AGM; Club’97 Counts Gain As Okeowo Bows Out With Pride, Alebiosu Emerges New President in Fresh Election

…Lekki LCDA Chairman, RBK Appreciated

Isiak Adeshina Okeowo, Immediate Past President, Club’97

Club’97 of Epe Division recently held her Annual General Meeting (AGM) with pomp and pageantry where the outgoing President, Alhaji Isiak Adeshina Okeowo (FCA) rendered report of his stewardship amidst praises and commendations from group members.

In his valedictory speech, Okeowo said “as I stand before you today, I am filled with gratitude and pride. Gratitude for the grace and blessings of Almighty God and the trust you all placed in me in the past Two years of my second term in office. And, pride in all that we have achieved together as one Big Happy Divisional Family”.

Hon. Ahmed Seriki and Mr. Isiak Okeowo

“Over the past years with your unalloyed support, our leadership has accomplished so much. We have grown our membership, expanded our appointments, and strengthened our association. In specific term and to the glory of God, we have to our credit; 4 Council Managers, 10 Council Treasurers, 4 HROs, 4 Clerks, 3 Area Officers, 2 Auditors, 3 Second Signatories, 1 HOD Budget, 4 HOD Education, 4 Council Engineers, 2 Information Officers, 2 Procurements and 1 HOU Tourism”, he boasted.

According to the Council Treasurer of Ojo Local Government, none of the appointments would have been possible without the great support of the consummate representative of Epe division at the Local Government Service, Hon. Ahmed Ayinde Seriki. Okeowo said, “all these aforementioned appointments were made possible by the special intervention of Almighty Allah through our one and only man of the people, our true representative at the Local Government Service Commission, Hon. Ahmed Seriki”.

Speaking further, he expressed his heartfelt appreciation to “fellow members of the Exco who were my co-pilots on this fruitful Odyssey, respected Board of Trustee members, our prides and most reliable Patrons and Matrons, Heads of Departments and Units and our wonderfully distinguished members. Your tireless efforts and support truly made a real difference in our leadership and by extension, our great association. I thank you all”.

The event held at Lekki Local Council Development Area Secretariat also witnessed the reading of financial report by Mr. Tunwashe Seyi, report on Target Savings Account (TASA) by Mr. Osunsan Olatunbosun (Council Treasurer, Eredo LCDA), presentation of gifts and awards to retired members and election of new members of the executive to lead the divisional group in Lagos Local Government Service for the next Two years.

While the outgoing President assured members of his continuous support for the group, Barrister Dapo Alebiosu, the newly elected President of Club’97 promised to continue to carry the Club’s flag flying none tilted. Alebiosu also expressed association’s gratitude to the Executive Chairman of Lekki LCDA, Hon. Rasaki Bamidele Kasali for his financial support towards the success of the AGM, host members for the month of June and wonderful members of the Local Organizing Committee for their contributions and logistics support.

Barr. Dapo Alebiosu, newly elected President

Goodwill messages were made by President emeritus, Mr. Adesanya Akeem (Council Manager, Ifako-Ijaye LG) and the Executive Chairman of Lekki LCDA, Hon. (Engr.) Rasak Bamidele Kasali (RBK) who was represented by Club’97’s Patron, Council Treasurer (Lekki LCDA) and Local Organizing Committee Chairman, Mr. Albert Oluwarotimi.

In his remarks, the special guest of the event and representative of Epe Division at the Local Government Service Commission, Hon. Ahmed Ayinde Seriki whose early intervention during the election averted lingering competition among members congratulated Okeowo and his team members for the success of their tenure. He extended same congratulatory message to the new exco led by Alebiosu, assuring members of his continuous support for the new leadership and the association by extension.

Hon. Ahmed Ayinde Seriki giving his remarks

This year’s Club’97 AGM tagged Lekki 2024 was hosted by Matrons of Lekki LCDA extraction. They are Mrs. Abdul-Kareem Yesira nee Ogunbekun (CM, Ikorodu West LCDA), Mrs. Suara Oluwatoyin (CT, Amuwo-Odofin LG), Mrs. Aguda-Okoro Bolanle (CT, Ikeja LG), Mrs. Ogunbekun-Yusuf Salewa (CT, Bariga LCDA) and supported by Mrs. Lasisi M.A (HOD Education, Oriade LCDA), Engr. Jenty Olumuyiwa (CE, Lekki LCDA) and all host members for the month of June.

The newly elected exco members are; Dapo Alebiosu (President), Damilare Shoye (Vice President 1), Olugbenga Basmus (Vice President 2), Abimbola Ogidan (Gen. Secretary), Wasilat Doherty (Asst. Secretary), Rasheedat Adebanjo (Treasurer), Adewunmi Harun (Financial Secretary), Oluwatosin Adebanjo (Social Director), Idayat Elewuro-Soetan (Auditor), Musiliu Bakare (Welfare Officer), Rafiu Ojikutu (PRO), and Jamiu Elewuro (Legal Officer)

Newly elected exco members

Ex-CBN Governor, Lamido Sanusi Reinstated As Kano Emir

The former Central Bank Governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi II has reportedly been reinstated as the Emir of Kano State.

