Kunle Adelabu
-Launches N500, 000 endowment for ICT hub completion
The week – long celebrations of the 38th edition of the Imota Ayayo Day festival, memorably ended on Saturday, November 9, 2924, with the induction of eminent personalities that have contributed in no small measures to the development of Imota, Lagos State, Nigeria and the humanity in general, into the Imota Hall of Fame.
The honorees are: Dr. Oladega Adebogun, the founder/visitor, CALEB University, Imota; Alhaji Olalekan Saka – Jinadu, FCA, ACTI, ACIS, retired Deputy Director, Bank Examination Department, Nigeria Insurance Deposit Corporation; Alhaji Fatai Olalekan Lasisi, former Special Adviser to Governor Akinwnmi Ambode on Taxation and Revenue Matters and Barr. Ademuyiwa Olusesan Ogunowo, an accredited preacher and Trustee of the Methodist Church of Great Britain.
Also honoured at the grand finale of the annual ceremony that was well – attended, were Mr Olatayo Bodunrin Ogunbowale, the President, National Association of Ikorodu Division Students (NAID) who was conferred with the Youth Leadership Impact Award and Oke – Agbo Central CDA which was honoured with the Imota LCDA Excellence Award.
This year’s celebration, which was themed, ‘Preserving Our Heritage, Advancing Our Future’, was chaired by HRM Oba (Dr.) Adesina Sulaimon Raji, Ashade l, the Oniba Ekun of Iba Kingdom, while Rep. Babajimi Benson, the representative of lkorodu Federal Constituency, was the Chief Launcher, and the duo of Sen. Tokunbo Abiru, Senator representing Lagos East Senatorial District and Hon. Aro Moshood Abiodun, representative, Ikorodu Constituency II, were co – launchers.
Hon. Wasiu Agoro, Chairman, Imota LCDA, in his address, said that the yearly celebrations provides residents of the community the opportunity to celebrate how far that they have come as a people and together plan for the future.
“As we gathered to celebrate Ayayo Day, I am reminded of how rich and diverse our community is. This day brings us together, offering a moment to honor our shared achievements and collective spirit that drive Imota forward.
“ A Nation’s culture resides in the hearts and in the soul of its people’, as Mahatma Gandhi wisely noted. This truth reflects the strength of our community, as we continue to preserve our heritage, while embracing growth and progress. Our efforts in sustaining the values of unity and resilience are what make Imota exceptional
“The ongoing infrastructural developments within Imota, have paved way for economic growth, creating opportunities for residents and making our community a beacon of progress. As we move forward, let us continue to focus on projects that will uplift our people and foster an environment of a peaceful coexistence”, he said.
The council boss thanked the President of Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu and Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo – Olu, for supporting the development in Imota. He also acknowledged the support of the Ranodu of Imota, HRM Oba Ajibade Agoro.
The Chairman, Imota Ayayo Development Association (IADA), Dr. Adekunle Awolaja, ESV,, said that the Imota Day festival avails its people to showcase their cultural heritage and advance same.
“Our gathering for another historic promotion of our culture heritage and to build on the labour of our forefathers, is at hand. It is with great pride and humility that I stand before you as the chairman of the Imota Ayayo Development Association, to welcome you to the grand finale of the 38th Ayayo Day Celebration.
“Today, we are not just celebrating a day; we are celebrating the rich heritage, unity, and collective spirit of lmota, a town deeply rooted in Yoruba cultural and traditional values. This year’s theme, ‘Preserving Our Heritage, Advancing Our Future’, perfectly captures our commitment to cultural pride and future development.
“Today, as we mark the grand finale, we celebrate the heart of the Ayayo Day, the induction of Distinguished Personalities into the prestigious Imota Hall of Fame. This honor is reserved for those whose contributions have elevated our community and inspired generations to come. We are also excited to have Sule Alao Malaika here with us to deliver an unforgettable musical performance, adding a special touch to this memorable day.
While stating that IADA intends preparing the community youths for today and future global market, the IADA President urged guests and residents to support the efforts of the group in building an ICT/CBT Centre for digital revolution in Imota.
“However, our celebration today is not just about looking back at our rich history, but also about forging ahead into the future. I am proud to announce that part of today’s event includes a fundraising for the development of our ongoing Community ICT Innovation Hub.
“As we all know, we are in the digital era, and it is crucial for us to equip our youths and community with the necessary tool to thrive in the modern world.
“The ICT Hub will serve as a center for technological advancement, offering opportunities for our people to develop digital skills and compete in the global marketplace. I urge everyone present to support this initiative generously, as it will propel lmota into a future of innovation and growth”, he appealed.
In his own remarks, Dr Okedeyi Abiodun, PhD, Chairman, 2024 Annual Ayayo Day Organisation, said that the centre, when completed, would prepare students in Imota for Computer Based Examinations (CBT).
“Today, which is the grand finale and the launching of five hundred million naira (#500,000,000.00) Education Endowment Fund to support the realization of the lmota ICT Hub, as most examination bodies are clamouring for Computer Based Examinations (CBE) for their various assessments, this has been a major challenge for most of the indigent students within our community.
“History has been made today with the induction of distinguished personalities into the Prestigious Imota Hall of Fame, the first of its kind in our dear town”, he said.
Ranodu of Imota, Oba Ajibade Agoro, urged sons and daughters of Imota, both home and abroad, to contribute to the continued development of Imota.
The royal father urged them to join hands in building a brighter future for the generations unborn.
Rep. Babajimi Benson, who laid the foundation for a new 250 – capacity ICT/CBT centre at Ori – Okuta in Imota for Ikorodu Constituency II, before the event, speaking in his capacity as the Chief Launcher, thanked the Ranodu for his love and support.
He also announced that he would facilitate the building of a dialysis centre and ambulance for the 80 – bed hospital in facilitated in Imota.
The Senator representing Lagos East Senatorial East, Sen. Tokubnb Abiru, commended the initiative of Imota in building a CBT/ICT Centre, a development he said he is passionate about and the reason he established the SAIL Innovation Lab in Ipakodo, Ikorodu.
Abiru, who was represented by Dr Saheed Ibikunle, pledged his support for the centre.
Hon. Aro Moshood Abiodun (AMA), in his own remarks, expressed his happiness that there are improvements on the yearly event.
At the annual celebration, winners of the Miss Imota Ayayo and Omidan Asa were presented with cash prizes.
Also at the event were His Royal Majesties, Oba Kabir Shotobi, the Ayangbure of Ikorodu, Oba Semiudeen Kasali, the Adeboruwa of Imota, Oba Bashir Shotonwa, the Sekumade of Ipakodo, Oba Rafiu Balogun, Elejinrin of Ejinrin, BuIlder Sesan Dain, Chairman, Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA, Sen. Adeseye Ogunlewe, former Minister for Works, Hon. Nuruceen Solaja, former representative Ikorodu Constituency II, Hon. Motunrayo Gbadebo – Alogba, Chairman, Ijede LCDA, Hon. (Princess) Folashade Olabanji – Oba, Vice Chairman, Ikorodu LG and Deaconess (Chief) Mrs Busola Isikalu, Iyaloja General of Ikorodu Division, Alhaji Wale Amusa, CEO HOMAT Group of Schools, Alhaji Murphy Dawodu, Sir (Otunba) Wole Odulate, General Secretary, IDRDG, among others.
