WE’LL EXPLORE ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT SECTOR TO OVERCOME RECESSION- AMBODE …Hosts First Rasheed Gbadamosi Art Exhibition …FG, Osoba, Others Hail Gov’s Drive To Make State Hub of Creative Industry

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Friday evening said that his administration will continue to harness the massive potentials and creativity that abound in the arts and entertainment sector not only to boost the State’s economy but also to lead the drive to get the nation out of recession.

The Governor, who spoke at the maiden Rasheed Gbadamosi Art Exhibition, held at the Eko Hotels and Suites in Victoria Island, said there was no better time for progressive governments to begin to look towards the arts and entertainment sector to create jobs for the teeming youths, which according to him can go a long way to reflate the economy.

He said, “If we are going to beat recession, the real future of Lagos and Nigeria is what you have seen tonight and that’s where we are going.

“In a situation where we have been unable to tap the energy in creative arts, I can tell you for free that the real future of Lagos and the economy generally in Nigeria is in the creative arts, entertainment and in services. Like I have always said, we have an end to white collar jobs, so the future and now is for those who are creative, innovative and those who can use their energy and talent to create employment”.

Governor Ambode said his administration believes that no nation or state can achieve its full potential without adequate attention to matters of heritage and culture or without due encouragement for the teeming youthful population that sees and seeks opportunities in the creative industries.

“Creativity is the most valuable asset in any progressive society.  Therefore, progressive governments must embrace creativity. We are committed, and we must reward contributors of creative ideas with incentives.

“This is why we are keenly interested in further development of our creative talents; in providing them with support and opportunities to be engaged; in helping to create platforms such as today’s to excel and compete globally and in showing to the world that Lagos is more than ready to announce its arrival as the continent’s frontline destination of choice that gives arts and culture their due,” the Governor said.

He said with the Arts Exhibition, aside seeking to immortalise the sterling contributions of the late Co-Chair of the Lagos @ 50 Committee, Chief Rasheed Gbadamosi, presented a veritable platform for his administration to show its passion for the creative arts especially by encouraging young and budding talents.

“This is why we are keenly interested in further development of our creative talents; in providing them with support and opportunities to be engaged; in helping to create platforms such as today’s to excel and compete globally and in showing to the world that Lagos is more than ready to announce its arrival as the continent’s frontline destination of choice that gives arts and culture their due,” Governor Ambode said.

He said aside the six arts theaters and cinemas which would come on board this year, his administration was making several other interventions to engage the arts community for the Lagos @ 50 celebrations, including engaging several artists to decorate various parts of our state with landmark installations.

“Imagine if you give these young ones six arts theatres and cinemas across Lagos, that means they can display their talents, that means we would create more jobs for people, that means there would be money coming into Lagos and then we would have improved on tourism, that’s what we are doing,” Governor Ambode said.

On his part, Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed commended the efforts of Governor Ambode describing him as one of the most passionate governors keen to give the creative arts industry a face lift.

Mohammed said Governor Ambode, aside being the first governor in Nigeria building theaters all over the State, his passion to upgrade the National Museum and the National Theatre to world class standard was second to none.

He added that through massive investment in the security apparatus in the State as well as the Light Up Lagos initiative, the Governor was putting in place lifelong infrastructures, which according to him was reviving a 24-hour economy for Lagos.

Corroborating him, former governor of Ogun State, Aremo Olusegun Osoba was full of praise of Governor Ambode, saying that he has succeeded in bringing the old and the new together and restoring Lagos as the modern father of Nigeria.

Also speaking, arts collector extraordinaire, Omooba Yemisi Shyllon, said if Lagos can sustain the drive to revive the creative arts and entertainment industry, the State is capable of feeding Nigeria with foreign exchange.

He cited the Opera House in Paris, France, Spain and South Africa as countries who are raking in millions of dollars through arts, culture and tourism, saying Lagos was already taking a cue.

“Lagos State has blazed the trail. Thank You Governor, you are the Moses we have been waiting for. It takes a lot of insight for someone to identify this great creativity in this state and an industry is being created, joblessness would reduce, people will be busy, we would have less social problems, the image of this state will grow and we would become a great city,” he said.

