IKENNE LG CHAIRMAN, JAMIU ASIMI, FELICITATES WITH IKENNE ON EREKE DAY @ 50, CELEBRATES COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT MILESTONES

IKENNE LG CHAIRMAN, JAMIU ASIMI, FELICITATES WITH IKENNE ON EREKE DAY @ 50, CELEBRATES COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT MILESTONES

The Executive Chairman of Ikenne Local Government, Hon. Jamiu Asimi, has congratulated the people of Ikenne on the golden jubilee celebration of Ereke Day, describing the 50-year journey as a remarkable milestone in the history of community unity, selfless service and development.

Hon. Asimi gave the congratulatory message during the 50th Ereke Day Grand Finale, organised by the Ikenne Development Association (IDA) under the theme, “Celebrating 50 Years of Selfless Service and Community Transformation.”

The grand finale attracted a host of distinguished personalities, including the Executive Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, MFR; the Member representing Remo Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives, Hon. (Princess) Adesola Ayoola Elegbeji; the APC candidate 2027 Remo Federal House of Representatives seat, Hon. (Mrs.) Funmi Efuwape (FAECO); Member representing Ikenne State Constituency in the Ogun State House of Assembly, Hon Kunle Sobukanla; the APC candidate for the Ikenne State Constituency, Hon. (Asiwaju) Seyi Odumuyiwa; the Executive Chairman of Ikenne Local Government, Hon. Jamiu Asimi; the Father of the Day, Asiwaju Adeleke Adesina; the Mother of the Day, Amb. (Dr.) Mrs. Tokunbo Dosunmu-Awolowo; the Chairman of the 50th Ereke Day Grand Finale Planning Committee, Hon. Kunle Soname, OFR; and the President of the Ikenne Development Association, Otunba (Barr.) Olufemi Allen, alongside clubs and associations, traditional rulers, government officials and other eminent sons and daughters of Ikenne.

In his address, the council chairman expressed pride in the journey of Ereke Day, congratulating residents for sustaining a tradition that has continued to promote togetherness and collective responsibility.

He encouraged the people to make the golden jubilee more than a ceremonial gathering by using the occasion to reconnect with one another, settle differences and strengthen existing relationships. He particularly urged residents to reach out to friends, relatives and neighbours they had not spoken with in a long time, while encouraging everyone to enjoy the festivities and celebrate together.

A significant highlight of the anniversary was the presentation and recognition of numerous development projects executed by clubs, associations and individuals in support of the Ikenne Development Association. The projects, which span healthcare, security, infrastructure and social welfare, demonstrated the impact of collective contributions towards community advancement.

Among the notable achievements recorded were the construction of a resident doctors’ house at Ikenne Health Centre, a modern laboratory building and staff accommodation at Itunmoro Public Healthcare Centre, alongside the provision of hospital beds, mattresses, privacy screens and borehole facilities to healthcare institutions.

In the security sector, contributions included the construction of an ultra-modern police office complex for the Ikenne Area Command, residential accommodation for police personnel, donation of a Hilux patrol van, surveillance drone, Suzuki mini bus and operational uniforms. These initiatives were complemented by the provision of land for a permanent police command site.

Other infrastructural interventions included the construction of entrance and exit gates, perimeter fencing at the Ereke Arcade and the provision of a 300KVA transformer, among other community-focused projects.

The celebration also recognised the importance of education, with outstanding pupils and students from schools across Ikenne honoured for their performances in academic competitions, including essay writing, spelling bees, quizzes and debates.

Hon. Asimi’s congratulatory message was further complemented by remarks from the Member representing Remo Federal Constituency, Hon (Dr.) Princess Adesola Ayoola-Elegbeji, who commended the impressive turnout and pledged to facilitate a solar power project for Ikenne.

Adding excitement to the occasion were games and free gifts distributed by the Bet9ja Foundation and ValueJet, with over 500 beneficiaries. ValueJet also presented Miss Ereke Day 2026, Miss Oreoluwa Favour Ososanya, with a return flight ticket to The Gambia.

Musical performances by Tolu Obey and Chief (Dr.) Adewale Ayuba further enlivened the celebration, which ended with residents and guests joining in dancing and jubilation.

The 50th Ereke Day celebration, therefore, served not only as a commemoration of a historic tradition but also as a reminder of the importance of unity, community participation and sustained development in shaping Ikenne’s future