GOOD NEWS AWAITS IGBOGBO COMMUNITY AS AMBODE FULFILLED HIS PROMISE

"Promise made, promise fulfilled!". It was a dream come true for the residents of Igbogbo and Igbe communities on Tuesday, 28th of February, 2017, at the Palace of Adeboruwa of Igbogbo when the representatives of the Fountain Construction Company (FCC), led by Mrs Blessing Azuka-Agozi, gave a courtesy visit to HRM Oba Abdulsemiu Orimadegun Kasali, the Adeboruwa of Igbogbo, on the update of Bola Ahmed Tinubu way, down to Ginti junction, Ijede road, Igbogbo.

The confirmation of a responsible government is to nurture his dream to reality, this was no doubt proven by the led government of Mr Akinwunmi Ambode.

Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, during his presentation of 2017 budget at the Lagos State House of Assembly, made it known to the public of some roads in Ikorodu division, that will be given priority in which Bola Ahmed Tinubu way to Ginti was among.

The Palace of Adeboruwa of Igbogbo therefore busted into cheers when the representatives of the FCC broke the good news of moving to site very soon. The head of the team, Mrs Blessing Azuka-Agozi therefore pleaded with Kabiyesi to assist in getting a space to house their equipments.

HRM Oba Abdulsemiu Orimadegun Kasali however, thank Governor Akinwunmi Ambode for his commitment to make Lagos State better for every individual. He then assured the Fountain Construction Company (FCC), to be rest assured of his support and a space for their machinery.

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

TRAFFIC LAW: LAGOS TO CRUSH OVER 4000 IMPOUNDED COMMERCIAL MOTORCYCLES ...Plans Total Ban In Lekki-VI Axis

The Lagos State Government on Monday said it has concluded plans to commence the crushing and recycling of over 4000 impounded commercial motorcycles popularly called Okada, in line with the provisions of the State Traffic Law 2012.

Disclosing this to journalists at the Olusosun refuse dump site in Ojota, the State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, said the recent clampdown on Okada across the State was a fall out of the Government's resolve to address the security concerns posed by their operations, saying that criminals are in the habit of using Okada to perpetrate crime and get away.

The Lagos Traffic Law 2012 prohibits the operations of Okada and Tricycles also known as Keke Marwa from operating in certain routes and areas across the State.

He said the State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode had directed that the Police and other security agencies concerned redouble efforts to ensure the Law is complied with, assuring that the clampdown will be sustained vigorously on a daily basis.

He said: “It would not be one off. So far, we have impounded about 500 motorcycles since we started our renewed efforts and we now have a total of about 4, 000 bikes ready to be crushed. The law made provisions on how those motorcycles should be handled and the law also made provision on how to handle those that have flouted the law itself.”

According to Owoseni, the decision to crush and recycle the impounded motorcycles was in accordance with the provision of the Law

Owoseni said aside impounding the motorcycles and tricycles, the enforcement would also clampdown on the operators and residents who patronise them, adding that mobile courts would be instituted to try arrested offenders.  

“The operators of the commercial motorcycles and those patronizing them, with time, you will get to see the Mobile Court going around to try some of those that have been arrested. What we are saying here is that we want people in Lagos to know that there is a law and the law is made for a purpose and if all of us obey the law and conform, the better for us.”

Besides, Owoseni said that due to the constant challenges of enforcing the law, the State Government was already considering an outright ban on okada operations in some areas of the State starting with the Lekki and Victoria Island axis.

He frowned at the flagrant way Okada and tricycle operators flout the Traffic Law especially by not obeying traffic light, saying that in most cases it leads to avoidable accident and death of innocent citizens.  

“The Okada riders, no doubt, have been a sort of menace. They go into the road and flout the laws with impunity. When they get to where you have the traffic lights, they behave as if it is not meant for them and combine with that is the way the criminal elements put the motorcycles to either snatch money or use them as a getaway in some areas and the same law says that citizens should not patronize commercial motorcycles on prohibited routes.