EMINENT DIGNITARIES ENCOMIUM AS CHIEF ADENRELE OLOWU BURIES BROTHER

Words cannot be enough to describe how historic a man of God was buried. It was a memorable day at the Nazarene Church of Nigeria, Balogun Street, Somolu  where the funeral was held and at Orthopedic playing ground, Igbobi, where reception was held for the committed seasoned man of God, Prophet Prince Olatunji Gbadebo Salu, on Friday, 27th of January,  2017.

Prophet Prince Olatunji Gbadebo Salu who surrendered to death on Saturday 12th of November, 2016, was born to the Royal family of Ijaolu Osho-ojuba on May 19th, 1930.

He was born at the present Igbogbo Palace while his grandfather was the late Oba Osho Ojuba, who reigned between 1905 to 1931. He was the first child of Late Chief (Mrs.) Janet Efunbote Adunni from Itun-Abosan in Igbogbo while Chief Adenrele Olowu was the last born.

Chief Adenrele Olowu,  a highly respected APC Leader in Ikorodu Division could not hide his joyous feelings as regard the presence of the prominent personalities from different works of life who graced the occasion.

The final burial ceremony which was bombarded with men and women of timber and calibre from home and abroad saw the likes of the former deputy Governor of Lagos State, Prince Abiodun Ogunleye, former SSG, Lagos State, Asiwaju Olorunfunmi Basorun, Chief Dr. Ogunlaja, the Chairman of Costeng Ltd. Engr. H. O. B.  Lawal, National Assembly Member, Hon. Babajimi Benson, Otunba Adebowale Ogunade, Prince Adesegun Ogunlewe, Mr Olusoga Faniyi, Chief Okusanya, Mr Oteju and Yeye Arabambi.

Others were former Executive Secretaries from Ikorodu division, led by Hon Taiwo Orenuga, and Hon Banjo, Party members from APC, Ikorodu division, led by Alh Sefiu Ogunyemi, Alh Olawale Abdulahi, Kunle Odumade, Gbenga, Opemipo and Bunmi Faniyi, amongst others. Not forgetting Korede Olowu, Adebukola Olowu-Talabi, and the rest of Chief Olowu's children, members of Eleja Church, Igbogbo, Yewa sisters Club, Igbogbo, were all in attendance.

When speaking with the Publisher, Igbogbo/Bayeku Info Magazine, Mr Shakiru Seidu, Chief Adenrele Olowu unveiled his sincere gratitude to Almighty God and other well wishers who made it possible.

SHAKIRU SEIDU
The Publisher, Igbogbo/Bayeku Info Magazine
The genuine VOICE of Ikorodu Division

AMBODE VOWS TO PRESERVE LAGOS HISTORICAL, CULTURAL HERITAGE …Commissions Newly Upgraded Tinubu Square Fountain

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Friday expressed the resolve of his administration to continue to preserve cultural and historical sites across the State and develop them to international standard to boost tourism, employment generation and relaxation.

Governor Ambode, who stated this while commissioning the newly upgraded Tinubu Square Fountain in Lagos Island, said many initiatives have been perfected by the State Government to scale up the tourism potentials of the State, especially through upgrade of infrastructures and preservation of monuments in the State.

The Governor, who was represented by the Special Adviser and Acting Commissioner of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Hon Adebimpe Akinshola, said the decision to renovate Tinubu Square was informed by the need to upgrade it to a level that befit the status of the Lagos Central Business District (CBD).

Besides, he said the development was also part of the plan of his administration to develop the Marina and Onikan axis to world class tourism destination.   

Speaking further on the site, the Governor said: “All over the world, monuments are erected as a way of preserving human history and upholding societal values and ethics. They are testament of selfless leadership, valor and bravery of great men and women who have contributed significantly to the development of mankind.

“As we all know, this magnificent monument was erected in memory of a valiant woman, Madam Efunroye Tinubu, the first Iyalode of Egbaland and one of the greatest merchants of colonial Lagos.

“It is a celebration of her exploits in the business world and contribution to the foremost status to which our State has attained in the world of commerce and for us as a government and in line with our administration’s commitment to harness the tourism potentials of our State, historical monuments such as this will continue to be given a face lift and outlook.”

