In what appears to be his last official engagement, the out-going Chairman of Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government, Apostle Oloruntoba Oke, on Friday commissioned the new council secretariat.
Located at Idiagbon, in Ifako area of the council, the building, a glass house, which he described as the “biggest edifice” by any local government in the state, consists of three function halls with a back wing that houses 120 offices, and an ICT Centre. is aimed at providing a one-stop shop for anyone who has anything to do with the local government and from where all its staff can discharge their duties comfortably and effectively.
Oke thanked God for the completion of the project despite all odds, adding that with it, the local government has resolved permanently, acute accommodation problems bedeviling it since it was established in 1996.
He described the completion of the edifice as “a commitment to quality service and good governance at the grassroots,” adding that with the inauguration, the council has broken the jinx of completing the journey of having a befitting headquarters.
He disclosed that the edifice is ”christened Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu Monumental Civic Centre, in recognition of the sterling contributions of the APC national leader to the advancement of democracy and grassroots administration and development, not only in Lagos State but Nigeria at large.”
Oke praised the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the State House of Assembly, led by the Speaker, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, for their support towards the completion of the edifice.
He also thanked his exco members, councillors, management and all council staff for their cooperation, resilience and perseverance towards the completion of the project.
While urging the people of the local government to see the building as a collective heritage which must be guarded jealously, Oke, commended the political office holders and staff of the council for their loyalty and cooperation towards the success of his administration.
He pleaded with the staff to extend similar cooperation to his likely successor, the vice Chairman’, Prince Usman Akanbi Hamzat, who is the APC flagbearer of the council election holding on July 24, 2021.
Among those who witnessed the epoch making event are the former chairman of Ifako-Ijaiye, Demola Doherty, former Executive Secretary, Comrade Olurotimi Adeleye, Assistant APC State Treasurer, Barrister Joan Adebuboye, Sir Shina Peters, Prince Ademola Oniru, outgoing Secretary to the Local Government, Pastor Ayo Jeje, Iyaloja of Ifako-Ijaiye, Chief (Mrs) Doyin Coker Ogunbiyi, Prince Ademola Adedo, Iyaoja Obawole and Chief Mrs Monsurat Adeyemi.
Others are Murisiku Balogun, representative of the Muslim community, Mr. Kalipsu, representative of CAN, former chairman of Lagos State Youth Council of Nigeria, Comrade Oresile, Comrade Sunday Obanubi.
In an interview with reporters, the council chairman noted with pride that the council did not get any loan or owe any bank contrary towards the completion of the new Secretariat.