“Not only that, the law says that by 8pm, they should not be on the road and so the message we are passing is that this is not going to be a one-off thing, we will continue and sustain it. We just like to appeal to people to stop patronizing Okada plying restricted routes,” Owoseni said.

Corroborating him, Acting Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Olanrewaju Elegushi said the administration of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode recently warned all commercial motorcycles to steer clear of restricted routes as the clampdown on defaulters would be total.

“We have an enforcement unit led by the Commissioner of Police, the Task Force on Environmental and Other Special Offences, the Divisional Police Officers and the Area Commanders. They have started enforcement and we came to see how far they have gone,” Elegushi said.

LAGOS STATE LAWMAKER CLINCHED IKORODU MAN OF THE YEAR 2016

Albert Einstein said,  "A life that is lived in the service of others is worth living." This of course came to reality when the Majority Leader, Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. SOB Agunbiade, emerged as the Ikorodu Man of the year 2016.

Ikorodu Town Hall was without gainsaying filled up to the maximum capacity on Sunday, 25th of February, 2017, when Starlight Newspaper/Magazine celebrated those who had contributed immensely to the growth of Ikorodu division in the year 2016.

The programme was blessed with the opening prayer from Chief Adenrele Olowu at exactly 3:48pm while the Publisher of Starlight Newspaper, Mr Damola Aderibigbe gave the reason why we were there in his welcome address.

The Chairman of the occasion, Asipa Kaoli Olusanya in his speech appreciated Hon. SOB Agunbiade for his restless efforts towards Youth development and that couldn't have been successful without the support of his wonderful wife, he therefore thanked his wife, Alh. Tairat Agunbiade for being the pillar behind her husband.

The former NBA Chairman, Ikorodu, Barr. S.O.K. Shilling in his keynote address stated that the performance of Hon. SOB Agunbiade didn't surprise him because he had investigated the name, 'SANAI', and got to know that the meaning is " Eni Iyi" (meaning, a distinguished person). So, for him to have emerged as Ikorodu Man of the Year 2016 justifies his name. He further stretched that Hon. SOB Agunbiade had been exhibiting this qualities right from his younger age.

When it was time for the real business of the day, awards were presented to six prominent personalities in Ikorodu division, the first to be honored was the founder of Ikorodu Ambassadors Group, Mr Rasheed Fatuga, for his passion for the development of Ikorodu division, after which a Community Developer, member of COLID, IKODAS and a politician per excellent, Comrade Kehinde Okeowo was honoured as the Most Outstanding Community Advocate in Ikorodu division. Oloye Oye Solebo was awarded as the Most Community State Man, the Sole Administrators of Ikorodu West and North, Mr Segun Anifowose and daughter of the former Chairman, Ikorodu Local Government, Hon. (Mrs) Shukurat Adewunmi Okeowo, were also honoured for their Outstanding Performance in 2016.

There was a thunderous applause when the name of the Opomulero of Ikorodu was called, a moment that engaged the influence of all guests as they all gave a standing ovation to honour the Ikorodu Man of the Year 2016, Hon. SOB Agunbiade,  a man of vision and inestimable value was led to the podium while the presentation of his award was done by Oba Engr Kabir Shotobi, the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, who was ably represented by "omo Iya Onipanla", Otunba Ayodele Elesho.

Hon. SOB Agunbiade however returned all the Glory to Almighty Allah for making the day a reality. He rendered his unreserved appreciation to Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for keeping the Party alive (APC), through his tenacity of purpose. He thanked the Party leaders in Ikorodu division and Lagos State, including the Speaker and all Honourable members at the Lagos State House of Assembly. In the same vein he also thanked the Royal Majesties in Ikorodu division, G58 & G68 in Ikorodu, his lovely wife, Alhaja Tairat Agunbiade, the iCARE Team and Onward Movement of Nigeria and not forgetting the Press, particularly IgbogboBayeku Info Magazine. He thanked the organisers and reiterated that the award is an incentive to him in order to do more.

