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Lisabi Festival: Alake of Egbaland, others harp on unity as Sarafa Isola’s grandfather is named Hero of the Year
Lisabi Festival: Alake of Egbaland, others harp on unity as Sarafa Isola’s grandfather is named Hero of the Year
Eminent sons and daughters of Egbaland, on Thursday, gathered at Mokola, in Abeokuta, to celebrate the 37th Lisabi Festival and honour the late Otun of Egbaland, Chief Tairu Braimoh Olaleye, as the Hero of the Year.
The Alake and Paramount ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, while speaking about the rich heritage of the Egba people emphasised the significance of Lisabi Festival in uniting the people and promoting selflessness and leadership qualities.
L-R Olowu of Owu Abeokuta, Oba Saka Matemilola, Osile of Oke-Ona Egba, Oba Adedapo Tejuoso, Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, Alake’s wife, Olori Tokunbo Gbadebo, the grandson of the Hero of the Year, Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Ishola, during the celebration of Chief Braimoh Tairu Olaleye as 2024 Lisabi festival Hero of the year.
The monarch, while celebrating the Hero of the Year, who is the grandfather of Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola, said the late Chief Tairu was honoured at the 2024 edition of the festival, having served Egbaland diligently as the Otun of Egbaland.
He said the contributions of the Hero of the Year to the development of Egbaland could not also be erased.
The Alake added that the event served as a platform to celebrate achievements, honour exemplary individuals and foster unity among Egba sons and daughters.
“We use Lisabi festival to promote selflessness, to promote leadership qualities in all Egba sons and daughters, to promote what we are known for. Education is our number one industry; to promote education, to promote entrepreneurship.
“This year, we chose agric business, and we have had series of lectures, bankers coming to tell us about what facilities are available to farmers and we have got so many Egba sons who have produced the equipment that so many of our children will need when they’re going into farming.”
Meanwhile, Oba Saka Adelola Matemilola, the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, stressed the importance of preserving history and heritage to propel further development by the younger generation.
He urged the community to build on the successes inherited from their forefathers, especially the legacies of late Chief Tairu Braimoh Olaleye, the grandfather of Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Ishola.
While speaking on unity and blessing of God, Oba Adedapo Tejuoso, the Osile of Oke-Ona Egba, urged his people to always acknowledge God in their endeavours.
He expressed delight in the selection of Chief Tairu Braimoh Olaleye as the hero of the year, noting his significant contributions to the development of Egbaland.
Ambassador Sarafa Tunji-Isola, the immediate past Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, reflected on his family’s pride in their heritage, with his grandfather being honoured.
He emphasised the importance of unity in achieving development in Egbaland.
“Unity will achieve a lot in terms of having a common agenda for development. The essence thus is to galvanise ourselves together and uplift Egbaland in terms of socio-economic issues, employment and other infrastructure because one thing that always brings development for any set of people is their unity of purpose and I am happy that we are getting that in Egbaland,” he stated.
The highpoint of the event was the presentation of a certificate in recognition of late Chief Tairu Braimoh Olaleye as the Lisabi Festival Hero of the Year, 2024.
Chief Taiwo Braimoh Olaleye, as Otun Egba between 1907 – 1913, played pivotal roles in the development of Egbaland and was a signatory to the Agreement made on 18th November, 1909 between His Excellency, Sir Walter Egerton, Knight Commander of the Distinguished Order of Saint Micheal and Saint George; Governor and Commander in Chief in and over the colony of Southern Nigeria, the Alake and authorities of the Egba nation.
The Lisabi Festival, named after Lisabi Agbongboakala, a revered warrior who saved Egba people from the regular payment of royalty to the Alaafin of Oyo, serves as a testament to the resilience and unity of the Egba people.
Temitope Adewale: Heralding New Era of Infrastructure Development in Ifako-Ijaiye
Residents of Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government Area are witnessing a new phase of infrastructural transformation as key transportation projects begin to reshape mobility and economic activity within the constituency. At the heart of this development is the ongoing rehabilitation and resurfacing of Iju Road, alongside the introduction of the Quality Bus Corridor (QBC) along the Iju–Agege-Abule-Egba transport route.
The projects represent a strategic step toward improving road infrastructure, strengthening public transport systems, and enhancing connectivity across several communities within the local government area; this is a total shift from the norm previously known.
For decades, Iju Road has served as one of the most important road networks connecting Iju-Ishaga, Abule-Egba, Agege, Agbado and adjoining communities leading to neighbouring Ogun State. The road plays a crucial role in the daily movement of residents, goods, commercial operators, and commuters traveling to other parts of Lagos.
However, years of heavy usage and increasing population growth placed significant pressure on the road infrastructure, making rehabilitation necessary. The ongoing project focuses on total resurfacing of the entire stretch of the road, strengthening its structure, and improving drainage to ensure long-term durability.
Beyond restoring the road surface, the rehabilitation effort is expected to significantly improve traffic flow, reduce travel time, and enhance the overall commuting experience for thousands of residents who depend on the route daily.
In addition to the road project is the introduction of the Quality Bus Corridor initiative along the Iju–Abule-Egba axis. The project forms part of Lagos State’s broader effort to modernise urban transportation and improve the efficiency of public transit across the state.