The Governor, however, appealed for the cooperation of residents in ensuring the protection of the site against vandalization and distortion of its historical and tourism value, saying that it was the collective responsibility of all to preserve the rich cultural and historical heritage in the State for the present generation and generations yet unborn.

In his remarks, Sole Administrator of Lagos Island East Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Hon Abiola Are said the upgrade of Tinubu Square was a demonstrable evidence of the clear vision and passion of Governor Ambode for development and preservation of historical heritage in the State and urged the people to continue to support the Governor.

He recalled the dilapidated state of the site before the intervention of the Governor, saying that it was a good thing that the government was thinking in such direction.

181 LG ROADS: LAGOS OPENS BID FOR AWARD OF CONTRACTS

The Lagos State Government has commenced the process of awarding contracts for the construction of a total of 181 community roads across the 57 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in the State, in line with the promise made by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode.

The initiative to rehabilitate the roads within the communities was introduced in 2016 by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s administration to fast-track development simultaneously with other major road projects across the State.

By the initiative, a total of 114 roads were either constructed or rehabilitated two per each of the 57 Councils in 2016, while in a bid to consolidate on the massive infrastructural drive of his administration, Governor Ambode last Thursday announced readiness to increase the number of the roads from 114 to 181.

According to the Invitation For Bids (IFB) which had since been published in major national dailies, the government announced the list of the roads and specification for the construction which include drainages, street lights and walkways.

The IFB also include the length, average width, number of roads, pavement and the duration for the project which is six months, while all bids must be submitted on or before February 17, 2017.

Speaking at the first Quarterly Town Hall Meeting for 2017, the sixth in the series, held at the Ajelogo Housing Scheme, Ajelogo Market Road, Akanimodo, Mile 12, Governor Ambode had said that with the latest plan, some of the councils will now have more than two roads especially in areas where there is need to fix other adjourning roads to a main road to improve on the road network.

The Governor said the need to scale up the road improvement efforts arose from the fact that he had received many requests on rehabilitation of roads from residents, adding that many of the roads captured for 2017 were key roads that would have positive economic impact on the people.

“I want to pronounce here that you should watch out next week in the newspapers, we are advertising 181 roads which would be done in all our local governments.

“What we have found out is that if we decided to continue with two, some of those roads are not linking each other to the main road, so most likely you would see that if we are supposed to do some roads in some local governments, it would only make economic sense if there is a linkage.

“So, you would see in the advert that some local governments would have like three, some would have four roads, but the average is 181 and if you divide that by 57, that would be a minimum of three roads from each local government,” Governor Ambode said.

AMBODE EARMARKS 181 LG ROADS FOR CONSTRUCTION IN 2017 --Warn Your Subjects Against Crime, CP Tells Monarchs, Community Leaders

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Thursday said that his administration would consolidate on its infrastructural renewal drive with the construction of 181 local government roads in the current fiscal year, saying the process for the award of the contract would commence next week.

Governor Ambode, who spoke at the first Quarterly Town Hall Meeting for 2017, the sixth in the series, held at the Ajelogo Housing Scheme, Ajelogo Market Road, Akanimodo, Mile 12, said the 181 roads, is an improvement on the 114 roads, two in each local government, which his administration promised to embark upon every year. 

Acknowledging that most of the requests made by residents during the interactive session at the Town Hall Meeting were majorly on roads owing to the success of the 114 roads delivered in September 2016, the Governor said his administration thought it wise to ensure that the roads captured for 2017 are key roads that would have economic impact on the people living in that axis, hence the increase to 181 roads.

“I want to pronounce here that you should watch out next week in the newspapers, we are advertising 181 roads which would be done in all our local governments.

“What we have found out is that if we decided to continue with two, some of those roads are not linking each other to the main road, so most likely you would see that if we are supposed to do some road in some local governments, it would only make economic sense if there is a linkage. So you would see in the advert that some local governments would have like three, some would have four roads, but the average is that 181 if you divide it by 57 that would be a minimum of three roads from each local governments,” Governor Ambode said.

The Governor said that the choice of the roads to be constructed had been made by the local governments in conjunction with the engineers, assuring that before the end of the year when the road would be delivered, the people would be better for it.