The Hall was agog with men and women of timber and calibre in Ikorodu division, among them were HRM Oba Kabir Shotobi, the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, who was represented by Otunba Ayodele Elesho, HRM Oba Richard Ogunsanya, the Olubeshe of Ibeshe, Regent of Ijede, Asiwaju Olorunfunmi Basorun, Chief Adenrele Olowu, Alh. M.A. Gafar, Asipa Kaoli Olusanya, Alh. Kola Sanni, Yeye Fausat Gbadebo, Hon. Nurudeen Sholaja-Saka, Banjo Adeola, Alh M.O. Abiodun, Col. Onafowokan Rtd, Barr. S.O.K. Shilling, Hon Jimoh Azeez Olosugbo, Hon Owolabi Anifowose, NUT Chairman, Mr Oduguwa and NBA Chairman, Ikorodu, Mr Levi.

Others were Prince Oyebola, Arch. Lamidi Kara, Alh. Enifeni, Sole Administrators in Ikorodu division, Party Chairmen, League of Baales in Ikorodu, iCARE Team, Onward Movement of Nigeria, among others.

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

APC WOMEN APPRECIATION DAY: HON. JIMI BENSON HAS DONE IT AGAIN IN IKORODU DIVISION

There is no doubt that a visionary is always driven by passion and zeal to ensure consistency and generosity.

Ikorodu Division witnessed yet another crowd of eminent personalities on Saturday 25th of February, 2017 as Hon. Babajimi Benson, MHR, convened Ikorodu Division APC Women to appreciate their resilience and commitment before, during and after the 2015 election for voting massively in his support. The atmosphere was agog which made the occasion the talk of the town.

The opening speech was delivered by the iCARE woman leader, Com. Kehinde Okeowo who appreciated Hon. Jimi Benson for his brilliant idea of iCARE FOUNDATION that has indeed yielded positive results on the good people of Ikorodu Division.

Immediately she dropped the microphone, the wife of JB, Mrs Olajumoke Benson, a woman of substance and an epitome of peace and tranquility, in her eloquent voice, showed her amazement of the tenacity of purpose and zeal that drove Ikorodu Division women during the 2015 electioneering campaign of her husband. She affirmed that the zeal of the Ikorodu women had indeed strengthened her belief and had made her stronger as APC weathered the storms through their determination.

Furthermore, next to handle the microphone was the Director General of iCARE FOUNDATION, Mayor Deen Sanwoola, who explains the purpose of the project as a way to compensate and appreciate the women for their relentless efforts in supporting Hon. Jimi Benson. He added yet another initiated project called START UP IKORODU, which is aimed at empowering the young entrepreneurs.

The arena was enveloped with locomotive applauds as the man of the moment mounted the podium, Hon. Babajimi Benson, MHR. He was so elated about the roles the women played during the 2015 election and as such, he was determined to fulfil all promises made. He said women have influenced social change in Lagos. He further spoke on some other projects he had initiated which of course are yielding fruit, some of them are, light up project, interest free loan, provision of conducive learning environment just to mention but a few.

Added to this special occasion was presentation of awards which was done by Her Excellency, Mrs Bolanle Ambode with Mrs Olajumoke Benson and Hon. Jiimi Benson himself. The awardees were: Mrs  Olabimpe Oluyemisi Carena, Princess Oyetokunbo Adeniran, Princess Folashade Olabanji Oba, Mrs Erogbogbo Tosan, Late Mrs Shokunbi Folake, Chief Mrs Iyalode Fausat Gbadebo and Com. Kehinde Okeowo.

Shortly after the presentation of the awards, Her Excellency Mrs Bolanle Ambode appreciated the convener of the event, Hon. 'Jimi Benson and the entire women of Ikorodu Division for their passion and confidence in the APC led government of Lagos State. In her inaugural speech, she said the dedication and supports of the women of Ikorodu Division, contributed immensely to the party's success at the last general election. She therefore acquainted the women that the action Governor of Lagos, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode's desire for his administration is to carry the women along through economic empowerment programmes.

