kakalistiq.com reports that the Epe Club has announced a bold policy shift that will redefine how it honours its heroes, choosing to celebrate its founders and elders while they are still alive and using the platform to work closely with government in tackling the lingering power blackout across Epe Division.
At a press conference held over the weekend at the Club House in Epe, the 17th President of the Club, Chief Olayemi Dada, alongside the Vice President, Chief Akeem Oluwo, Public Relations Officer, Hon. Giwa Aloma, Social Secretary, Mr. Taiwo and other executives, declared the end of posthumous recognition as the Club’s dominant tradition.
“Celebrating them after death has been cancelled. The narrative has changed to ensure they’re celebrated during their lifetime. We want to celebrate them while they’re alive,” he said.
To inaugurate this new era of immortalisation, the Club unanimously selected Alhaji Akanni Seriki Bamu, a member of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) and Political Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Epe Division, as the first icon to be honoured.
Explaining the choice of Baba Bamu, Chief Dada described him as a towering political figure, business magnate and community development champion whose influence cuts across generations.
“Baba Bamu’s name came as a choice after a high level consultation within and outside the club. Bab Bamu has been extremely supportive of the club. He has extended critical support to many for their business’ growth and development. In politics, his mentees are numerous. Numerous Monarchs across the Epe Division have reached out to him for support to develop the grassroot,” he said.
He further disclosed that a specially designed facility, already captured in a 3D model, would be unveiled to immortalise Alhaji Akanni Seriki Bamu and subsequently other elders in the Epe Division who have made lasting impacts on the people.
Beyond celebration, the Club said it is also leveraging the forthcoming programme to engage government leaders on the persistent power blackout affecting Epe and Eredo communities. Chief Dada revealed that diplomatic strategies were already being explored to resolve the situation permanently.
According to him, the Lagos State Commissioner for Energy has assured the Club that the issue would be fixed, provided communities desist from vandalising public infrastructure. He noted that residents are expected to take ownership of government facilities while damaged cables will be reinstated in phases, starting from Epe before moving to Eredo.
“Very soon, this problem will be a thing of the past. We need to take ownership of this gesture taken by the government,” he said.
Adding to the discussion, Vice President Chief Oluwo Akeem disclosed that the Club recently raised the power issue during a courtesy visit to the Deputy Governor. He said Dr. Obafemi Hazmat expressed embarrassment over the blackout and assured that managing directors of the relevant electricity distribution companies would be summoned to resolve the matter conclusively.
The historic celebration, scheduled for Thursday, February 5th, is expected to attract top political and traditional dignitaries, including Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Dr. Tunji Alausa, HRM Oba Kamorudeen Animashaun and Olori Aribike Adewale, with expectations that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will honour the occasion. Cultural displays, speeches, testimonials and entertainment will headline the event.
Founded in 1974 by nine visionary men, Epe Club remains the premier socio-cultural organisation in Epe Division, covering Epe, Ibeju-Lekki, Eredo, Lekki and Ikosi-Ejinrin Local Governments and LCDAs. The Club boasts a distinguished membership that includes the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, lawmakers, council chairmen, academics, permanent secretaries, directors, business leaders, civil servants and all traditional rulers in the division.
Chief Dada highlighted the Club’s legacy of service, citing educational scholarships, health interventions at primary healthcare centres, youth advocacy and mentorship programmes, welfare support and contributions to state government recruitment of Epe indigenes. He added that the Club has expanded from two plots of land to a two-acre facility equipped with indoor games and sports infrastructure.
With the immortalisation of Baba Bamu and renewed engagement with government on electricity challenges, Epe Club says it is charting a future that honours legacy while confronting present-day realities head-on.
