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.”

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.

Commissioner (Hon.) Ahmed Seriki

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).

Vice President Dapo Alebiosu

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.

Lekki LCDA Celebrates World Sight Day, Gives Free Drugs, Eye Glasses

Dr. Mary Ochuko and Dr. Blessing David

Lekki Local Council Development Area in conjunction with the Nigerian Optometric Association (NOA), Lagos Chapter celebrated the 2023 World Sight Day with free eye check, consultation and distribution of free drugs and eye glasses.

Dr. Ochuko with Baale of Olomowewe Town

The event held on Thursday October 12, 2023 at the Council Secretariat witnessed large turn out of residents of the Council area who came to seek remedy for their eye challenges.

MOH/HOD (Lekki LCDA), Dr. Adeleke Awolesi

In his opening remark, the Council’s Medical Officer of Health and Head of the Department of Health and Primary Healthcare Service, Dr. Adeleke Awolesi congratulated NOA for the celebration of year 2023 WSD. He commended the Council Chairman, Hon. Rasak Bamidele Kasali (RBK) for his sincere commitments to ensuring quality healthcare services to both the citizens and residents of Lekki LCDA. He further admonished the people to continue to check their eyes regularly and seek help as the case may be.

Dr. Blessing David is the Council Optometrist. She revealed that Hon. Kasali has attended to various health issues of his constituents. She said this programme in particular was brought to the Council because of his sight intervention programme where he had sponsored many eye surgeries. She however commended the Chairperson of NOA, Lagos Branch Dr. Gloria “who brought this whole good tidings to Lekki from Essilor lensses and Aventra Drugs.

In celebrating the World Sight Day, Dr. David called on the good people of Lekki LCDA to ‘love their eyes at work’ which is the theme of this year’s WSD. She said, “next to life God’s most important gift is the gift of sight and as we commonly say; na eye wey dey see dey work”.

Pharmacist Salam Rasheed and his team

The Nigerian Optometric Association (NOA) team consist of Dr. Mary Ochuko of Radiant Eye Clinic and the medical team of Lekki LCDA.

Dr. David and Dr. Awolesi

Medical Team at work

Cross Section of Beneficiaries