Giving his account of stewardship in the last quarter, Governor Ambode said the choice of Akanimodo, Mile 12 as venue for the meeting was to show that the axis has not been left behind in the developmental progress ongoing in the State, saying he had come to listen to the needs of the people and where government intervention was in dire need.

He said in the last quarter, his administration kicked off its “Rent-To-Own and Rental Housing Policy” aimed at providing affordable units across the three Senatorial Districts, disclosing that there are 4,355 housing units available with over 500 applicants prequalified so far, while allocation would commence next week.

On the agricultural sector, the Governor said his administration was already looking to build on the first fruits of its partnership with Kebbi State Government with the launch of LAKE RICE in December 2016, adding that in the current quarter the government would embark on the rehabilitation of the Oko-Oba Abattoir and Lairage Complex, Agege in line with the promise to increase meat production output, develop the red meat value chain and restructure the complex for improved operations.

Governor Ambode also said that the Neighbourhood Safety Corps would become operational in the current quarter with the recruitment of 5700 personnel, while 100 would be deployed to each of the local government to complement the efforts of other security agencies in policing the State.

Expressing optimism that 2017 holds great expectations for Lagos, especially as the State gets set to mark its landmark Golden Jubilee on May 27, his administration would continue with its urban regeneration initiatives, building new infrastructure and maintaining existing ones.

He listed some of the key projects to be done to include Agric-Isawo-Arepo Road in Ikorodu, Ajelogo–Akanimodo Road Rehabilitation, Oshodi to Murtala Mohammed Airport Road, Ketu-Alapere Inner Roads Phase II, Oke Oso–Araga–Poka in Epe, Topo Garage to VIP Chalet in Badagry, Ladipo Market Road and Multilayer Car Park , Mushin and establishment of Bus Terminals and depots in Yaba, Ikeja, Oyingbo, Anthony, Ketu and Toll Gate, while more beneficiaries will receive funding from the N25bn Employment Trust Fund in January.

Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, in his remarks urged the Governor to give priority to the construction of Adeniji-Adele Road and ensure the construction of other roads that deserve utmost attention in the area.

He also urged the Governor to improve the standard of markets in the area to enviable standards, while urging total reconstruction of non-approved and unauthorised buildings already built within major markets in Lagos Island.

Akiolu further urged Lagosians to continue to cooperate and support the present administration as well as desist from any form of clandestine meetings that may undermine the progress of Governor Ambode’s administration.

Responding to questions that bordered on security, Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr Fatai Owoseni said with the continued support of the State Government, the Command increased the number of personnel in Ketu-Epe Police Post from two to seventy to effectively combat kidnapping and other crimes in Agbowa, Itoikin and environs, as well as transformed the hitherto abandoned Iyun Police Post to anti-kidnapping unit, while two gun boats were moved to Ejirin.

Owoseni, however, urged traditional rulers and community elders to caution their subjects especially the youths on the need to be law abiding, shun all forms of criminal activities, and only be engaged in lawful means of livelihood.

BILATERAL TRADE: AMBODE MEETS BRITISH, GERMAN ENVOYS …Insists Plans To Make Lagos Hub Of Commerce, Tourism In Africa On Course

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Friday said the vision of his administration to create a more prosperous and safer Lagos and transform the State into the hub of commerce and tourism in Africa remained on course and all efforts would be geared towards achieving the desired result.

Governor Ambode, who spoke at Lagos House in Ikeja when he received on courtesy visit the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Paul Arkwright, said he remained committed to transforming Lagos from being the commercial hub of Nigeria to that of Africa just like London is the hub of commerce and tourism in Europe.

He recalled the historical ties between Nigeria and Britain and vowed not only to continue to uphold the relationship and scale it up for the benefit of the people, but also ensure the protection of British nationals and their investments in the State.

He said: “We are doing everything to make sure that we take as much as possible from the expertise of the British companies and I want to see a situation where how London is the hub of European commerce and tourism, we can also make Lagos to be the hub of African commerce and tourism and that is where we are going.

“We want to appreciate the partnership that exists between us and the British Government and by extension the partnership existing between Britain and Nigeria. We know that as Lagos continues to be the commercial capital of Nigeria, whatever it is that we do together will obviously grow the GDP of Nigeria because 67 per cent of almost all the commercial activities in the country take place in Lagos.”

