Raheem Ibrahim.
The age-long dream of members of Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU), Western Zone to have a befitting Secretariat in Lagos may have become reality as the Ojora of Ijora, Oba Abdulfatai Oyeyinka Aremu Aromire pledged to donate pieces of land for the project.
Speaking at the Union 40years anniversary celebration at weekend, held in LTV 8 premises, Ikeja, the Royal majesty traced the relationship between Ilorin indigenes and Lagosians residing at Ijora, which have been mutual for several years.
According to him, many indigenes of both areas have married each other, citing the wife of the former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki and many others where fruitful, intelligent and prosperous children are born out of the relationship.
He therefore said, “as a result of these, we see ourselves as beautiful families where we in Lagos should contribute our quota in getting a befitting Secretariat, which will also help the state government in monitoring of the citizens and during census”.
The monarch who was ably represented by one of his Oloye however declared, “let some of your executive members come and meet me and we look for a beffiting place for the laudable project”.
Reacting to the news, the Union Matron, Hajia Fatimoh Oloruntoyin Shuaib rejoiced with the executives and other members of IEDPU in Lagos, Western Zone and National headquarters, saying “with this, our relationship with the Lagosians will become more mutual.
The Patron of the Union, Engr. Sulaimon Yahaya Alapansanpa who also praised the development and commended the Zonal executive members for organizing such event that eventually brought glory within one year of its existence however pleaded to them to show maturity in welcoming back some members who departed the entity because of the outcome of the last year, which brought the incumbent executive to power.
Similarly, the National President of IEDPU, Alhaji Abdulmumin who was among the dignitaries that graced the occasion could not hide his joy as he started praising Oba Aromire for the pledge, tracing his personal relationship with him while he was still serving under the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) before his retirement.
Among the notable dignitaries at the occasion includes the representatives of the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Yakubu Garba Gobir, Sarki Gobir of Ilorin, who also served as Chairman of the event, the Union Chief Missioner, Sheikh Ajara, the 3rd National Vice President, Alhaji Abdulraheem Arishekola, the Chairman of Lagos Chapter, Alhaji Abdulraheem Adeshina Ibrahim and the Chairman of Osun State, Alhaji Baba who is also the 1st Zonal Vice Chairman.
Early in his welcome address, Dr. Soliu Musa Owonikoko appealed to dignitaries to donate graciously for the fund to purchase and build the land for the Union Zonal Secretariat in Lagos.
Also in his remark and appreciation to the Guests, the Zone Secretary, Alhaji Olayiwola Saka Abdulraheem Idaoba was over joyous with the Royal Majesty’s pledge with prayers to him and other distinguished people that have donated money during the launching.
