kakalistiq.com reports that it was a momentous day in Epe as Rep. Wale Raji, representing the Epe Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives, charged newly inaugurated members of the Lagos State Council of Tradesmen and Artisans (LASCOTA) in Epe Division to embrace inclusive, accountable, and harmonious leadership.
Speaking passionately at Epe Recreation Centre, where the official inauguration of Mrs. Odunlami Olushola Odutola and her executive team was held, Rep. Raji emphasised the need for unity and servant leadership in steering the association forward.
The inauguration, held under the supervision of the Lagos State Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment, marked a historic milestone: the first time LASCOTA executive members in Lagos were issued certificates of office by the state government. It also signalled the 7th inauguration ceremony in the association’s history and a fresh mandate for the President.
In his address, Rep. Raji commended the LASCOTA Board of Trustees for their role in managing pre-election and post-election tensions with maturity, noting that electoral challenges are not uncommon and should not detract from the larger purpose of leadership.
“The sign of strength is not in the victory, but in what you have been able to achieve with the position. Public positions either bring good or bad tidings, but the President must reflect on their leadership despite their imperfection. You must run away from praise singers. Leadership is a challenge to do more because the more the ovation, the louder the risk of disappointment and failure. Accumulation of small mistakes culminates in failure, and you must run away from small mistakes and errors,” he advised.
He urged the new President to unite all artisans in Epe, reminding her that leadership is not about factions or appearances but about impact and legacy.
“Your co-contestants are not your adversaries, be the president of all Artisans in Epe, and you need to do that by reaching out to all the contestants. Bring everybody on board; make your presidency a unique one that everybody would remember. It’s not about your beauty, but history will remember you for what you did. The time has come for you to perform, and may Almighty God guide you aright,” he asserted.
Addressing the Board of Trustees, the lawmaker emphasised their continuing role in maintaining unity and progress within the association. He also acknowledged the presence and support of the LASCOTA State executives, local leaders, and representatives from the Ministry of Wealth Creation, whose presence added official weight to the occasion.
The highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of an official certificate to the President by Rep. Wale Raji alongside a representative from the Lagos State Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment, and the LASCOTA State President, Engr. Lawrence Ajayi.
The newly inaugurated officers include: Mr. Wasiu Adebayo (Vice President); Mr. Femi Paseda (Secretary); Mr. Ibraheem Iyanda (Assistant Secretary); Mr. Areh Lukman (Treasurer); Mr. Kayode Lukman (PRO); Mr. Bello Lukman (Social Secretary); Mr. Sulaimon Ayodele (Auditor); Alhaja Yemisi Owonifari (Welfare Officer 1), and Mr. S.I. Adesanya (Welfare Officer 2).
The event drew the presence of distinguished personalities, including the Chairman of the occasion, Engr. Lawrence Ajayi (JP), who also serves as State President of LASCOTA. Also present was High Chief Omoba Adeniyi Elegunshin, who served as Co-Chairman of the Day; Fadeelatul Sheikh Kabiru Oriyomi, the Grand Chief Imam of Epe Land; and Hon. Tunde Ogukoya, who represented the Epe LG Chairman.
Rep. Wale Raji’s address served as an effective moral compass to drive the association’s growth. As the ceremony wrapped up, the air was filled with mirth, optimism, and a shared commitment to building a stronger, more unified LASCOTA for all tradesmen and artisans in Epe and beyond.