The Governor, who also played host to German Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Barnhard Schlagheck, assured that the State Government would continue to improve on the partnership existing between it and other nationals, especially by creating the enabling environment for investments to thrive.

Responding, Schlagheck said he was at Lagos House to further advance the relationship between his country and Nigeria and laid a solid foundation for improvement, especially with the German-Lagos relationship.

He said he had been very impressed with the very impressive moves and policies pursued in Lagos under Governor Ambode, saying that Lagos has shown to Nigeria how the country can overcome the economic challenges and once again become a model for prosperity and progress.

The envoy specifically commended Governor Ambode for the innovative traffic management strategy, the LAKE Rice initiative and the remarkable efforts to bring in foreign investors to the State.

On his part, the British Commissioner (Arkwright) said his visit was principally to advance the partnership between his country and Lagos, saying that the State, being the heartbeat of Nigerian business, is central to his vision of promoting trade, investment, job creation and growth in Nigeria and Britain.

He also commended Governor Ambode for his vision for the State, and expressed readiness to work with the State for mutual benefit to the Nigeria and Britain, and by extension, Lagos.

“We have had prior discussion talking about some of the priorities of the Governor and I am very impressed by his vision for State of Lagos. We have talked about Transport, Housing, and Aviation links which are extremely important as we look to Lagos to really help to drive the economy of Nigeria and pull the country out of the current economic difficulties and I assure that the United Kingdom will be your partner in this,” Arkwright said.

POLICE ARREST SOCIALITE PUTTING CHAIN ON GIRLS IN LAGOS …As LASG Warns Against Anti-Social Behaviour

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a socialite, Mike Eze-Nwalie Nwogu popularly known as ‘Pretty Mike’ for dehumanizing young girls by turning them into human puppies with chains round their necks. 

Nwogu, a 30-year-old club owner in Ikeja area of the State, was arrested on Wednesday by the police on the orders of the Lagos State Government after news emerged on social media of the development.

The suspect, in pictures which had since gone viral on the internet, was seen putting leash on young girls and leading them to a wedding in Lagos.

The development caused outrage from many quarters with people calling on government to act fast to put a rein on such type of bizarre anti-social behavior.

Nwogu was said to be cooperating with investigation and had given useful statement to the police and was released after given an undertaking to desist from putting any woman or man on a leash to dehumanize them.

According to the undertaking, Nwogu admitted knowing his action was against the law, but pledged not to further indulge in such behaviour.

The undertaking read in part: “I, Mike Eze Nwalie, A.K.A Pretty Mike of 21A Magodo GRA, Luma Street, do hereby undertake to stop whatever act of putting girls on a leash or any other degrading treatment to ladies and guys.

“I am aware that such act offends the law of the State of Lagos and if I repeat it again, there will be legal act towards me.

“I undertake to issue a letter of apology to the public effective from tomorrow on all my social media platforms.”

Speaking on the matter, the State’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Adeniji Kazeem said the State Government will not tolerate any anti-social behavior that attempt to dehumanize any citizen in the State.

Kazeem restated the government’s determination to prosecute any individual or group of persons who violate any law of the State under any guise.

“The Lagos State Government is committed to the protection of the rights of all citizens including children, women and all the vulnerable persons in the State,” Kazeem said.

WE’LL TRANSFORM YABA TO MAJOR TECHNOLOGY HUB - AMBODE …Reveals Plans To Construct Multi-Layer Car Park, Roads In Ladipo

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Wednesday said plans are afoot to transform the Sabo Industrial Estate in Yaba area of the State to a technology hub and another Silicon Valley where new set of entrepreneurs and innovators will be raised to address the challenges confronting the nation in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector. 

Silicon Valley, which is in San Francisco Bay Area of California, United States, is home to many of the world's largest high-tech corporations and thousands of startup companies.

Governor Ambode, who spoke during an extensive inspection tour across the State, said government will actualize the plan of transforming Sabo to the new hub for technology in 2017 and assist the already established technology incubators in the area to achieve their full potentials.

Some of the technology outfits visited in the area by the Governor included Ardela, IDEA and CC Hub, among others.

