LAUDABLE CONTRIBUTIONS TO HUMANITY, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT REWARDED AS CNI STAGES 3RD EDCAA

The Concerned Nation Builders Initiative (CNI),Nigeria,a Non - Governmental Organization, which has contributed immensely to community development in Epe Division of Lagos State, was on Wednesday, December 14,2022, honoured some personalities based on their impressive contributions to human and community development, at its 3rd Epe Division Community Annual Award.

In his welcome address at the event which took place at Lagos Theatre, Epe,the Director - General of CNI,Comrade Idris Tele- Olukoya,described the Awardees of the day as outstanding personalities, most revered sons and daughters of Epe Division who have contributed selflessly and greatly towards the development of Epe Division.

"To the rest of us who are not receiving Awards today,it doesn't mean your contribution/efforts to develop our fatherland is not noticeable, of course, it is, but there are better days ahead for your outstanding recognition. The purpose of this Award  is not to appall anyone but to encourage our people to look back and give back to the community/Division they hail from" He added.

According to him,the Award is of two categories this year: Winners of Online Poll and Personalities selected offline across the Division based on their commendable efforts towards human and community development. 

Olukoya thanked everyone that contributed to the success of the event, as the Acting Deputy - Vice Chancellor of Lagos State University of Education (LASUED),Associate Professor Nosirudeen Olajide Onibon was invited on stage to deliver the first lecture of the event, titled: " Youth Inclusiveness in National Development ".

In the lecture, Onibon frowned at low level of development in the country, which he identified as a major reason most Nigerian Youth prefer traveling abroad for greener pastures. He said if the country encouraged good skills and youth involvement in governmental policies,the Youth would have preferred contributing to the development of their nation. He expressed his dissatisfaction with the  5 years that was now added to retirement age in some professions in the country. This he viewed as an unfriendly policy targeted at increasing unemployment rate,especially amongst the Youth. 

He also condemned the selfishness in Nigeria today, noting the society has come to be selfish this day,not caring about neighbours.

Commending the new policy of NUC,which he said now permits teaching of localized contents and NUC programmes in higher institutions at 30 percent and 70 Percent, respectively. He said this was aimed at developing skillful Youth. He opined that, the development of any  nation is being measured by how productive her youths are and the availability of social amenities for the citizenry. At this juncture, he recommended that government should do the needful by ensuring the needed development that can make Nigeria and Nigerians better and safer.

This University don,who is an administrator per excellence and a great Pillar of supports for youth development, did not end his lecture without commending the efforts of CNI towards achieving a better Epe Division. He thanked the members of the organization for their selflessness, genuine love and developmental zeal for Epe Division. He also congratulated all the Awardees of the day,as he revealed that himself was the  Man of the Year of the 2nd edition of  EDCAA in year 2021.

Chief (Mrs.) Iyabo Funmilola Osifeso,later talked on Capacity Building and Networking for Advancement of Epe Division. She called for better networking amongst the people of Epe Division and training and retraining of oneself to achieve more in life. This Erelu of Epe Land, later pointed out that government alone cannot provide the needs of the citizenry, hence the involvement of everybody that can be of assistance. She therefore lauded CNI for all its various programmes tailored towards human and community development.

His Royal Majesty, Oba Olufolarin Olukayode Ogunsanwo,the Alara of Ilara Kingdom,who was represented at the event by Olisa of his kingdom,High Chief Talabi; the Tutor - General/ Permanent Secretary, Education District III of Lagos State, Dr. (Mrs.) Idowu Olufunke Oyetola, who was also represented at the event by Mrs. Mosunmola Adefuye; Retired Director, Lagos State Teaching Service Commission, Alhaja  Mopelola Raheem; and Former Commissioner III, Lagos State Local Government Service Commission, Mr. Olabode Gabardeen, in their good will messages ,commended CNI and  pledged their loyalty to the group; as they encouraged other well meaning individuals and organizations in the Division to key into their activities for greater development of Epe Division. 

During the Award Presentation, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC), Dr. Olayiwole Onasanya, who won the "Man of the Year" through the Online Poll organised by CNI; was presented with his Award Plaque. Mrs. Olusola Kehinde Alade - Raji;HRM Oba Kamorudeen Ishola Animashaun, Oloja of Epe Land; Mr. Giwa Muritala Omotola - Moore; Tutor - General/ Permanent Secretary, Education District IV,Lagos State,Mr. ' Segun Osinaike; Alakoso of Epe Kingdom, Barr. Omodele Ibrahim; the Premier Club of Epe Division, Epe Club; received the Awards of Influential Women Leader of the Year, Royal Personality of the Year,Youth Influencer of the Year,Educational Personality of the Year,Philanthropist  of the Year, and Social Club of the Year,respectively.

Other Awardees at the event included, National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN); Jubilee Chalet,Epe; Access Bank PLC; Commissioner III,Lagos State Civil Service Commission, Barr. 'Tunde Seriki; Alhaja Nimota Ejide Uthman; Member,Federal House of Representatives representing Ibeju - Lekki Federal Constituency,Hon. Bayo Balogun; Chief Jamiu Balogun; Thani - Oladunjoye Old People Care Centre; Lagos Theatre,Epe; Engr. Olakunle Ganiu Sikiru; and the Emerging Youth Leader Awardee, Comrade Bode Ogunniyi.  

Dignitaries at the event included,Representatives of traditional  rulers,corporate organizations, Educational institution, Youth groups,amongst others.

By: Waleola Kolawole.

ALARO TIDE....SEEKING GREATER DEVELOPMENT OF EPE DIVISION

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