Abesan Estate with a population of about a hundred thousand people is the largest demographic concentration in Lagos state. It boasted of the largest in Sub-Saharan Africa until recently. The people are friendly, warm and receptive.
Though the roads are bad, and their infrastructure is poor,
the Residents Association believes the 40th Anniversary of the commissioning of
the estate is worth celebrating.
The estate was commissioned on 17th December 1982 by the late
sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo during the tenure of Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande
as the governor of Lagos state.
In a press conference held at the Secretariat of Abesan Estate Residents’ Association (AERA), on Friday 9th December 2022, the chairman of the anniversary committee, Pastor G.O Oduwole noted that the 40th-anniversary celebrations is aimed at celebrating the legacies of the former governor of Lagos state in whose tenure, about 14 Low and Medium Cost estates were built. “This singular act saved many people from the claws of shylock landlords who were ready to suck tenants dry.” He explained.
A week-long event including Schools Debate, Sports, Church
Thanksgiving, Friday JUMAT Service, Training and Empowerment, Public Lecture,
Free Healthcare, Welfare for the Needy and Aged, Awards and Grand finale have
been lined up for the celebrations.
Also speaking at the event, the president of AERA, Elder M.A.O
Kehinde noted that some members of the community who have led exemplary lives
will be given awards during the celebrations. “These are people who have
impacted our community positively and touched the lives of people. It is an
opportunity for us to recognize and appreciate them”, he said.
The awards are in categories that include Excellence in Leadership, Community Service and Grassroots Politics. Others are Philanthropy, Service to Humanity and Youth Development.
Some of those receiving awards include Hon. Bisi Yusuf, a
member of Lagos State House of Assembly representing Alimosho 01, Hon. Chief
Abel Badejo; a former Chairman of Mosan Okunola LCDA and former estate
president, Hon. Princess Olabisi Adebajo (ABISCO); Chairman of Mosan Okunola
LCDA, Hon. Opeyemi Adunni Akindele; former Executive Secretary of Mosan Okunola
LCDA, past presidents of the estate and some residents who have distinguished
themselves in their discharge of duty to the community.
A Clean-Up-The-Estate programme has been organised by the
executive and the youth to usher in the celebrations. This was made known by
Prince Papohunda Babatunde, the vice president of AERA who also spoke at the
event.
The high point of the celebration is the unveiling of the
statue of Pa. Lateef Jakande by the governor of Lagos state, Mr. Babajide
Sanwo-Olu which is to hold on Friday 16th December by 11 am at Ayoola Bus Stop
in the estate. The wife and family of late Pa. Lateef Jakande will also be at
the unveiling.
The Grand finale of the celebration will hold on Saturday 17th
December at Abesan Mini stadium. This event is expected to host more than 5000
residents who have bought the anniversary’s Ankara. A number of popular
musicians who are also residents of Abesan will be performing at the event.
The celebration is to hold every day from December 10 to 17,
2022.
According to the organisers of the event, they have received
support from Lagos state government, Mosan Okunola LCDA, companies and
individuals.
Other people present at the press conference include the
former president of the estate, Elder Bisola Ogunyanwo, former Chairman of
Chairmen, Alhaji M.S Akintunde, executive of the estate, Chairmen of sectors,
40th-Anniversary committee members and some residents.
0 Comments