The Governor, who was joined on the inspection by top government functionaries and former Minister of Communications and Technology, Mrs. Omobola Johnson, said government was desirous of assisting entrepreneurs in the ICT sector to become good startups, adding that his administration would explore all the available initiatives in that regard.

He said to start with, entrepreneurs in the sector would be allowed to access the N25billion Employment Trust Fund (ETF), which is an initiative of his administration, to grow their businesses, as well as other interventions from the State’s Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment. 

He said: “I decided to come here just for me to feel the state of things and to learn about your challenges. Our government is seriously committed to assisting entrepreneurs like the ones here to be able to be good startups.

“I want to also say that we will use our Employment Trust Fund to support this concept here."

The Governor said one of the factors considered when government was setting up the ETF was the need to set up incubators, but with the progress made in that regard by the private sector, government would now only build on the existing technology incubators.

"All we need to do is to now send people here and also support by way of infrastructure to scale up this place and others like this that can help in churning out more people.

"Our aim is to create enabling environment for our youth to thrive, to be more creative and enterprising. We so much believe in innovation and creativity. We strongly believe that youths are the ones that can take us out of this economic recession and the truth is that we must create enabling environment for our youths to optimally utilize their talents.

"You can recall that throughout my campaign, I promised to use tourism, hospitality and entertainment to create employment and jobs for our youths. This is the fundamental basis our government is built upon.

“The whole idea is that these young ones here should not just leave this place and go back to where they started from. I think that value chain is what we as government must tap into and then we would be able to move this nation forward. I believe strongly that the youths are the future of this country and we need to pay greater attention to everything that they are doing and I also believe strongly that technology is the key that we are going to use to grow this economy,” he said.

The Governor said government would explore the possibility of addressing the power challenges confronting the area, especially by linking the estate to the Mainland Independent Power Project.

In her remarks, the former Minister (Johnson) commended the initiative of Governor Ambode on the plan to scale up the industrial park in Sabo, saying that the development signaled a new beginning for the technology sector.

Speaking at Ladipo Market where he was received by hundreds of traders amidst pump and pageantry, Governor Ambode said from next month, his administration will commence construction of Alhaji Akinwunmi Street and Ladipo Street, as well as Obagun Avenue, off Fatai Atere Road.

He also said that a multi-layer car park will be constructed to address the chaos in the area in terms of parking of vehicles, but solicited the cooperation of the traders and residents of the area, saying that government would organize a stakeholders’ meeting to discuss modalities for the construction.

ADEBORUWA WORRIED AT SECURITY CHALLENGES OF ADEGBOSE COMMUNITY IGBOGBO

It was a great concern and very worrisome to the Adeboruwa of Igbogbo, HRM Oba Semiudeen Orimadegun Kasali, when he heard about the security challenges facing the residents of Adegbose community, in Igbogbo. This is in reference to the recent attack on the family of four at Adegbose, Olu Odo, Igbogbo, which claimed the lives of two people while the other two were seriously wounded.

According to HRM Oba Semiudeen Orimadegun Kasali who was ably represented by powerful delegate from the Palace, led by High Chief Tajudeen Onasanya, the Odofin of Igbogbo Kingdom, he sympathized with the peaceful people of Adegbose community on the ugly incident, he disclosed his visit to the Area Commander, Area N Police Station, Ijede, on how to curb this incessant menace on the people of Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA. He however pleaded with the CDAs and the residents of Adegbose community to be security conscious and making sure that their environment is clean and to secure their house windows with burglary. Alayeluwa also commended the excellent performance of the DPO, Ipakodo Police Station, Mr Adigun Salami, for his prompt and effectiveness towards security issues, he advised to decentralize Adegbose Central CDA for easy controlling and promised that a Baale would soon be installed at Adegbose community, for him to be aware of timely situation at the community.

However, Mr Adigun Salami, promised to continue doing his best towards protecting the lives and properties of the people, he then pleaded with HRM Oba Semiudeen Orimadegun Kasali, to engage the government of Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA, to improve on security by getting Vigilante guards for the communities.

The CDA of Adegbose under the Chairmanship of Mr Moshood Aremu and the residents thanked HRM Oba Semiudeen Orimadegun Kasali, the Adeboruwa of Igbogbo, for his fatherly role in bringing peace back to the community and promised to restructure the central body of the CDA for smooth monitoring.