The occasion did not end without the touch of competitions among the six Local Councils in Ikorodu Division as they engaged in Head gear tying competition which saw the representative of Ikorodu West  LCDA emerged as the winner. While another winner emerged from a cosmetic competition. This time it was a representative from Ijede LCDA.

One of the Governor's Advisory Committee (GAC), Asiwaju Olorunfunmi Basorun commends the comportment of the women during elections and for being non-violent. He advised them not to relegate themselves. Moreover, he further advised the people to abhor the use of the press to attack their leaders but to rather be objective and constructive in their criticism.

Other eminent personalities that were present are, former Commissioner for Education, Barr. Mrs Olayinka Oladunjoye who ably represented the Deputy Governor of Lagos, Mrs Oluranti Adebule, Others were, Sen. Olanrewaju Solomon, Majority Leader, LSHA, Hon. S.O.B. Agunbiade, Hon. Nurudeen Sholaja-Saka, Chief Adenrele Olowu, Former SSG, Lagos State, Princess Adenrele Ogunsanya, Lagos East Senatorial woman leader, Chief Mrs Fausat Gbadebo, Otunba Ayodele Elesho, Olori Sekinat Kasali, Party Leaders, past Chairmen, Sole Administrators, LGA Chairmen, APC faithfuls and a host of others.

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

MAN SENTENCED TO DEATH BY HANGING FOR KILLING WIFE …Verdict, A Victory For Fight Against Domestic Violence, Says LASG

A Lagos High Court in Ikeja has sentenced a man, Sulaiman Olalekan to death by hanging for the murder of his wife, Mrs Chika Egbo on November 20, 2012 in a case of domestic violence.

The convict (Olalekan), on the fateful day, had poured acid on his Wife, having become overwhelmed by the fact that the deceased went back to prostitution against his best advice.
Trial judge, Justice Lawal Akapo, in his judgment, convicted Olalekan for the murder of his wife and sentenced him to death accordingly.

After the sad incidence which resulted in the eventual death of the victim, Chika, and in line with the zero tolerance posture of the Governor Akinwunmi Ambode-led administration on issues of domestic violence, the Lagos State Government through the State’s Ministry of Justice had taken over the prosecution of the case and filed necessary processes in court.

Olalekan reportedly met the deceased at Signal Hotel in Ijeshatedo area of Lagos State, where they started a relationship that resulted in marriage.

It was after the marriage that Olalekan bought her a second hand Volkswagen Bus and paid her school fees at the Enugu College of Education.

But the deceased reportedly reneged on her commitment to the relationship by returning to prostitution, which caused Olalekan to procure acid from a battery charger in Ikotun area of the State and deceitfully invited her to visit with his mother on the said day when he poured raw acid on the deceased.

The victim was admitted at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) for emergency medical treatment, where she eventually died.

Justice Akapo, in arriving at his judgment, said he believed that the murder of Chika Egbo by Olalekan was premeditated.

The State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Adeniji Kazeem, who was the lead prosecuting Counsel, in his reaction to the judgment, thanked the Court for a well-considered punishment.

He said: “Today’s judgment is a victory in our fight against domestic violence and a victory for domestic violence victims.”
Governor Ambode, it would be recalled, had pledged to make Lagos uncomfortable for perpetrators of domestic violence when he led an All-Male Walk against Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) late last year.

INCESSANT ACCIDENT ON ODOFIN ROAD IGBOGBO: A NEED FOR URGENT ATTENTION!

The Odofin Road Igbogbo, precisely the Hill between Igbogbo Central Mosque and Olubi street junction, has become a death trap that needs urgent attention of the concerned authority.

The Hill has been a great task for heavy duty trucks and trailers to climb. In fact, virtually every week, accidents are recorded at the spot which usually lead to destruction of public and private properties.

