Six months after forty (40) containers landed 100,000 text books at the Ayangbure Palace from the United States of America for students in educational institutions in Ikorodu, Lagos State officials of the Ministry of Education and Deputy Governor’s office were at the Oba’s Palace on Tuesday June 19, 2016 to formally receive the books, which were donated by Oba Shotobi’s god father in North Carolina, Dr. Robert Brown.
At a colourful ceremony attended by stakeholders in the educational sector and community leaders, the books, which are meant for primary, secondary and tertiary institutions students, were handed over to representatives of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode.
It was joy galore at the official palace as Kabiyesi Kabiru Shotobi, in whose name and honour the books were donated, wore a triumphant and joyous expression as he handed over the books.
The Deputy Governor’s representative, Mr. Oduguwa Ayotunde, who was particularly happy told the audience at the palace that the Deputy Governor, Dr. (Mrs.) Idiat, under whose care educational matters fall, had desired to be physically present at the event but was tied down by urgent state matters.
His Majesty, Oba Shotobi, who is known for his ability to steal shows whenever he attended an occasion, had invited traditional rulers in the kingdom including Baales, Erelus, members of his advisory council and other important personalities in the community to grace the event.
They all joined him to welcome the team from Alausa and to jubilate over this great achievements towards the promotion of education, which many see as one of his outstanding performances in his first year on the throne.
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The handover of the books doused concerns over the delay by government officials in the state to appreciate a kind gesture by a black American multi-millionaire and adopted father of Oba Shotobi, due to bureaucratic bottlenecks and protocols.
Present at the venue were the Oba of Imota, HRM Oba Fatai Agoro, whose relationship with Oba Shotobi has greatly improved to everyone’s admiration and Oba Oyebo Obateru of Egbin, also at the venue, were to benefit from the books.
Other dignitaries included Aremo Ogunsanya, Chief Kaoli Olusanya, Chief Monzor Olowosago, among others.
Oba Shotobi had thanked Governor Ambode and the state officials for at last doing the needful. The Deputy Governor’s representatives, a Permanent Secretary, Mr…… also appreciated the donor, Dr. Brown as well as Oba Shotobi, whom he said had done a lot to promote education in his domain. Dr. Brown’s Bookman’s Foundation in America donated the books last year and they arrived Ikorodu in January after port delays.