EMINENT PERSONS OF IKORODU DIVISION HOLDS HISTORIC RECEPTION FOR APPOINTED/ELECTED POLITICAL REPRESENTATIVES IN IKORODU DIVISION. | Shakiru Seidu. You must work towards the betterment of Ikorodu Division, says Monarchs.

The four wall of Ikorodu Town Hall was full to capacity on Friday, September 6, 2019, when the Liaison Group, under the auspices of The Eminent Persons of Ikorodu Division, EPID, held a historic reception to honour the elected/appointed representatives across the Lagos East Senatorial District (Ikorodu Division).

His Royal Majesties, Oba (Engr) AbdulKabir Adewale Shotobi, Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Mudashiru Ajibade Bakare-Agoro, Ranodu of Imota, Oba (Barr.) AbdulSemiu Orimadegun Kasali, Adeboruwa  of Igbogbo, Oba Richard Ogunsanya, Olubeshe of Ibeshe and High Chief Aliu Musediku, Regent of Ijede. Sen. Ganiu Olanrewaju Solomon, Hon Babajimi  Benson, MHR, Sir Engr. (Chief) Kayode Shoderu, the six Council Chairmen in Ikorodu Division, amongst other notable  dignitaries were present at the event.

The programme which was officially covered by MegaXpression Community Magazine, kickstarted with an opening prayer by Bishop Solomon O. Ayodele, then followed suit was the welcome address by Sir Engr. Chief Kayode Shoderu, Chairman of Liaison Group. 

He spoke briefly on the background of Liaison Group which was established by the Eminent Persons and residents of Ikorodu Division, made up of Royal Heads in the Division, High Chiefs, Professionals, political leader, Businessmen, market leaders, youth leaders and representatives of social clubs, under the chairmanship of Emeritus Prof. Sikiru A. Sanni, on the 15th of April, 2014 at Ayangburen's Palace, Ikorodu. 

"The mandate given to the group was to liaise with the government at the federal, state and local levels on all aspects of the development with a view to improve the overall well being of all residents in Ikorodu Division".

"The Pioneer Chairman of the Group was Chief Babatunde O. Benson, SAN, who meritoriously led the Group up until may 2015 when the mantle of leadership fell on me and since then we have been striving to meet the mandate and development objectives of the Group".  He said. 

The chairman of the occasion Sen. Ganiu Solomon gave his address by first observing protocols of recognising all dignitaries present. "I want to say that Ikorodu and the Liaison Group have done so well because I remember the Group several months back. I want to reiterate what the chairman said during his speech; in summary, our collaboration and partnership are hereby solicited for Ikorodu Division to have a fair share of the distribution of resources for development in the mid term and yearly budgets of the federal, state and local governments, he said.

“We sincerely need your support and that's the main reason why we are here in order to make sure we have the full support of the federal, state and local government which means we have the governments full support as a whole". Sen Ganiu Solomon added.

HRM Oba Mudashiru Ajibade Bakare Agoro, the Ranodu of Imota rendered the goodwill message and went back to history to state how the establishment, (Ikorodu Division) started. 

Former H.O.S and Aremo of Igbogbo  Kingdom, Prince Adesegun Ogunlewe said in his eloquent speech on the way forward to a better Ikorodu, mentioned specific places such as Gberigbe, Igbogbo, Bayeku, Ijede, Ogolonto, Itokin and other Ikorodu related roads with bad roads, security, Police Stations, Health Centres that need appropriate change.

However, he implored the iCARE initiator, Hon. Babajimi Adegoke Benson, MHR, and other representatives from the district to find a better solution to the affected environment and make Ikorodu a better place.

Meritorious Awards were later given to some distinguished personalities across the Lagos East Senatorial, among which are:

1. Hon. Justice Kazeem Alogba
2. Sen. Adebayo S. Osinowo
3. Hon. Babajimi Adegoke Benson
4. Sen. (Dr.) Olorunnimbe Mamora
5. Hon. S.O.B Agunbiade
6. Hon. Nurudeen Solaja
7. Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa
8. Dr. Fedrick A. Oladeinde
9. Ms. Ruth Bisola Olusanya
10. Hon. Asipa Kaoli Olusanya
11. Mr. Tayo Akin made Ayinde
12. Oyunba (Dr.) Ademuyiwa B. Eniayewun
13. Prof. Adebayo Ninalowo
14. Alhaji Babatunde T. Rotinwa
15. Engr. O. O. Oshinowo
16. Alhaji Fatai Oluwole
17. Hon. Toyin Gafar Bolowotan
18. Mr Leke Kara
19. Dr. Taiwo K. Hassan

Immediately after the awards presentation, the audience was entertained with cultural dance/ musical entertainment to warm up the dignitaries. The closing prayer was performed by Chief Imam, His eminent Sheikh Yahya O. Oshoala, while Head of Secretarial team, Chief Tele Oduloye JP performed the vote of thanks.

Members of the Planning Committee includes Dr. Harrison Bolaji Adeniji, Chairman, Mr Kazeem Showemimo, Secretary, Otunba Saheed Ibikunle, Otunba David Ekiyoyo, Hon Princess Folashade Olabanji-Oba, Otunba Dare Odufowokan, Mr Faruk Giwa, Aremo Adesegun Ogunlewe, Sir Otunba Ayodele Elesho, Rev Col (Rtd) B.T. Onafowokan, Otunba A.O. Oyebola and Mrs O.O.T. Benson.

SHAKIRU SEIDU
Publisher/Editor-in-Chief,
MegaXpression Community Magazine.