It was established that, four days ago, the spot recorded yet another accident when a tipper could not climb the hill but only to descend uncontrollably and thereafter destroyed the electric poles within the premises.

While efforts were being made to resolve the problem, another serious one had happened yesterday 21st of February, 2017, which involved a trailer carrying a container that suddenly somersaulted. Fortunately, no life was lost in the incident.

However, the recent happening could have been averted if attention had been paid to the steps taken by High Chief Tajudeen Onasanya, the Odofin of Igbogbo to have written the Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA, unfortunately, no action was taken  ever since. He explains.

Some of the residents while speaking with the Publisher, Igbogbo/Bayeku Info Magazine, Mr Shakiru Seidu, called on the Local government authority to come to their rescue. They implored the Sole Administrator, Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA, Chief Mrs Bolanle Basorun, to use the law enforcement agencies to keep diverting the Trailers to follow the other available  routes.

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

HOMAT STAGED A MAIDEN HISTORIC INTER SCHOOL SPORTS FESTIVAL

It was a first of its kind in the history of private schools in Lagos State when Homat Group of Schools in Ikorodu division held its first inter school sports festival. The event which took place at the Laspotech playing ground Odogunyan, on Tuesday 21st of February, 2017, witnessed a great encounter between Homat Private School Igbogbo, Homat Pivotal School, Owutu, Agric, Homat Unique  School, Odogunyan and Homat Academy Schools at Ikorodu,  Ijede Road.

This initiative was aimed at promoting mental alertness in pupils and students of Homat Group of Schools, maintaining physical fitness, creating a formidable interaction among the staff, students and pupils, thus developing the Psychomotor domain of learning for all round-education, elevating a high level of entertainment, building a team spirit attitude, uncommon interpersonal relationship skill among pupils and students from other schools and a host of other important values that cannot be over-emphasized.

The colourful march past, the highly competitive races and several other sporting activities among the schools  got the guests glued to the sports ground. 

In the loaded speech of the CEO, Homat Group of Schools, Mr. Olawale Amusa, he thanked the invited guests who made it possible to attend despite their busy schedule, particularly HRM Oba Abdul Semiu Orimadegun,  the Adeboruwa of Igbogbo, who was ably represented by his humble Olori, Alhaja Sekinat Kasali and Otunba Obinrin of Igbogbo, Chief Orepekan, the Chairman of the occasion, Otunba Adebowale Ogunade, NUT chairman Ikorodu, Mr Oduguwa Lateef Babatunde, NAPPS state president, Alhaji Kamaldeen Akande, Mrs Tubi and Mrs Omorowa, not forgetting his amiable wife Alhaja S. A. Amusa,  and the entire staff of Homat group of schools, for sharing part of their precious time with him. 

He nevertheless, thanked the parents, the invited schools and their teachers for the spirit of togetherness and their demonstrated cooperation. Also, the unbiased sports officials and the judges, while not neglecting the health department headed by the owner of Shola Hospital, Dr. Shola Olulade.

At the end of the full sporting activities, Homat Private School Igbogbo took the leadership trophy by lifting the prestigious cup after clinching the first position in a grand style. Homat Pivotal school claimed the second position,  while Homat Academy Schools emerged the third winner respectively.

At the end of it all, the Homat big family still embraced each other for the success of the maiden event.

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

LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT WARNS PHARMACISTS AGAINST REFERRING PATIENTS TO DRUG PEDDLERS

The Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Health on Tuesday charged pharmacists in hospitals to ensure drug availability and avoid referring patients to drug peddler.

The Chairman of the committee, Mr Segun Olulade, made the appeal on Tuesday during an oversight visit to the Apapa General Hospital.

The lawmaker spoke against the backdrop of complaints by some patients that drugs are not always available in the hospital, and that pharmacists refer them to drug peddlers.

Olulade, who said that he had observed the practice, called on pharmacists in public hospitals to desist from actions capable of undermining the efforts of the state government.

