The Ayangbure of Ikorodu (Adegorishen V), Oba Kabiru Adewale Shotobi on Friday, February 26, 2016 held the second briefing session to intimate his subjects and the indigenes of Ikorodu on some of the matters arising from the first interactive session and new developments on his second American trip.
The event, which was tagged: “Second briefing of Oba Kabiru Shotobi’s trips to the United States” was held at the palatial reception hall of the Ayangbure Palace. While rendering his report during the occasion, Oba Shotobi thanked the audience for responding to his invitation for another briefing session.
He explained that apart from giving report of his trips to America and London, the meeting was also aimed at establishing effective communication between the palace and all categories of citizens and residents of Ikorodu to promote mutual understanding, accommodation, tolerance, peace and prosperity as well as stimulating their interests in the proposed Ikorodu Model City project vision and seek their commitment to the project.
Oba Shotobi also expressed his gratitude over the positive response received on some of his requests during the first trip and report session, which include, the delivery of one hundred thousand volumes of books for the public primary and secondary schools in Ikorodu by booksmart international, United States and the setting up of a joint committee between the palace and the ministry of education to oversee the distribution of the books.
He informed the gathering that Chief (Dr) Robert J. Brown, the promoter and chief donor of the proposed ‘King’s Library and Youth Development Center’ has sent three versions of architectural designs of the project to him for consideration and selection.
Oba Shotobi also said that he has constituted and inaugurated Ikorodu Model City Project (IMCP) implementation committee under the leadership of Engr. (Chief) Olukayode Shoderu to offer the necessary expertise required to evaluate the designs as well as the actualization of the IMCP.
On the social engagement aspect of his second trip to America, the monarch said that on January 29, 2016, he honoured and installed Dr. Robert J. Brown as the ‘Alatileyin of Ikorodu’ in appreciation and recognition of the role he played in his early life as well as the opportunities and high powered meetings he facilitated for his delegation during the trips to promote the prosperity of Ikorodu.
According to him, the following day, his statue and other paraphernalia of office were historically unveiled at the International Civil Rights Centre and Museum while in the evening of the same day, his delegation attended a gala event organised by the board of the International Civil Rights Centre and Museum, where he was honoured with Vanguard award and presented with the award trophy.
Speaking further, Oba Shotobi said that apart from the social engagements, he and his entourage also interacted with high profile businesses, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and government institutions. Among them include, the Governor of North Carolina, IBM Research Park Personnel, Duke Energy, BBC Associates International.
According to the Oba, all were in a bid to attract foreign direct investment and bilateral trade to Ikorodu, Lagos State and Nigeria. He expressed optimism that both the social and business aspects of his trips to America and London would boost relationship between Nigeria, United States and with North Carolina Community in particular.
The Ikorodu monarch, however, said that he would not be surprised to see tourists, researchers, and investors visiting Ikorodu to explore opportunities on offer. To this end, he urged that necessary structures and institutions be established to embrace these visitors when they come. He also appealed to Ikorodu chapter of the Nigeria Chamber of Commerce and Industry to play a pivotal role in this regard.
In concluding his report, Oba Shotobi thanked all the people of Ikorodu, who had entrusted him with the leadership of the town and promised to direct his strength and goodwill towards ushering in unprecedented prosperity, growth and development into Ikorodu. He urged the people to offer him their support, ideas, suggestions and counsel to enable him accomplish his vision for Ikorodu.
After the Oba’s report, there was a brief interlude during which Oba Shotobi and Asipa Kaoli Olusanya, who compered the event painstakingly took the audience through some of the key moments of the trip as they were beamed on a giant projector located opposite the high table.
However, Engr. Shoderu, Chairman of the Ikorodu Model City project implementation committee, while giving brief report on the activities of his committee commended Oba Shotobi for showing great interest in the prosperity and development of Ikorodu since his ascension to the throne.
He prayed that God would grant him the wisdom, longevity and good health with which he would realise his vision for the town. While giving his report, he explained that the implementation committee, after inauguration, was broken down into three sub-committees comprising finance, technical and administration.
According to him, the three sub-committees have since been relentlessly working hard to ensure timely actualization of their tasks, particularly the ‘King’s Library’ and palace extension projects.
Concerning the library project, Engr. Shoderu stated that the committee has already secured land at the Lagos State Polytechnic permanent site in Ikorodu and that the institution management has asked the committee to nominate a representative that would liaise with the institution to finalise arrangements for the approval of the land.
He equally said the committee was already working on the palace extension project and would soon submit report to the Oba while assuring him of the unflinching support of the implementation committee towards the actualization of the Ikorodu Model City project.
In a short speech meant to commend Oba Shotobi, the Chief Imam of Oriwu Central Mosque, Sheikh Yahya Oshoala (As-Samadaani), described Oba Shotobi’s reign as a pride and glory of Ikorodu; thus, commending the wisdom he displayed in projecting the image of the town both within and outside Nigeria.
Osoala praised the monarch for ensuring the inclusion of the representatives of both the Lagos State and the Federal government in his delegation to the United States. He said that such gesture would, no doubt, place Ikorodu on a conspicuous position on the map of Nigeria.
The Cleric also appealed to those who might still have grievances against Oba Shotobi over his ascension to the throne to bury the hatchet and join hands with him in making Ikorodu a prosperous town.
The highlight of the briefing session include the singing of a birthday song for Oba Shotobi’s mentor, Dr. Robert J. Brown, whose birthday coincided with the event.
ROLL CALL OF GUESTS
Aremo Adeniyi Ogunsanya;
Hon. Rotimi Ogunleye, Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Cooperative;
Prince Jamiu Saka,
Professor Kunle Ade Wahab;
Sheikh Seifudeen Oloworibi, Chief Imam of Ikorodu Central Mosque;
Sheikh Yahya Oshoala (As-Samadaani), Chief Imam, Oriwu Central Mosque, Ikorodu;
Chief (Mrs.) Taofikat Allison, Iyaloja-General of Ikorodu.
Chief Sunday Owolabi Ogede (Olotu Lasunwon Ruling House);
Chief Zacchaeus Odusoga (Lisa of Ikorodu);
Mr.Tunji Odusanya;
Prof. Adebayo Ninalowo,
Chief Owolabi Shitta;
Chief Monzor Olowosago, Publisher, Oriwu Sun;
Chief Wole Sebioba;
Prof. Ayandiji Ajina, Vice Chancellor, Caleb University;
Engr. Kayode Bawa-Allah;
Alhaji Safari Sule, President of Oriwu Club;
Mr. David Sunmoni
Engr. Lukman Erogbogbo.