Kunle Adelabu
-As Governor pledges further support
The President of the prestigious Oriwu Club, Ikorodu, Prince Amid Adekunle Oduborisha, FNES, COC, has restated the commitment of the club in discharging its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), while also revealing that the club will refurbish the Agbala Pediatric Hospital in commemoration of its 50th anniversary next year.
Oduborisha made the revelation at the grand reception organized for the Govervnor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Olushola Sanwo – Olu, who was honoured and decorated as a Grand Patron of the foremost club in Ikorodu.
The reception, which was held at the club’s Great Hall, now renamed Somi Jaiyesimi Hall, located along the Ikorodu – Shagamu Road, was a carnival – like as political leaders, various groups in the All Progressives Congress (APC) and others stormed the club.
At the grand ceremony also were His Royal Majesty, Oba (Engr.) Kabir Adewale Shotobi, the Ayangbure of Ikorodu, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Engr.) Bashir Shotonwa, the Sekumade of Ipakodo, traditional and honourray chiefs and eminent personlaities.
Otunba Oduborisha, in his speech, said that the club existence is beyond socializing alone, stating that it also involves giving back to the society.
“Being a Social Club goes beyond socializing among members, the most paramount is giving back to the society in form of Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR). The Executive Committee, in commemoration of our 50th Anniversary, has decided that Agbala Pediatric Hospital, Ikorodu General Hospital Annex, would be refurbished and given a tremendous facelift by our club”, Oriwu Club President revealed.
“Mr Governor, Agbala Pediatric Centre is an historical site in Ikorodu,as it the first General Hospital in the whole of Ikorodu division, built by the late Sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo. We believe this Legacy project we determined to embark on will be a success with the help of God and of the distinguished members of Oriwu Club”.
Oduborisha, who is an Environmentalist, also revealed the club’s plan to establish Biodiversity Park in Ikorodu and upgrade its sporting centre into a world class standard, while soliciting for the Governor’s assistance.
“It excites my astonishment how climate change has come with its sit-tight syndrome among us, in form of major global concern. Consequently, in a bid to preserve Mother Nature, Oriwu Club now proposes to establish Oriwu Club Biodiversity Park right here in Ikorodu, a replica of the famous Ndubisi Kanu Park at Alausa, Ikeja”, Otunba Oduborisha said.
We are also desirous of upgrading our gymnasium to a world class fitness centre for our members as the more fit and healthy you are, the lower your risk of getting sick or developing several health concerns.
“Oriwu Club Biodiversity Park and Fitness Gym are the project which I fervently urge Mr. Sellable, the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olushola Sanwo-Olu to assist us in making a reality”.
The President thanked the Governor for his support for the club in refurbishing its conference Room and also used the occasion to invite him to its 50 years anniversary next year.
Speaking after his decoration as the Grand Patron of the club, the Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo- Olu thanked the royal fathers, chieftains and members of the Oriwu Club and party leaders present at the ceremony.
He said that his focus is to leave great legacy in office.
“While I thank the Oriwu Club members for accepting me during the campaign, I must also say how I feel about governance. I think about how one would leave indelible legacies behind. With all the challenges we have faced, we have made headway. Our government if not about excuses, I can modestly say a few things we’ve done in Ikorodu.”
Sanwo-Olu listed infrastructural projects carried out in Ikorodu by his administration, ranging from completed and ongoing road projects; school rehabilitation, housing; upgrading of the Polytechnic to a University and the establishment of industry.
Reacting to the clamour for the upgrading of the General Hospital to a Teaching Hospital, Sanwo – Olu said he’s considering building another General Hospital to cater for the increasing medical needs of the population.
“You are indeed blessed in Ikorodu. I know the passion you have for the development of Oga. And I am happy about the development of things here. One important question I keep asking is ‘how can we make this place better than we met it?’
“We take all criticism positively, I want to encourage you to please tell us what ever you think we need to get things right. This government is committed to do more when we come back for a second term.” The governor appealed.
Governor Sanwo-Olu also talked about other landmark projects he has drawn for the state, adding that the 4th Mainland bridged which will commence June next year would end in Ikorodu.
Senator Tokunbo Abiru in his remarks, acknowledged the efforts of the founding fathers who established Oriwu Club.
“We are here today because of what they have built. We must appreciate the founding father for establishing a worthwhile group like this. To the governor, I would like to say I am a big admirer yours. There’s never a good time to lead, you have exhibited courage in a turbulent time. During the covid-19 pandemic it was not easy, coupled with the economic challenges all over the world, yet you have come this far. Now that you are one of us, I want tell you that your project is ours”, Senator Abiru said.
Hon. Ola Animashaun, Vice President, Oriwu Club, in his speech, thanked the governor for honouring the club. According to him, the governor is the 3rd governor to receive the honour and the first among the three to come to the club for the investiture.
Also at the occasion were also political leaders like Prince Abiodun Ogunleye, former Deputy Governor, Lagos State and chieftain of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), Asiwaju Olorunfunmi Bashorun, former Secretary to the Lagos State Government and chief of the GAC, Sen. (Otunba) Dr. Kingsley Adeseye Ogunlewe, former Minister and a chieftain of GAC, Sen. Tokunbo Abiru, the Senator representing the Lagos East Senatorial District, Asipa Koali Olusanya, former Commissioner and chieftain of the APC among others
