Kunle Adelabu
-Commissions ultra – modern market
The weeks long activities marking the 2023 Isiwu Eweye Day, came to a grand conclusion on Saturday, at a ceremony where His Royal Majesty, Oba Olukayode David Raji (JP), the Eweye of Isiu, and the entire community mobilized residents, friends and associates towards raising funds for the construction of an ultra – modern palace
The sum of N500million was announced for the proposed Eweye palace in Isiu, the host of the Ikorodu North Local Council Development Area (LCDA) Secretariat in Ikorodu Division area of Lagos State, Southwest, Nigeria.
An ultra – modern Isiu Market, located along the Ikorodu – Itoikin road, which was facilitated by Rep. Babajimi Benson, Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Defense, was also comissioned by the lawmaker as part of the events marking the annual celebrations.
Also on ground to celebrate with the lsiu community, were Sen. Tokunbo Abiru, the Senator representing the Lagos East Senatorial District represented by Dr Saheed Ibikunle, Special Adviser to the Senator on Constituency Matters, Dr. Nurudeen Agbaje, Special Adviser on Local Government & Rural Developments, Builder Sesan Daini, Chairman, Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA, Hon. Ola Ameen (Apanisile), Vice Chairman, Ikorodu North LCDA, Oba Semiudeen Kasali, the Adeboruwa of igbogbo, Oba Bashir Shotonwa, the Sekumade of Ipakodo and Oba Moruf Olakunle Ogunnoiki, the Alagura of Agura, among others.
In his royal address at the Isiu Eweye Day Celebration grand finale, which had clubs, societies, professional organisations, political groups, cultural associations and many others in attendance, Oba Olukayode Raji said that the community, which was without an Oba for many decades, is progressing gradually into greatness out of its lowly status.
He also stated that the annual day celebration is being used to bring sons, daughters and residents of Isiu, together towards the development of the town.
“I am so glad that the lsiu today has left its low status of yesterday. This is what we can see and feel. I am not saying that isiu has gotten to her destination, but we are progressing bit by bit. Our challenges have not totally gone, but we are overcoming them one after the other”, the royal father said.
“I am overwhelmed with joy, because we are collectively embarking on a project which is long overdue for the community. It is better late than never.
“Eweye Day is an annual event organised for the reunion and togetherness of all sons and daughters of lsiu and its residents. It is historic because we have our community’s interest at heart. The teeming numbers of attendees today gladdens my heart and I am tremendously grateful”.
The Eweye of Isiu commended the Representative of the Ikorodu Federal Constituency and the Senator representing Lagos East, for their respective contributions to the development of lsiu community.
“ The projects of our distinguished representative at the federal House of Representatives, Hon Babajimi Benson, are so laudable. He built a modern market and handed it over to the community for coordination. He also gave us many solar street lights”, he said.
“We are very thankful for the gesture. There are other projects he is working on for the advancement of lsiu. You are indeed a blessing to the community and entire Ikorodu division.
“Senator Tokunbo Abriu built a modern maternity constructed similarly to the status of general hospital in some states. He also purchased a transformer to improve our power supply and empowered our residents through his intervention programmes. Special thanks for your financial resources and support towards the growth of his town.
“I also appreciate the Executive Chairman of Ikorodu North LCDA, Hon. Builder Adeola Adebisi Banjo. Thank you for your contributions towards the growth of the community”, the royal father said.
The monarch also congratulated all the awardees that were honoured at the grand reception.
While Senator Mukhail Tokunbo Abiru and Rep. Babajimi Adegoke Benson and Princess (Dr) Mrs Rosemary Odula Miku – Ati(JP), were honoured with Excellence awards, Builder Adeola Adegoke Banjo, Hon. (Mrs) Jumoke Fausat Okuyiga (JP), Chief Babatunde Samson Ogunberu, FCP, Chief Olwatoyin Afolabi Okemati, Alhaji Waidi Akanni Otaiku, Chief Samuel Ogbetaburan, Alhaji (Prince) Sulaimon Biodun Babatunde (Musa), Alhaji Semiu Abiodun Taiwo and Hon. Alice Raji, were presented with Merit Awards, with Late (Prince) Engr. Oluranti Oladeinde honoured with a Post Humous Merit Award.
Otunba Musa Folagbade Banwo, Chiarman, lsiu Eweye Development Association (ISESDASS), thanked the entire residents of Isiu, clubs, associations and the council, for their respective support towards the successful planning and execution of the 2023 Isiu Eweye Day.
The ISESDASS Chairman, who stated that the community was celebrating the 37th edition of the annual day, also remembered the founding fathers of the initiative, while appealed to residents and guests for support towards the construction of the proposed ultra – modern palace for Isiu.
At the ceremony, the Education Committee led by Alhaji Taiwo Odumbo, Principal, LASU International Secondary School, presented awards to the winners of the educational programmes organized as part of the 2023 Isiu Eweye Day Celebration.
Some of the groups that were in attendance at the grand ceremony were: Isiu Grammar School Old Students’ Association (IGOSA), iCare Foundation, #DoingGood team, Egbe Bobakeye Isiu, Egbe Gbobaniyi Isiu, Obayori Obinrin Eweye, Lagos State Bricklayers Association, WAABCO, Nigeria Union of Tailors, Ejalonibu group among many others.
