Aladeshonyin Lauds Constitution Of Eredo LCDA Tourism Committee

• Members paid Courtesy Visit to monarch
• It is an opportunity to give back to the community and institutions that raised us – Prince Segun Osifeko.

By Babatunde Kaka

The Aladeshonyin and Paramount Ruler of Odo-Noforija Kingdom, Epe Division, Lagos State, Oba Dr Babatunde Ogunlaja JP (Fmbe Hons), Kalejaiye II, has commended the Eredo LCDA Chairman, Hon Adeniyi Soliu, for the constitution of the LCDA Tourism Committee, headed by a business magnate, Mr Segun Osifeko.

The monarch gave the commendation while addressing committee members who paid him a courtesy visit on Friday 23rd, 2021.

Aladeshonyin said he was excited to be associated with the highly powered Committee, noting that he was certain that their track record speaks volume in terms of integrity and prudence necessary in delivering the project.

” When I was informed about the visit of the committee, I was curious to know about those who made the list and immediately I got to know about them, I was highly satisfied. That is how it is supposed to be and for the Chairman to have constituted the Tourism Committee is commendable and I give kudos to him, the guy has really put the round pegs in the round hole.
The government won’t do everything as there are not enough resources but we as indigenous people must strive to develop our heritage, after that, we can now invite the Government “, Aladeshonyin averred.

Speaking further, Oba Ogunlaja revealed to the gathering how he’s been able to make research on the history of communities both home and abroad. This, he said, has helped expose him to series of historical facts. He noted that one of such avenues was when he chaired a group of historians sponsored by the Lagos State Government to the National Archives in London.

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He said that his craving for history steered him towards a self-sponsored trip to Portugal for historical research. These, he said, facilitated his discovery of the point at which a White man, Willoughby, was killed around the Noforija hills, Eredo LCDA, during the historic Imagbon war of 1892.

He also disclosed that the ancient Odo-Noforija tree which paved way for the Noforija-Epe-Ijebu-Ode Expressway expansion wasn’t cut down but transplanted elsewhere in the community. The old tree, which he described as a crucial heritage generations unborn must see, would be revealed to the world at the right time.

His Royal Majesty thereafter hinted that in the interest of tourism development, tourists from the US some of which include The Nigerian Field Society (NFS) and The Sunrise Foundation (TSF) amongst others, participates in the annual Eebi Festival in his domain.

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Oba Ogunlaja implored members of the committee to visit other Royal Fathers for guidance. He also admonished them to be steadfast and work collaboratively, noting that there are enormous benefits accrued to the project. He, therefore, prayed for the success of the team as they work tirelessly to unleash the tourism potentials of the LCDA.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Committee, Prince Segun Osifeko, a retired Director with the Lagos State Government, Hotelier and Tourism enthusiast, revealed that the backing of the Palace was crucial which necessitated the visit.

He recalled that back in February, the LCDA Chairman, Hon Adeniyi Saliu, shared his vision as regard tourism development in Eredo LCDA, which birthed the committee.

He disclosed that members accepted to serve as they consider it as an avenue to gather more experience and resources, noting that it was a platform to give back to the community and institutions which raised them.

The Procare Group Chairman, therefore, showered encomiums on Oba Ogunlaja, noting that his efforts in promoting tourism and culture since the ascension to the throne of his forbearers are second to none. He also acknowledged the many impacts of the monarch in taking youths off the streets and his philanthropic dispositions. He, therefore, used the medium to solicit the support of Oba Ogunlaja for guidance as he’s certain Kabiesi’s input would complement the collated data for places of attraction prepared by the team in the LCDA and suggest other heritage sites to develop.

During his vote of thanks, while the Vice Chairman of the Committee, a Permanent Secretary with the Lagos State Ministry of Estab. & Training, Dr Oluwakayode Ogunnubi, disclosed that Nigerians in diaspora wants to return home on the premise that history and heritage must not be lost, he was hopeful that Kabiesi would assist the Committee with his wealth of experience at the National Archives in London and other avenues.

Ekohotblog gathered that apart from the Chairman and Vice-Chairman earlier mentioned, High Chief Charles Keshinro ( Epe ICAN & District Society President ), Prince Michael Adebowale ( Secretary ), Mrs Funmi Balogun ( Retired PS, Lagos State Min. of Finance ), Mr Olalekan Tijani, Engineer Femi Ogunbajo ( Chairman RT Hotels Igbooye ), Alhaja Ramota Bankole (APC State Welfare Officer), Mrs Sesan Ismail ( GM Lagos State Records and Archives Bureau ), Mr Seriki Monsuru, Alhaji Ademago Rabiu Abolore and Mr Azeez Dada drafted from various works of life in the LCDA were all in attendance.

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