There are CDAs and there are super CDA’s. In Ikorodu town, a mega CDA is even emerging from Gbasemo Aga area where a Community Development Association recently built and later commissioned on Saturday February 25, 2017, a – Km road estimated to have been built at a cost of over N20million.
Without local and state government’s assistance, the estate and community residents in Aga rallied round to do this big project.
The road was commissioned by His Royal Majesty, Oba Kabiru Shotobi amidst fanfare. The road was spearheaded by a wealthy hotelier, Chief Oreagba Olabanji, proprietor of Harmony Hotel, who with other influential and patriotic residents did what many local governments across the country today cannot do by constructing and tarming the road.
The CDA invited people from different walks of life from near and afar to grace the occasion. It was an opportunity to showcase their solidarity and their common spirit to develop their area and not writing government to do for everything.
Oba Shotobi in his speech commended these residents and their leaders for their determination and called upon the state and local governments to support the CDA to do more.
It was celebration galore by the residents who gave themselves a part on the back for the great achievement. The road runs from Gbasemo and links the back of Ikorodu General Hospital.
Notable business moguls, politicians and professionals who were invited to the event donated generously to the CDA in appreciation of their noble efforts.
The Ayangbure of Ikorodu, HRM, Oba Kabiru Adewale Shotobi, has commended the Elepe Royal Estate Community Development Association (CDA) for their multi-million naira self-constructed road project.
While speaking at Aga, Ikorodu on Saturday, February 18, 2017, during the official commissioning of the road project, Oba Shotobi expressed satisfaction for the well planned and executed project.
According to him, the people had helped the government in a way by constructing the road that had been in a bad state for years. He, therefore, advised the CDA to write a letter to the Lagos state Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs, including other concerned authorities and inform them about the laudable project with a view to seeking government support for the CDA’s projects. Oba Shotobi also urged members of the Elepe Royal Estate CDA to always cooperate and contribute immensely towards the progress of the estate.
In his goodwill message, Hon. SOB Agunbiade lauded the Elepe Royal Estate CDA and promised to channel their achievements to the appropriate quarters for commendation and government support. He praised all the people, who rallied round the CDA Chairman, Aare Oreagba, in completing the road, which was once the major plight of the residents of the area.
Agunbiade also advised the CDA to continue in the way of progress in order to contribute to the development of Ikorodu and her people.
While speaking about the other projects of the CDA, Mr. Shina Ashogbon, revealed that some inner roads in the estate were undergoing repairs and that the CDA would leave no stone unturned in making sure that the projects were completed.
He also affirmed that the CDA ensured that there was light at night within the estate through self-procured generator, which is being powered regularly. Mr. Ashogbon appealed to the government to assist them in whatever form it might consider possible while urging his co-residents to cooperate more with the CDA by promptly paying their dues.
Earlier, in is welcome address, the Chairman, Elepe Royal Estate CDA, Aare Banji Oreagba, revealed that the project, which cost twenty three million and five hundred thousand naira only (N23,500,000) started like a joke when they were thinking about how to proffer solution to the initial hardship being experienced by the residents of the area as a result of the bad road.
According to Aare Oreagba, with the support and cooperation of the CDA members, funds were generated and the project, which is now at first phase, was completed and is being commissioned. He said the commissioning was necessary in order to encourage other residents, who had not been cooperating with the CDA to start doing so.
The CDA chairman said that only thirty percent (30%) cooperation had been achieved so far. He was very happy to announce that the CDA, which had got transformer from Lagos State government seven years ago, when it had not even registered, is now duly registered and would be given a certificate or recognition at the event.
Aare Oreagba also expressed appreciation to Oba Shotobi for his love for him and the CDA by accepting to commission the project immediately he was briefed about it. He equally commended the residents of the estate and enjoined them to keep working for the progress of the estate.
After the Ikorodu local government had presented a certificate of recognition to the Elepe Royal Estate CDA, formal commissioning of the road and the unveiling of its commemorative plaque were done by the Ayangbure of Ikorodu and supported by Hon. Agunbiade; Head (Olootu) of Elepe Royal Family, Otunba Shamideen Osho Oloore; other dignitaries and CDA members at the event. They were also conducted round the road project and the streets within the estate.
Before the vote of thanks and closing prayer, rendered by the youth leader, Elepe Royal family, Hon. Nurudeen Agbaje and Babatunde Odele (Paw-paw) respectively, some members of the CDA were presented with a certificate of recognition in appreciation of their contribution to the development of the CDA.
They included, the CDA chairman, Aare Oreagba; the Olootu (Head) of Elepe Royal family, Otunba Oloore; Hon. Nurudeen Agbaje; Mr. Shina Ashogbon; Hon. Osho Adedeji, and Mr. Abdul Rahmon Adedeji, among others.
In a post event chat with the CDA chairman and CDA members, which included Hon. Nurudeen Agbaje and former Education supervisor, Ikorodu local government, Hon. Osho, it was gathered that the road was concretized due to majority decisions and to ensure ease and proper maintenance.