Lifestyle – Dashmino

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”.

“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)

Lagos ITPN Holds General Meeting, Unveils Executive Members

The Institute for Tourism Professionals of Nigeria, Lagos State Chapter held her first general meeting of the year on Saturday March 2, 2024 at the National Institute of Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), Moshalasi Mushin, Lagos.

In his opening remarks, the Chairman of the Institute, Dr. Mesewaku Babatunde reiterated ITPN, Lagos Chapter’s commitment towards institutionalizing professionalism while ensuring the growth and development of tourism practice in Lagos. He equally outlined ITPN programmes and events for the year to the professional members in attendance.

Dr. Babatunde Olaide Mesewaku (FITPN), Chairman ITPN, Lagos

According to the Chairman, ITPN, Lagos State Chapter is a young institute that will be 2-year old in May, 2024. “Despite our young age, we have continued to weather the storm of the teething stage of our development by ensuring the actualization of the Institute’s objectives”, he said.

“The third edition of our flagship event, Lagos Tourism Roundtable will hold again this year and we shall be fully involved in all National programmes and events for the benefit of professional members”, he revealed.

Highlights of the meeting includes; tourism lecture by a veteran, Mr. Odeyemi Adewale, inauguration of committees, the unveiling of new members of the executive and the special recognition of former executive/technical committee member, ITPN Lagos State Chapter and coordinator for NIHOTOUR, Lagos, Chief (Mrs.) Chinyere Uche-Ibeabuchi for her unparallel commitment to the growth of ITPN, Lagos State Chapter.

Chinyere Uche-Ibeabuchi, Coordinator, NIHOTOUR Lagos

The new executive members of ITPN, Lagos State Chapter are; Chairman – Dr. Babatunde Olaide Mesewaku (FITPN), Vice Chairman – Mr. Odeyemi Odewale (FITPN), Vice Chairman – Mrs. Gloria Abiodun (MITPN), Secretary – Ms. Esther Adetutu Abolaji (MITPN), Assistant Secretary – Mr. Adeoba Adewale (MITPN), Public Relations Officer – Mr. Damilare Shoye (MITPN), Assistant PRO – Mr. Jonadab Arueya (MITPN), Treasurer – Mr. Idris Opeyemi Adeyemo (MITPN), Welfare Officer – Ms. Orepitan Aishat (MITPN), Financial Secretary – Ms. Regina Omoruyi (MITPN) and, Membership Secretary – Mr. Charles Ojiokpota (MITPN).

Club’97 Gets Together With Commissioner Seriki, BOT Members, Patrons, Matrons and Others

…honours first female President, late Mrs. Toyin Bowale

Members of the foremost divisional group in Lagos State Local Government Service, the Club’97 of Epe Division held their annual Get-together with their representative at the Local Government Service Commission, Hon. (Commissioner) Ahmed Seriki and the group’s patrons and matrons in attendance.

The December 10, 2023 event, held at Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government Secretariat was an avenue for the indigenous workers from Epe Division in Lagos State Local Government Service to give thanks to God for keeping them together in love, oneness and with countless blessings in the outgoing year.

President Isiak Adeshina Okeowo (FCA) presenting his keynote address

In his keynote address, the group’s president, Mr. Okeowo Isiak Adeshina (FCA), Council Treasurer of Ojo Local Government expressed his happiness for members turnout at the event. According to him, they all have come a long way together as family. He said, “speaking of miles, no doubt, we have all come a long way together. Many of you have been around even before some of us joined this great platform. We’re equally privileged to meet few of our foundation members whose experience and wisdom over the years, formed major parts of our success stories”.

“Today, we are specially grateful to our wonderful members present and sharing in this special occasion as we celebrate yet another get-together where we wine, dine and mery to the glory of God. Our hope is that you will enjoy the day with us, that we will strengthen the bonds, fellowship and comradeship that binds us all together”.

Okeowo admonished members to be grateful for their membership. “As we get together today, I want to implore us that we all take the opportunity to re-affirm and confirm how lucky we are to be amongst each other, next to each other and part of each other’s lives. I’m thrilled to see our leaders around too. Let’s all mingle with each other. Let us establish sustainable business relationships. Let us take the business of Club’97 to a whole new level where we can impact ourselves positively even beyond the realm of government work”.