His reinstatement followed the passage of a new law by the State House of Assembly which abolished four emirates created in addition to the Emir of Kano.

The emirates were created under a controversial law enacted in 2019 by the administration of former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje.

According to reports, there is no official statement yet on Sanusi’s reinstatement, but sources privy to the situation revealed that Sanusi II will be in Kano on Friday.

Sanusi Lamido Sanusi II

The sources said, “So certainly with the passage of the Bill, Sanusi automatically stands reinstated. No need for confirmation, the thing is to wait for the governor to assent to it.”

The State Assembly passed a bill titled ‘The Kano State Emirates Councils (Repeal) Bill, 2024’, dissolving the establishment of the additional emirates.

This was announced by the Senior Special Assistant on Digital Media to the state governor, Tuwita on X, stating that the bill was passed after it scaled third reading before the lawmakers.

The new law is set to abrogate the creation of the emirates created in 2019 and the restoration of Sanusi Lamido Sanusi as the Emir of Kano Emirate.

The law was first amended in 2019 amid a rift between then-Governor Ganduje and Sanusi, a former Central Bank Governor.

The first amendment broke the Kano Emirate into five with the creation of Rano, Karaye, Gaya and Bichi emirates, and the appointment of first-class emirs for the new emirates, eventually culminating in the deposition of the then-Emir of Kano.Ex-CBN Governor, Lamido Sanusi Reinstated As Kano Emir

Former Central Bank Governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi II has reportedly been reinstated as the Emir of Kano State.

His reinstatement followed the passage of a new law by the State House of Assembly which abolished four emirates created in addition to the Emir of Kano.

The emirates were created under a controversial law enacted in 2019 by the administration of former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje.

According to reports, there is no official statement yet on Sanusi’s reinstatement, but sources privy to the situation revealed that Sanusi II will be in Kano on Friday.

The sources said, “So certainly with the passage of the Bill, Sanusi automatically stands reinstated. No need for confirmation, the thing is to wait for the governor to assent to it.”

The State Assembly passed a bill titled ‘The Kano State Emirates Councils (Repeal) Bill, 2024’, dissolving the establishment of the additional emirates.

This was announced by the Senior Special Assistant on Digital Media to the state governor, Tuwita on X, stating that the bill was passed after it scaled third reading before the lawmakers.

The new law is set to abrogate the creation of the emirates created in 2019 and the restoration of Sanusi Lamido Sanusi as the Emir of Kano Emirate.

The law was first amended in 2019 amid a rift between then-Governor Ganduje and Sanusi, a former Central Bank Governor.

The first amendment broke the Kano Emirate into five with the creation of Rano, Karaye, Gaya and Bichi emirates, and the appointment of first-class emirs for the new emirates, eventually culminating in the deposition of the then-Emir of Kano.

Governor Yusuf Signs New Emirate Council Bill, Sacks All Emirs In Kano

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has officially signed the new emirate council law.

The governor signed the law on Thursday evening at the Government House at exactly 5:10pm. He assented the bill alongside his deputy, the Speaker of the State Assembly and other principal officers in the government.

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf signing the new emirate council law

Speaking earlier, the majority Leader and member representing the Dala Constituency in Kano Assembly, Lawan Hussaini, has hinted that the State Commissioner for Local Government would be responsible for all emirates as the new bill has abolished all emirates in the State.

According to Kano State House of Assembly, “the bill may be cited in the Kano State Emirate Council repeal bill 2024. The bill shall come into operation this year 2024.

“Abrogation of the five Emirates and offices created in the repeal principal law dated 5th December 2019 are hereby abrogated.

“All appointments made under the same said repeal law are, hereby, abolished.

“All traditional office holders and title holders elevated or appointed to the office created under the repeal law shall revert to their positions where such position previously existed under the custom and traditions prior to the enactment of the repeal principal law.

“The Governor shall take all necessary steps to restore the emirate system to its initial position prior to the enactment of the repeal principal law

“Commissioner to take responsibility of all Emirates subjects to the approval of the Governor.

“The commissioner responsible for Local Government shall oversee all transitional arrangements including how best to deal with the assets and liabilities of the abolished Emirates and new structures.”

President Tinubu To Address The Nation

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will make a broadcast to the nation on Monday, July 31, 2023 at 7 pm.

This was contained in a press release by the state house titled; President Tinubu Broadcast To The Nation and signed by the Special Adviser to the President (Special Duties, Communications and Strategy) dated July 30, 2023.