According to him, there are many illegal drug peddlers who sell fake and expired drugs.

He said: “”Pharmacies should do everything within their reach to provide drugs.

“Don’t tell anybody to go and buy drugs outside our facilities. We should not expose them to dangers. We have a system to get drugs for people.

“We have started going after drug peddlers, however.”

Olulade said that he recently led a team that sealed many chemist stores in Ojo due to illegality.
The lawmaker said that the stores were sealed for quackery, sale of fake and expired drugs and lack of licence, among other unprofessional practices.

He said that the committee was committed to dealing with illegal drugs peddlers.

“You (patients) will get drugs that are not fake here. It is important that people go to public hospitals and Primary Health Centres (PHCs) to get drugs.
“Stop going after quarks,’’ Olulade urged.

He urged medical practitioners to desist from negligence of duties and unprofessional practices, adding that the government would not tolerate such.

The lawmaker interacted with patients in the different sections of the hospital, asking them to assess the services being rendered to them.
The Medical Director of the hospital, Dr Madewa Adebajo, assured the committee that the hospital would keep improving in health care services.

The committee also visited PHCs in Apapa council area.

175,000 PUPILS BENEFIT FROM AMBODE’S WIFE EDUCATIONAL KITS

Wife of Lagos State Governor, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode on Monday, 20th of February, 2017, commenced the distribution of 175,000 educational kits, consisting of school shoes and socks to children across the State public primary schools.

Speaking at the Central Primary School, Oba Akinjobi Ikeja, one of the venues slated for the distribution exercise, Mrs. Ambode also renewed her call to parents and well-meaning Lagosians to pay adequate attention to the welfare of school pupils in the State.

The distribution was being done by her pet project, Hope for Women in Nigeria Initiative, (HOFOWEM).

The Foundation had in September last year launched “ Project Bright Steps’’ for public school pupils in Lagos State, during which Mrs. Ambode promised to distribute 175,000 school shoes and socks, to children in Primary 1-3 in Lagos State public primary schools.

Addressing journalists, Mrs. Ambode said, “You remember that when we launched “Project Bright Steps” for school pupils in September last year, I promised that HOFOWEM will distribute to all pupils in primary 1-3 in Lagos State primary schools. The total being 175,000 pupils and the distribution is what we are doing in five centres across Lagos beginning from today.

“Other major distribution Centres cover all the five Education Districts, They are: Agege LGA Secretariat; St Agnes Nursery and Primary school complex, Maryland; Education District 4, Yaba; LGEA Secretariat, Ojo; and LGEA Secretariat,  City Hall (Holy Cross).”

She appealed to the pupils to listen attentively in class; dress neat and smart to school; read their books; obey and respect their teachers; to always wash their hands and not join bad gangs. She prayed for God’s guidance and protection at all times.

Speaking further, the HOFOWEM founder, Mrs. Ambode recalled that during the launch of the project, she had promised to make the shoe and socks distribution to the pupils an annual event.

She emphasized that the project was motivated by her love for children and desire to see them decently kitted for school to boost their self confidence and overall performance.

According to her, “Properly equipping our children for school plays a great role in boosting their confidence level, morale, concentration and overall performance.’’

She reiterated that well meaning members of the society must continue to rise to the responsibility to ensure the future leaders of the nation have all the support in preparing them to fulfill their purpose just as he emphasized that wearing shoes is not a luxury, but a necessity.

Mrs. Ambode further promised that her foundation would continue to do all within its powers to put smiles on the faces of the pupils to compliment the efforts of the state government.

SHUN ACTS THAT CAN BREED DISUNITY, CRISIS, AMBODE TELLS CHRISTIANS …CAN Lauds Gov, Says Lagos Progressing Despite Recession

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Saturday enjoined Christians to continue to make conscious efforts to sustain the peaceful atmosphere across the country, urging them to also refrain from acts capable of breeding division and igniting avoidable crisis.