He said, “our Commissioner is here with us and as usual, ready to attend to everyone of us. This is one opportunity that we have been privileged to enjoy every year since he assumed office. Some of our patrons and matrons and other distinguished members are all here to enjoy the day with us too. It is my utmost wish that God in His infinite mercy will continue to keep us together as one big family to celebrate many years in good health. Long may our comradeship, friendship and fellowship continue to blossom from glory to glory to the benefit of our dear division”, he prayed.

In his remark, the special guest at the event, Hon. Commissioner Ahmed Seriki expressed his love for the division and the platform. He said, “my love for Club’97 is the reason I always want to be part of you in all your activities. I’m privileged to represent you at the Local Government Service Commission and this I will never take for granted. I can assure you that the little we have achieved together is just a tip of an iceberg. Together, we shall do more”.

Host Council Manager and President Emeritus Akeem Adegbenro Adesanya

Other speakers at the event were members of Board of Trustees and past Presidents; Mr. Akeem Adegbenro Adesanya (Triple A), the host Council Manager of Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government and Hon. Afeez Otuniyi (Supervisor for Environment, Lekki LCDA).

Patrons and Matrons at the occasion include; Mr. Omotayo Shakirudeen (Council Manager, Egbe-Idimu LCDA), Mr. Albert Olurotimi Olalekan (Council Treasurer, Lekki LCDA), Mrs. Otaiku-Okoka Mosunmola (Council Manager, Apapa LG), Mrs. Odusanya Ebun (Council Treasurer, Igando-Ikotun LCDA) and Mrs. Onisarutu Mulikat (Council Treasurer, Olorunda LCDA).

Earlier at the event, the group’s Vice President and Director, Legal Adviser at Surulere Local Government, Barrister Dapo Alebiosu gave the welcome address.

Late Toyin Bowale, First and only Female President of Club’97 Since Inception

Club’97’s year 2023 get-together was organized in honour of the late Club’97 first and only female President, Mrs.Bowale Oluwatoyin who served the Club, Epe division and Lagos State by extension meritoriously until her demise.

Members of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) are Mr. Balogun Lookman (Clerk of the House, Ifako-Ijaiye LG), Mrs. Doherty Bolanle (Education Officer/Club’97’s Coordinator, Ifako-Ijaiye LG), Mrs. Bello Funmilayo (Assistant Procurement Officer) and Imam Jimoh Fatai (Imam, Ifako-Ijaiye LG)

Local Organizing Committee (LOC) Members

Members who were born in the month of December were celebrated while prayers were offered by Imam Jimoh Fatai Oluwatosin, Imam Lawal Rasheed and Mrs. Oladele E.A while the Club’s Secretary, Mr. Badmus Nurudeen did the vote of thanks.

Tourism; ITPN Hosts Lagos Tourism Roundtable 2

Inducts LALOTO and others

No Country in The World Has Developed Without Their Diaspora – Chief Akinboboye

Newly Inducted ITPN Members with the National President

The Institute for Tourism Professionals of Nigeria (ITPN) hosted the second edition of its annual event; the Lagos Tourism Roundtable on Thursday November 23, 2023 with the Theme; Diaspora Tourism: An Untapped Niche in Lagos State.

Chief Olawanle Akinboboye, Chairman of La’Campagne Tropicana and Beach Resort is the guest speaker. The tourism guru in his speech emphasized the need for government to create enabling environment for Diaspora Tourism because that’s the future of tourism.

In his words, “no country in the world has ever developed without the diaspora. This is the reason why I came back and entered the bush at age 27. My aim was to begin the tourism revolution here in Nigeria and spread it across Africa. I thereafter established SET that stands for Security, Entertainment and Tourism and that, I’m sure, will revolutionize tourism in our continent”, he boasted.

ITPN National President, Chief Abiodun Odusanwo (FITPN) and Chief Olawanle Akinboboye with LALOTO Members

In his contribution, National President of Institute for Tourism Professionals of Nigeria, Chief Abiodun Odusanwo (FITPN) said diaspora tourism include those that reside abroad and those who were there but decided to relocate back home. There experience he said, was the needed instrument for the growth of tourism.