Television, radio stations and other electronic media outlets are enjoined to hook up to the network services of the Nigerian Television Authority and Radio Nigeria for the broadcast.

Club’97 AGM: Seriki, Okeowo Shines As Member Commends Council Chairman, LOC

… Association Plans To Build Secretariat

… AGM Moves To Lekki (2024) As Eredo, Ikosi-Ejirin Claims Reigning Champ

The representative of Epe Division at the Lagos State Local Government Service Commission, Hon. Ahmed Seriki and the Club’s President, Mr. Isiak Adeshina Okeowo (FCA) were the highlights of Club’97 2023 Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on Sunday June 11, 2023.

Hon. Seriki was showered with encomiums by members of the divisional group who believed his representation has continued to add value to them and Epe Division ever since his appointment.

Hon. Ahmed Seriki, Commissioner Representing Epe Division, LGSC

The torrential downpour on the day no doubt symbolized the magnitude of testimonies for Hon. Seriki’s performance as a Commissioner at the Local Government Service Commission.

Reacting, Seriki pledged to keep the tempo. He said he was happy to note that Epe Division has qualified workers in their individual field or cadre which is an encouragement for him to “take the fight to them, lobby and ensure we have our fair share of appointments and postings”.

President Club’97, Mr. Okeowo Isiak Adeshina (FCA)

It was another rain of commendations for the current members of the executive committee led by Isiak Adeshina Okeowo (FCA) whose tenure has witnessed laudable and juicy appointments, postings and astronomic increase in membership enrollment including the return of old members.

The President, Mr. Okeowo eulogized the commissioner for his love for Club’97. He acknowledged his steadfastness since he came on board. According him, “no amount of eulogy will be enough to appreciate our Commissioner. He’s truly a God sent”

“Club’97 is sure blessed to have Hon. Seriki as our Commissioner. We all are glad to identify with him and what he represents. It is our prayer that God bless him more and grant him many years on earth in good health”, he prayed.

While acknowledging the consistent support of the club’s patrons and matrons, Okeowo said “our Patrons and Matrons (CMs and CTs) are incomparable to none”. Speaking further, he revealed to commissioner Seriki that, “we are currently working towards having a secretariat building (House Club’97) and our members especially the Patrons and Matrons have adopted it as their project. We can not thank them enough. We need you to help us appreciate these dependable personalities in our division”.

“Even though we know you will admonish them to fulfill their pledges and promises to realize this gigantic project, our assignment for you specifically this afternoon is to help us thank them as we pray for God’s intervention in their individual aspirations”.

Okeowo extended his gratitude to the Executive Chairman of Eredo Local Council Development Area, Hon. Ismail Monsuru Akinloye “who magnanimously allowed us the use of the newly yet to be commissioned multi-purpose hall. We will forever be grateful sir”, he said.

Dignitaries on the high table took turn to trace the historical path of Club’97, ex-rayed the journey so far and concluded that the current executive “has done well by raising the bar from where we stopped to changing the fortune of the association and setting it in the right track for posterity. Mr. Adesanya Akeem Adegbenro (former President/Patron), Mr. Layi Giwa (Patron), Mr. Otuniyi Affeez (former President/BOT member) and others gave their goodwill messages.

Eredo 2023 witnessed the celebration of retired Patrons and Matrons, unveiling of new appointees, introduction of new members and the celebration of June-Born Members birthday.

Tagged ‘Eredo 2023’, the event was hosted by Epe indigenes from Eredo Local Council Development Area in Lagos Local Government Service as championed by the distinguished Patrons from the axis. They are Mr. Omotayo Shakirudeen Adetola (Council Manager, Egbe-Idimu LCDA), Mr. Bola Adeyemi (Council Manager, Ojokoro LCDA), Dr. Adekoya Augustine Adesanya (Council Manager, Orile-Agege LCDA), Mr. Onakoya Muyiwa Adeniyi (Council Treasurer, Orile-Agege LCDA) and, Mr. Osunsan Rasak Olatunbosun, FCA (Council Treasurer, Eredo LCDA) who also doubled as the Chairman, Local Organizing Committee (LOC).

Others are Mr. Disu Ismail (Head of Audit Unit, ) and, Mr. Tunwashe Seyi Monsuru (Second Signatory, Ayobo-Ipaja LCDA) who is equally the club’s Treasurer.

Local Organizing Committee (LOC)

The Local Organizing Committee (LOC) led by Mr. Osunsan Rasak Olatunbosun (FCA), Council Treasurer, Eredo LCDA were also commended for a job well done. To appreciate the level of their commitments to the event, a member on an informal discussion with others said, “I think Eredo 2023 competed favourably with Ikosi-Ejirin 2019, we’ll wait and see what show Lekki will put up in 2024”. Another voice from a member however quarried his criteria for the comparison because he believed “Ikosi-Ejirin is still reigning”.