The Governor, who spoke at the 2017 Inter-Denominational Divine Service organised by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) at the Shepherdhill Baptist Church, Obanikoro, Lagos, said he was absolutely convinced that the success stories his administration has recorded so far were made possible by the collective prayers of all Lagosians and more importantly the relatively peaceful atmosphere that has prevailed within the State over time.

“Every situation whether good or bad requires prayers. For us in Lagos State, we have been truly blessed. Indeed, we have enjoyed His grace which has enabled us as a State, to experience unprecedented breakthroughs inspite of economic recession. For instance, a lot of investments and new businesses have come into our State in the last twenty-one (21) months and there are many more in the process,” Governor said.

He therefore urged Christians to lead from the front and continue to pray for not just the progress of the State but the nation at large, just as he assured that his government will continue to promote fairness, justice and everything that will make life more comfortable for Lagosians.

“At this critical period in the history of our nation, the church and indeed everyone who believes in the efficacy of prayer have a responsibility and patriotic duty to pray for the wellbeing and progress of our State and nation. Prayer is the master key and there is no challenge that cannot be surmounted with prayers.

“We remain committed to the goal of making the Lagos work for all; making all our communities economically viable and liveable as well as creating opportunities for everyone to actualise his/her potentials, without discrimination on the basis of ethnic affiliation, religious beliefs or socio- economic circumstances. By His grace, Lagos State will continue to prosper and our nation will rise again and become a pride to the entire black race and humanity,” Governor Ambode said.

The Governor, who also expressed his delight to be part of the service, commended the Chairman, Executives and entire membership of CAN in Lagos, for sustaining the initiative which has become a yearly event that brings Christians from different denomination to worship and pray together.

Earlier, Chairman of CAN, Lagos State Branch, Apostle Alexander Bamgbola thanked Governor Ambode for finding time to grace the occasion, noting that it was the first time in the history of the service  that a Governor of Lagos State of the Christian faith would be attending the programme personally.

Bamgbola also lauded the Governor for the several laudable projects he had initiated since he assumed office, saying that Lagosians were greatly feeling the impact across the State.

“We wish to let you know here today that we are proud of the wonderful and excellent work that the Lord is using you t do in our dear state of Lagos. In less than two years, God has used you to do great work that every well-meaning Lagosian is commending daily. It is self-evident that truly: ‘Itesiwaju Eko lo jewa l’ogun”, the CAN boss said.

Corroborating him, Rev. Sunday Matilukuro who gave the sermon, said he was particularly amazed on how Governor Ambode was able to surmount the early challenges his administration faced to deliver life changing projects across the State.

“When I was in my former station, we were reading about the traffic jam all over Lagos and I was wondering what was happening, but when I came on visit to Lagos, I was wondering what the noise was all about because what I was seeing was different. You are gradually transforming Lagos to the megacity that it is,” Matilukuro said.

Speaking on the theme, ‘Grace in Recession’, the cleric urged Christians to seek the face of God and shun sin if they must rise above recession to succeed.

IGBOGBO PLATINUM AND IPAKODO LIONS CLUB DISPLAYS UNCOMMON MAGNANIMITY The Youth must distant themselves from any acts of criminality.. -Oba Kasali Members must be committed to more humanitarian services. -HOB Lawal

The atmosphere  was not the same at Igbogbo  on Friday 17th of February, 2017 as the reputable Club, International Association of Lions Club, District 404A1 (Region 4), paid a courtesy visit to the Palace of the Adeboruwa of Igbogbo  Kingdom, Oba Abdulsemiu  Orimadegun Kasali, as part of their tour programme of humanitarian service and empowerment scheme to ameliorate the suffering of the  downtrodden in the community.

The Association however, deemed it fit to pay homage to the Royal Highness. The team led by Lion Dr. Ayodele Ajayi who spoke on behalf of the  Association and as the bona-fide son of the soul by residence, thanked Kabiyesi for receiving them to his Palace.

