- The deputy governor highlighted the club’s diverse membership, which includes traditional rulers
- Hamzat revealed that the club plans to deepen youth engagement in the coming year
- He extolled Shakiru Akanni Bamu as a builder of leaders whose influence has shaped many individuals
The Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, has paid glowing tribute to veteran leader and community figure, Shakiru Akanni Bamu, during a colourful celebration organised by the Epe Club Division in his honour.
Speaking at the event, Eko Hot Blog gathered that Hamzat described the occasion as a historic moment rather than a routine ceremony, noting that it marked decades of sacrifice, leadership, and unwavering service to community development.
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He praised the Epe Club for its long-standing commitment to unity, peace, and progress, stressing that the organization had grown remarkably from a small group of 11 founding members to over 200 stakeholders cutting across the five local government councils and LCDAs within the division.
The deputy governor highlighted the club’s diverse membership, which includes traditional rulers, serving and former lawmakers, business leaders, professionals, academics, and civil servants.
According to him, the group has remained central to grassroots development through initiatives such as educational support, healthcare interventions, food assistance, youth empowerment programmes, and efforts aimed at ensuring peaceful political transitions.
Hamzat revealed that the club plans to deepen youth engagement in the coming year, focusing on resilience, community security, and leadership development. He also announced plans to convene a Third Division Economic Summit as part of efforts to stimulate regional growth.
Reflecting on the significance of the day, the deputy governor said the decision to celebrate and immortalize distinguished members while they are still alive was deliberate, describing it as a way to preserve history and honour those who laid strong foundations for the present generation.
He extolled Shakiru Akanni Bamu as a builder of leaders whose influence has shaped many individuals now occupying leadership positions across different sectors. Hamzat noted that long before youth participation in governance became popular, Bamu was already mentoring young people and instilling values of discipline, courage, and service.
Describing him as a statesman who stood firmly by his principles, the deputy governor said Bamu embodied the ideals of unity, honour, excellence, and community service upon which the Epe Club was founded.
On behalf of the club’s members, Hamzat expressed gratitude for Bamu’s enduring contributions, acknowledging his role in building bridges across generations and strengthening the organization’s legacy.
He offered prayers for continued good health, strength, and fulfillment, while expressing hope that the honouree would continue to witness the impact of the seeds he has sown across the community.
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