We Need More Industries, Infrastructure In Epe, Oba Ogunlaja Appeals To Lagos Govt

By Babatunde Kaka

• Youth in Epe respectful and reasonable – Aladeshonyin

• We were not consulted in reviewing Obas and Chieftaincy Laws – Alayandelu

The Aladeshonyin and Paramount Ruler of Odo-Noforija Kingdom, Oba Babatunde Ogunlaja JP has appealed to government at all levels to prioritise Epe local government when citing critical infrastructural facilities and social amenities in the state.

Aladeshonyin made plea in an interview with Eko Hot Blog, on the sideline of an event organised by, Concerned NationBuilders Initiative ( CNI ), a Nongovernmental organisation in Epe Division.

The event which took place at Michael Otedola College of Primary Education ( MOCPED ) Multipurpose hall, Noforija, Epe, was aimed at celebrating the outstanding and meritorious services of selected individuals and organizations to the entire Epe Division in the year 2020.

Speaking after bagging the award of Royal Personality of the year, Oba Ogunlana stressed the need for large scale commercial operations and establishment of industries in Epe in other to address the scourge of youth restiveness and unemployment.

While he congratulated the organizers of the award ceremony, he implored them to work on the publicity-deficiency that’s undermined their great accomplishments, noting that more people needs to know about the remarkable work they are doing in Epe.

“I’m very happy for today’s event and I have nothing to do other than to keep supporting CNI because the NGO has been performing astonishingly in Epe Division. The only error I noticed is that there was no adequate publication. I congratulate the initiator, Idris Olukoya. I use this medium to say I’m proud of youths in Epe Division because in any area, they respect elders.

“When we call them to order, they reason with us. we don’t have enough infrastructural facilities and industries, we want government to bring in more industries so that our youths will not be jobless elements”, His Royal Majesty said.

In the same vein, the Alayandelu of Odo-Ayandelu kingdom, Oba Aderibigbe Asumo was awarded the Education Support personality of the year.

 

Speaking on clinching the award, Alayandelu noted that his passion for education is the driving force behind his meaningful contributions to educational development in Epe.

He also expressed displeasure at the way Royal fathers were sidelined in reviewing the State’s Obas and Chieftaincy Laws.

” I  have passion for education, If not for God and education, probably, I may not have attained the position I’m occupying today. And I remember vividly during my presentation of staff of office, I said I’m going to show a lot of concern to education. And when you open a school gate, you are closing the gate to prison yard.

” Well, the review of Obas and Chieftaincy laws is a welcome idea but we were not consulted which is very unfortunate because the Obas and Chiefs Law of 1995 has a lot of discrepancies that needs to be overhauled.

” We expect them to call on the Royal fathers in the state for open consultation so that we can tell them. There is a particular area that the Obas have been agitating that whenever they want to approve any Oba in the state, they must pass through the State Council which they have not been doing. So I will advise they carry the royal fathers along “, Kabiyesi said.

Other notable Royal fathers among the awardees are High Chief Ogungbesan Peter Oriyomi, Baale of Ora Kingdom ( Philanthropist of the year ). Others include Dr. Onasanya Shakirudeen Olayiwola ( COVID 19 Palliatives Response Personality of the Year ) Mr. Popoola Jaiyesinmi ( Most Supportive Indigene in Diaspora ), Mr. Osifeko Mark Olaniyi ( Public Relation Personality of the Year )

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