The QBC model is designed to enhance bus operations along major transport routes by upgrading road infrastructure, improving traffic management systems, and providing better facilities for commuters.
Under the initiative, several improvements are expected along the corridor, including upgraded bus stops which are already underway, improved pedestrian walkways, traffic signal optimisation, and enhanced safety measures for road users.
These upgrades are aimed at making bus transportation faster, more reliable, and more comfortable for commuters while also reducing congestion along one of the busiest corridors in the area.
The Iju–Abule-Egba corridor serves as a major transportation link for communities across Ifako-Ijaiye and neighbouring areas. With the introduction of the QBC system and the rehabilitation of Iju Road, residents are expected to benefit from improved connectivity and more efficient access to key commercial and residential districts.
Improved road infrastructure also plays an important role in facilitating economic activities, as easier transportation enables smoother movement of goods and services across communities.
For traders, transport operators, and small business owners, better road conditions translate into reduced vehicle maintenance costs, shorter travel times, and improved productivity which is the desire of all citizens. This project will surely reduce costs of energy spent on travel time, improve lifespan through less traffic, reduce carbon emission and help achieve better health for all.
The ongoing infrastructural improvements in Ifako-Ijaiye have become a reality through the legislative advocacy and productive engagement with relevant government agencies by Hon. Adewale Temitope Adedeji, OON, member representing Ifako-Ijaiye Constituency I in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Temitope Adewale, who is also the Chairman,House Committee on Transportation has been instrumental in facilitating groundbreaking infrastructural projects to Ifako-Ijaiye Constituency 01, all in bid to improve the social outlook and transform the economic landscape of the area.
Through continuous engagement with government authorities and stakeholders, the projects have gained the support required to address longstanding transportation challenges affecting different parts of the constituency, giving residents the joy for free movements at will.
His advocacy has contributed to ensuring that Ifako-Ijaiye remains part of the broader infrastructure development agenda aimed at transforming Lagos into a modern and well-connected megacity.
Infrastructure development remains a key driver of urban growth, and the ongoing projects within Ifako-Ijaiye reflect a broader commitment to building resilient and efficient transport systems across Lagos State.
By combining road rehabilitation with modern public transport initiatives such as the Quality Bus Corridor, the state government is laying the groundwork for a more sustainable and integrated transportation network.
For residents of Ifako-Ijaiye, the transformation of Iju Road and the introduction of the QBC initiative represent more than just road construction—they signal progress toward improved mobility, stronger local economies, and a better quality of life.
As work continues along the corridor, many residents remain optimistic that these infrastructural improvements will usher in a new era of development for the local government area.
Deputy Senate President Appoints Odunjo as Senior Legislative Aide
The Deputy Senate President, Barau I. Jibrin, has appointed Hon. Odunleye Odunjo as Senior Legislative Aide (SLA), according to a letter dated March 6, 2027.
The letter, addressed to Odunjo, stated that the appointment is “at the pleasure of the Deputy President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
Hon. Odunjo, who currently serves as Director General of Ogun State Visionaries for Yayi, previously represented Ado-Odo/Ota Constituency II in the Ogun State House of Assembly for eight years. He also held the position of Vice Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State before voluntarily resigning to join the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In response to the appointment, Odunjo expressed gratitude to God and thanked his principal, Senator Jibrin, for the opportunity to serve. He also acknowledged the support of Olamilekan Solomon Adeola and Rt. Hon. Tunji Egbetokun, former Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly.
Odunjo’s new role as SLA positions him at the center of legislative affairs, assisting in policy formulation and constituency representation at the national level.
Tinubu’s Ambassadorial Picks Raise Questions on Merit, Strategy — Banwo
Dr. Ope Banwo, has questioned the rationale behind Nigeria’s latest ambassadorial appointments, describing the list as reflective of political compensation rather than national strategy.
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In a self-signed statement released from his base on Wednesday, Banwo argued that the composition of the list suggests a pattern where loyalty and political survival appear to outweigh competence and global credibility.
According to him, countries typically deploy their most respected professionals and seasoned diplomats to represent national interests abroad. However, he noted that Nigeria’s approach seems to differ significantly.
“Other nations send their best—economists, scholars, and experienced diplomats. In Nigeria, we often send political loyalists, ideological turncoats, and controversial figures,” he said.
Banwo expressed concern that such appointments could weaken Nigeria’s global standing, stressing that diplomacy requires individuals who command respect in international circles.
He further questioned why diplomatic postings are often treated as rewards for political allegiance rather than strategic tools for advancing national interests.
The public commentator maintained that this pattern may partly explain Nigeria’s limited influence on the global stage, despite its size and economic potential.
Banwo noted that while some appointees may still perform creditably, the overall perception created by the list raises concerns about the country’s priorities.
He emphasized the need for a shift toward merit-based appointments, insisting that Nigeria deserves representatives who embody integrity, competence, and national pride.
“In my view, Nigeria deserves ambassadors who reflect the very best of our intellect and values, not individuals who leave foreign observers questioning our choices,” he added.
Banwo concluded that unless the selection process is reformed, Nigeria risks undermining its diplomatic effectiveness and credibility in international affairs.
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