Mariam Akinloye & Bolu Orebajo (SIWES student)
It was a celebration of unity, progress and shared values when the Market Associations and Community Development Associations (CDAs) and the Community Development Committee in Igbogbo/Bayeku Local Council Development Area (LCDA) gathered last Thursday to celebrate the 2024 Market and Community Day.
The celebration which was part of this year’s week – long celebration in commemoration of the 36th Igbogbo Day, held at the UAMC (Eleja) Primary School, Igbogbo, with the Chief Host, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Barr.) Semiudeen Orimadegun Kasali, the Adeboruwa of Igbogbo, Adeboruwa – in – Council, eminent sons and daughters and residents in their large numbers being joined by invited guests for the celebration.
Different market groups took their turn – one after the other – in paying homage to the Adeboruwa and offer their harvest gifts to the royal family as a mark of respect.
The gathering was also an avenue for the traders to express their support and acceptance of the new Iyaloja – General of Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA, Alhaja Ashake Wahab.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Rural Development, Dr Nurudeen Agbaje and the Iyaloja General of Ikorodu Kingdom who also doubled as that of the Ikorodu Division, Deaconess Busola Isikalu (Busiq) were part of the celebration as special guests.
The Special Adviser to the Governor of Lagos State on Rural Development, Dr Nurudeen Agbaje, who was represented by the Zonal Head Ikorodu Division, Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, also congratulated the Igbogbo people for celebrating the progress made together and sustaining the tradition of the kingdom.
“I am deeply honoured to be with you today to celebrate our community in its remarkable diversity, unwavering resilience and unbridled spirit.
“Today, we come together to acknowledge our shared values, traditions and aspirations that have been the bedrock of our community’s strength and progress.
“The theme for today’s celebration which is “Community Service: Catalyst for Economic Development” reflects our communities’ commitment to enhancing the power of community service to drive economic growth and development.
“Igbogbo/Bayeku is a vibrant tapestry of culture, tradition and background, woven together by thread of inclusivity, respect and empathy. No doubt, as a community, Igbogbo values the richness of her diversity, wisdom of its elders and the energy of our youths and I believe that this why members of this community look forward to one another for support
“As we celebrate our community Day today, we also recognize the challenges that we face and how our people work to make ends meet; the hardship faced by our local businesses that are striving to stay afloat and the concerns of our community leaders who are working tirelessly to address our community needs”, the Governor’s aide said.
High Chief Tajudeen Onasanya, the Odofin of Igbogbo speaking on behalf of the Adeboruwa and his council of chiefs welcome residents and guests to the celebration.
While welcoming the Iyaloja – General of Ikorodu Division, Chief Isikalu whom he thanked for her support for Igbogbo, he spoke in parables to congratulate the new Iyaoja – General of Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA, and also capture the situation within the market association.
He appealed to the traders to maintain peace and unity and not allow the situation to degenerate.
The Babaloja – General of Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA, Prince Jimoh Ogunmuyiwa, speaking with THE IMPACT said that this year’s celebration is bigger than the previous editions because members of the market associations are happy having a new Iyaloja General of Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA.
“This year’s celebration is different from the previous editions and the emergence of the new Iyaloja General has brought a new lease of life into the market association.
“We are all happy and joyous. It is an expression of happiness and celebration and we are all very happy to celebrate with Kabiyesi and the entire Igbogbo people
“I charge the entire Olojas that they should continue to maintain the unit that we have been known for. Olojas in Igbogbo /Bayeku LCDA are one and we shall continue to be one – big – happy – family,” he said.
Lion (Alhaja) Princess Ashake Modinat Wahab, the new Iyaloja General, Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA, described the day as wonderful and great.
She urged traders to hope for a better condition soon.
“Today is very wonderful and great in the life of Olojas in Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA. I did not see this position coming but having been capped, it is a blessing and an honour. I am pleased to be celebrating the Market Day 2024 with the entire Olojas
“I appeal to Olojas to be calm and continue to go about their businesses. I know that things are hard in the country but with time, we shall all witness positive turn around and our hope shall be renewed.
“The government cannot do it alone but I will ask my people to calm down for a better future. We will see what we can do to assist our people”, she said.
Deaconess (Chief) Mrs Busola Isikalu. Iyaloja – General, Ikrodu Division, also congratulated the Adeboruwa of Igbogbo and the entire people of the kingdom on the 2024 celebration:
“I congratulate the entire Olojas in Igbogbo and celebrate with the on the occasion of this year’s Igbogbo Day. We shall all gather next year and beyond to celebrate more Igbogbo Day.”
Iyaloja Isikalu charged members of the association to continue to relate together in peace and harmony and promote economic development in Ikorodu Division,
