EPE News

Leadership in Focus: Hon. Fariu Arebi shares insights on Epe’s Legacy, Progress and Prospects

Published

8 hours ago

Jan 9, 2025.

Hon Fariu Arebi shares Insight into the growth and development of Epe
Shares Personal experience on governance and leadership.
Goes Memory lane on the sons and daughters of Epe who rendered meritorious services

Hon. Fariu Arebi, a true son of Epe, served as a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly during Nigeria’s Third Republic, where he provided his constituency with quality representation.

Known for his dedication to the development of Epe, Hon. Arebi has continued to play a pivotal role in advancing the town’s interests even after leaving office. Through various leadership positions and community initiatives, he has remained steadfast in his mission to foster progress and chart a path forward for Epe.

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In this interview with EkoHotBlog, Hon. Arebi reflects on his journey, shares insights into the town’s growth, and celebrates the achievements of its distinguished sons and daughters.

How would you describe the current state of development in the Epe?

It’s impressive, dynamic and something to be proud of. A solid foundation has been established upon which to build a super structure of development.

Look around and consider what impact and influence the deep sea port, the free trade zone, the refinery, the LEKKI airport, the film city and the multi billion naira food bank will bring to Epe. We are looking good by His Grace.

What roles have the sons and daughters of Epe played in its growth over the years?

Right from the creation of Lagos state in 1967, when chief Johnson- Agiri (from Epe) was made the Commissioner for works their roles have been very critical and every indices of the development of Epe have been mostly influenced by Epe’s sons and daughters.

For example Chief Dapo Sarumi on introduction of telephone services to Epe and his exemplary initiative to provide stable electricity to Epe and environs. Governor Michael Agbolade Otedola on Tertiary Education institutions which was completely lacking before his administration as Lagos Governor. I am proud to be associated with these great achievements.

Sir Michael Otedola

Additionally, the impact of the Governor Akinwunmi Ambode on Epe institutions and infrastructure can not be over emphasized, it’s a game changer.

Chief Hamsat Adebowale on industrial development. Chief Surakat Adeyemi APENA who opened the first fuel station in Epe. Chief Tirimisiyu Ayotunde Seriki of TAS Industries manufacturers of high grade furniture and doors, he was also the pioneer motor dealer who introduced taxi services to Epe and built first standard tourist hotel.

Chief Amzat Adebowale

Other pioneers can be found in private school establishment . The first secondary school established over 70years ago through efforts of five leading sons of Epe. Their names I can’t put together now.

chief Mukadam ‘tele OLUKOYA established Okemagba Grammar school; G. B. Sadiku Lofi Ogunmodede and Epe girls high school, Chief Ayotunde Seriki, (Ayotunde Seriki Memorial Grammar School), Chief Rickets (Ikosi Methodist High School) among others too numerous to mention were all involved in the development of education in Epe .

Former Governor of Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode

The significant contributions of our current political leaders ALHAJI Shakiru Seriki, Dr. OGUNKELU, Late Chief Lanre Rasak, our speaker Emeritus Rt. Hon. Basit Ikuforiji, late Tunde Salau, the Deputy Governor Dr. KADIRI HAMZAT and representatives: Odubote, (MHR) Wale Raji (MHR); Hon. Hon. Mustain Tobun, Hon. OGUNKELU Sketel, and the local government chairpersons past (Honorables Doyin Adesanya, Samson BOBO ONANUGA, Adeniyi Soliu) and present – Princess Surah ANIMASHAUN, Hon. Akinloye Ismail and WaleRaji-Anomo deserve our commendation.

Are there any particular achievements or milestones Epe has recently celebrated?

The upgrade of the Epe General Hospital to a Federal Medical Center is a milestone and a celebration. The credit must go to another illustrious son of Epe Dr. Moruf ALAUSA with the instrumentality of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

One other great achievement we should celebrate is becoming one, if not the largest contributor to the GDP of Lagos state. This in tangible and should be celebrated. This was while the last administration declared the entire “Epe Division “ a National Asset with security architecture upgrade and established all services bases across the land.

Dr. Tunji Alausa, Minister of Education

How do the sons and daughters of the Epe promote its cultural heritage?

Epe cultural heritage has remained strong thanks to the custodians and our sons and daughters who are dedicated to promoting same with their resources. These include but not limited to elites in the regbe-regbe age groups, who are the sustaining force behind the yearly Ebi Festival. Epe Club, Ogunmodede Club, seniors including T.J. Abass & Tenny Sacheus must be distinguished in their contributions in the Ojude OBA and Kayo-Kayo festival planning and promotion. The other members of the planning committees of these cultural committees deserve commen

Otunba T.J Abass, Cordinator, Kayokayo Festival

What challenges does Epe face in harnessing the potential of its sons and daughters?

Zero energy/electricity supply to the entire Epe local government and the two LCDAs. The Lagos state government should declare a state of emergency on the situation because of its multi dimensional negative effect of lack of electricity on development.

Senator Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru

Are there areas where more support or collaboration is needed?

I call on all sons and daughters of Epe not to rest on their oars but to continue to strive towards the development of Epe. It is high time we get together to resolve the energy crisis enveloping Epe and environs.

The LGA AND LCDA Chairmen, The state Assembly members, the government of Lagos state, National Assembly and all prominent members of the community must rally round our son the present minister of education to ensure the completion of the OMOTOSHO-EPE-AJAH power project within the next six months.
I will also call on our traditional rulers to mount pressure on both the state and federal government for quick resolution of the crisis.

FURTHER READING

How can Epe attract more investments and partnerships from its indigenes?

Let the government provide an enabling environment in terms of electricity, improve transportation infrastructures by extending the rail facility to accommodate EPE AND IBEJU LEKKI CORRIDOR. A bridge across the Lagos lagoon from the Free Trade Zone will open up and free the massive land under the Eredo and Ilara to Igbonla where we have the Lagos state model college.

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