Epe Division Community Annual Awards Recognise Outstanding Contributions

By Babawale Solomon

Eko Hot Blog reports that the 4th edition of the Epe Division Community Annual Awards (EDCAA), organised by the Concerned NationBuilders Initiative (CNI), unfolded on Thursday, December 7, 2023, at the Lagos Theatre Epe, Epe, Lagos State.

The event aimed to honour individuals who have made tremendous contributions to the development of Epe Division, positioning it as the ‘New Lagos.’

Dignitaries, including Alhaji Shakiru Akanni Seriki-Bamu, Right Honourable Adeyemi Ikuforiji, Chief Muyiwa Akintola, Hon. Segun Olulade Eleniyan, Dr. Olayiwole Onasanya, Mrs. Saidat Olayinka Oladunjoye, and more, graced the occasion.

The ceremony commenced with lively folk songs and dances, captivating the audience.

Apart from cultural displays, the event featured talent exhibitions, with guest speakers, including Associate Professor Nosirudeen Onibon, Chief Mrs. Dr. Sidiquat Akindele, and Hon. Segun Olulade Eleniyan, delivering lectures on ‘Community Development – All-inclusive Responsibility.’

The award presentation honoured outstanding individuals and entities such as Mr Ademola Olufowobi, who won the Peace Ambassador, Prince Ademola Adetola, who won the Leadership in Youth and Community Development, Ambassador Oluwatoyin Kayode Lawal, who won the Leadership in Community Service and Corporate Social Responsibility, and Hon Ahmed Seriki, who won the Leadership in Ethical and Community Responsibility.

Barrister Saidat Olayinka Oladunjoye, the Federal Commissioner representing Lagos State in the National Population Commission (NPC), won the Leadership in Skills-based Community Service, and Micheal Anglican Primary School Epe won the best public primary school.

Also, Otunba TJ Abass won the Philanthropist of the year, Eko Hot Blog won the Media Company of the Year, Mr Babatunde Kaka banged the Youth Influencer of the Year Award, Rt. Hon. Ikuforiji, won the Epe Division Man of the Year award, the Elejinrin of Ejinrin kingdom emerged as the Royal Personality of the Year, and Epe Local Government was named the best performing local government.

Earlier, Mr. Idris Tele Olukoya, the convener of the award, welcomed and appreciated all attendees, providing insights into CNI’s history, mission, and achievements.

He emphasized CNI’s commitment to grassroots development, stating that, “It is worthy to note that Concerned NationBuilders Initiative was established in 2018, and duly registered with the CAC.

“Our mission is to change the mindset of Nigerians and you are waking the spirit of nationalism and hard work, which starts from the grassroots as the wise saying goes ‘charity begins at home’. Our NGO strongly advocate that success through positive effort is most fulfilling and rewarding.”

Highlighting CNI’s accomplishments over the past five years, Olukoya expressed gratitude to supporters and partners, including the Lagos State government and notable personalities.

He unveiled CNI’s future project, the ‘Epe Division Hall of Fame,’ scheduled to kickstart in 2024, urging awardees to be pioneers.

“Our achievement within the last 5 years is not farfetched. We have executed over 30 projects across board. We have partnered with Lagos State government on project implementation and other NGO to carry out programs and relevant projects. Our core values are; community development advocacy, human capacity building, promotion of good governance poverty alleviation and many others,” the CNI top official said.

“Being well aware of the extremely short lifespan of many NGOs in our society, it is noteworthy that this organization is steadily heading for its one decade of active involvement in societal development.”

He appreciated supporters of CNI’s dream and gave an insight into what the future holds for the organisation and the Epe Division.

Mr Olukoya added that, “Our journey has also been greatly facilitated by the unwavering commitment and concrete support of our partners and angel donors: Lagos state government, HRM Oba (Dr) kamorudeen ishola Animashaun, HRM Oba (Dr)Babatunde Olaogun Ogunlaja JP, Oba (Dr) Olufolarin Olukayode Ogunsanwo, Hon abiodun tobu, Hon Sylvester ogunkelu amongst others.

“Our noble organization would like to use this occasion of a 5th year anniversary to create awareness and seek sponsorship for our proposed mega projects ‘Epe Division Hall of Fame ‘ which is scheduled to kickstart in the first quarter of the year 2024. The first set of induction will take place in the second quarter of the year 2024.”

He urged the awardees to register and be the pioneer as he concluded his address.

The ceremony celebrated excellence, leaving a lasting impact on the awardees and contributing to the ongoing development of Epe Division.

See more photos from the event below:

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