa.
“To demonstrate our readiness and commitment to our development mandate, we have decided to start with the resuscitation of our age-long “Oke-Odo” Easter picnic during the forthcoming 2019 Easter Monday”.
He stated that the body has renamed the picnic as “Ipakodo Easter Carnival/Family Picnic”.
Shotonwa also ex explained that the carnival/picnic would afford families the opportunity to unwind during the Easter celebration and also use it to develop the tourism potential of the community.
Cross sections of chiefs at the inauguration
Cross section of residents and guests