HRM Oba Abdulsemiu Kasali warmly welcomed them and implored them to use the Lions Club to advance the development of the youth and the community at large. He did not hesitate to advice the Social Group to imbibe our culture in their endeavors to accommodate frequent speaking of our mother tongue.

Furthermore,  the King solicit for more creative empowerment programmes to sensitize the youth so as to discourage them from criminal acts, thus, enhance creativity and innovations. Kabiyesi equally seized the opportunity to advise the parents to ensure that their children are properly trained to shun violence, cultism and criminality. This is because the Lagos State Government has vowed not to leave any stone unturned, hence, any form of criminality will be decisively dealt with, and also emphasized that the Government is determined to purge the State of miscreants and hooligans who are constituting public nuisance and threats to the people of the State, e.g. Ajagungbale, Cultists, etc.

In the same vein Oba Kasali solicited for the establishment of a public Hospital in Igbogbo due to the pressure that is on Ikorodu General Hospital presently, which adversely affected a lot of people in need of urgent medical attention. He further pleaded with the Social Group to endeavour to empower the women to enable them become self independent.

The Adeboruwa of Igbogbo however used the opportunity to specifically appreciated the most decorated Lion member in Africa, Lion Engr. H.O.B Lawal, for his positive contribution towards the development of Igbogbo Kingdom.

Lion Kola Oyekanmi gave a vote of thanks to exhibit their candid satisfaction and gratitude before Kabiyesi unveiled the Lions Code of Ethics erected at the Palace.

Lion Dr. Ayodeji Ajayi in company of his wife, Lion Dr. Mrs Olayinka Ajayi, distributed free reading eye glasses to those who have earlier undergone screening exercise, while empowerment on tie and dye, bead making attracted special packaged gifts to the participants.

Lion Dr. Mrs Olayinka Ajayi also advised all the women there present to embrace cleanliness and maintain a healthy life style. She further admonished the women to give their children adequate training with proper monitoring.

On a final note, the Lions Club and its team proceeded to Afinju Street, off Baiyeku road, Igbogbo, to commission a borehole water project in loving memory of late Lion Abiodun Waheed Lawal. The commissioning process was done by Lion Dr. Ayodeji Ajayi while he thereafter handed it over to the CDA Chairman.

The event didn't end without an interactive session which was held at the resident of Lion H.O.B Lawal. The District Governor thanked the Lions Club, Region 4, for the successful of his tour to the Region. He further further expressed his gratitude to Lion Engr. H.O.B Lawal for hosting the Lions team and for his support. He therefore encouraged everyone to imbibe the spirit of giving as it is the will of God and the tenets of the Lions Club worldwide. Several questions and answers were also entertained and responded to, adequately.

Moreover, Lion Engr. H.O.B Lawal in his short address challenged all Lions Club members to show more commitment towards humanitarian service after congratulating the District Governor, Lion Dr.. Ayodele Ajayi, for his uncommon leadership roles played in uplifting the Unionism of the Lions Club.

Among the Lions Club members that witnessed the event includes the District Governor, Lion Dr. Ayodele Ajayi and his amiable wife, Lion Dr. Mrs Olayinka Ajayi. The event which was officially covered by the Publisher, Igbogbo/Bayeku Info Magazine, Ln. Shakiru Seidu, saw the likes of Ln. Engr. H.O.B Lawal, the Region President, Ln. Wumi Akano, Ln. Engr. Adeniyi Lawal, Ln. Kola Oyekanmi, Ln. Akamo Lookman, the Centennial President, Igbogbo Platinum Lions Club, Ln Taofeek Olokunola, Ln Adeola Rotinwa, the past President, IPLC and also the P. A. to the District Governor, Ln. Olatunde Okusanya, Ln Bayo Alebiosu, Ln Barr. Bimbo Ojedokun, Ln. Olusesan Daini, Zonal Chairman, Ln. Adewale Micheal, among others.

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