SHAKIRU SEIDU
The Publisher, Igbogbo/Bayeku Info Magazine
The genuine VOICE of the People

LAGOS AT 50: PROFESSOR WOLE SOYINKA GAVE A COURTESY VISIT TO IKORODU DIVISION

The Palace of the Paramount Ruler of Ikorodu Kingdom was on Sunday, January 1st, 2017, full to the maximum capacity when the Royal Majesties and notable personalities in Ikorodu division received the man of inestimable value, a prolific writer, an erudite scholar, a Nobel Laurel and a man of indefatigable character, Prof. Wole Soyinka.

HRH Oba Richard Ogunsanya, the Olubeshe of Ibeshe land gave the opening prayer while introduction of the people of reputable  characters with remarkable achievements from Ikorodu division was performed by Otunba Ayodele Elesho. It was in the same vein that one of the entourage of the Professor, Mr Gbolahan Awopegba, introduced their team.

HRM Oba Semiudeen Orimadegun Kasali, the Adeboruwa of Igbogbo gave a brilliant welcome address, he tendered his sincere appreciation to Prof. Wole Soyinka for his doggedness and resilience towards a better Nigeria. He further displayed his happiness to have gone through the same University of Ibadan and University of Ife where Prof. Wole Soyinka acquired some of his skills.

It was on this note that the erudite Professor and the prolific poet stood up to greet the Royal Majesties and the entire sons and daughters of Ikorodu Division. Once again he sympathized with the division for the lost of one of their great sons, Chief Rasheed Gbadamoshi, who passed on recently. He however asked for the support of all Indigenes of Ikorodu division to make Lagos @ 50 anniversary, a memorable and remarkable historical event.

Superb submission of views from Prof. Kunle Wahab, Alh. Monzor Olowosago, Barr. SOK (Shillings) and Otunba Ayodele Elesho, they established that:
1. Ikorodu division must be well represented in the Committee.
2. Ikorodu division's Culture must be included.
3. There must be a memorable souvenirs for the event.
4. They should adopt the method of One Lagos Fiesta, for the grassroots to feel the celebration, and
5. The slogan of "Ipinle Eko" should be properly maintained, and NOT "Ilu Eko"

HRM Oba Kabir Adewale Shotobi, the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, welcome the distinguished Professor, Prof. Wole Soyinka to Ikorodu division and also used the avenue to plead with him for equal sharing of benefits among the five divisions in Lagos State. He appreciated the elites that made it to his Palace despite the short notice.

The majority Leader, Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon SOB Agunbiade, gave the vote of thanks as he thanked the Royal Majesties, Prof. Wole Soyinka and his entourage for their relentless efforts in making Lagos @ 50, a successful anniversary.
HRH Oba Akeem Oyebo, the Obateru of Egbin kingdom gave the closing prayer.

Moreover, some of the dignitaries that were present at Aafin Ayangburen of Ikorodu were His Royal Majesties, Oba Kabir Shotobi, Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Semiudeen Orimadegun Kasali, Adeboruwa of Igbogbo, Oba Ajibade Agoro, Ranodu of Imota, Oba Richard Ogunsanya, Olubeshe of Ibeshe and Oba Akeem Oyebo, Obateru of Egbin kingdom.

Others were Professor A. O. Oyetola, Chairman IKODAS, Engr. Lukman Erogbogbo, Chief S. Ade Ajala, Oloye M. Oye Solebo, Alh Mukaila Afolabi, Hon SOB Agunbiade, Prof. Kunle Ade Wahab, Otunba Ayodele Elesho, Otunba Saheed Ibikunle, Alh Monzor Olowosago, Otunba Steve Anifowose, Otunba Awogbodu, Chief Dr. Olawale Cole, Gbolahan Awopegba and Chairman Anikulapo among others.

Also in attendance were Adeboruwa Chiefs, League of Baales, members of COLID and IKODAS, media houses including Igbogbo/Bayeku Info Magazine were part of the historic visit.

SHAKIRU SEIDU,
The Publisher, Igbogbo/Bayeku Info Magazine
The genuine VOICE of the People