ITPN Lagos State’s Chapter Chairman, Dr. Mesewaku (FITPN) with LALOTO President, Mr. Damilare Shoye (MITPN)

Earlier at the event, ITPN Lagos State’s Chapter and main organizing committee Chairman, Dr. Babatunde Olaide-Mesewaku (FITPN) described diaspora tourism as an unarguable “future of tourism along the West Coast of Africa of which Nigeria occupies very strong position”.

The National Vice President (South/West Zone), Otunba Ayo Olumoko (FITPN) commended the effort of the one-year old State chapter at sustaining the Lagos Tourism Roundtable discussion.

Among the newly inducted members were the Heads of Tourism Units in all the 57 Lagos State Local Government Areas and Local Council Development Areas and many others within the tourism ecosystem.

17-Year Old Wins 2023 Lagos Marathon Race

… Lekki LCDA Showcases Tourism Potentials To The World

A 17-year-old Francis James, from Plateau State, has won the second edition of the Mangrove Marathon Race 2023 held on Saturday in Lekki Local Council Development Area, Lagos.

James won one million naira in the 10km eco-friendly race to beat other contestants including a former presidential candidate in the 2023 General Elections and Publisher of Sahara Reporters, Mr Omowole Sowore.

James who expressed delight in coming out first among the males that took part in the competition said it took him six months to prepare for the race. He urged his fellow contestants to work harder next time if they must win the race.

A staff of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), David Abiye-Joyce, came first among the females in the competition. She expressed gratitude to God for making it possible for her to win the women category. Nothing She said that she had been winning athletic competitions for the NSCDC.

Earlier in his Welcome address, the Lekki LCDA Chairman. Hon. Rasak Kasali, expressed gratitude to organizers and participants of the Mangrove Marathon Race for identifying with the LCDA.

Kasali said that there was no denying the fact that mangroves were extremely important to the ecosystem. “We are in partnership with Mangrove Marathon because the event is timely and beneficial to our people and the development of our LCDA”.

According to the host Chairman, mangroves serve as a buffer between marine and terrestrial communities and protect shorelines from damaging winds, waves, and floods.

Kasali said mangrove thickets improve water quality by filtering pollutants and trapping sediments from the land.

He, however, said that in spite of the wide ranging benefits, they were being destroyed. Kasali added that mangroves suffer from land based pollution.

The chairman noted that the benefits of mangroves were fast being eroded. “We as a government have continued to play our part and I call on captains of industries working within the Lekki LCDA to be environmentally responsive.

“I equally extend invitations to tourism enthusiasts to think Lekki LCDA and think investment in tourism. What we are witnessing today is simply ecotourism”, Kasali said.

Mrs. Tolulope Adeyo, Director, Ecology & Conservation, Ministry of Environment & Water Resources, said mangroves were very important to the Lagos State Government.

Adeyo said that Lekki has the longest stretch of mangroves in the state. According to her, mangroves are assets to the community serving as protection for fauna and floral in the ecosystem.

The Director-General, Nigeria Conservation Foundation (NCF), in his remarks said Nigeria has the largest mangroves in Africa. He noted that Nigeria has one-third of the entire mangrove in Africa and the third most extensive mangrove ecosystems in the world after India and Indonesia.

The Convener of the Mangrove Marathon Race, Mr Jerry Chidi, described the race was a huge success. Chidi said the youth of Lekki LCDA were excited to take part in the race, not just for fun, but to create awareness for the conservation of mangrove.

According to him, the Local Organizing Committee of the Marathon Race plans to make it bigger in the coming years; 21km in 2024 and 42 Km in 2025.

The traditional ruler of Ise Land, Oba Ganiu Adebowale Adegbesan (Onise of Ise Land), pledged the support of the palace in the preservation and restoration of mangroves.

Highlights of the event were the presentation of prizes to various categories of contesters, planting of mangroves at the Ecopark Mangrove Sanctuary and Research Centre, Akodo Ise, by the dignitaries and a cultural display by Imale Owoyele from Apakin community in Lekki LCDA.

The Mangrove Marathon Lagos 2023 which held on July 29, was aimed at commemorating the international day for the conservation of the mangrove.