In a remarkable display of unity and determination to foster exemplary leadership in the Eko-Epe community, kakalistiq.com reports that the Olu-Epe of Epe Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Oba Dr Shefiu Adewale, Bamgbopa Eshilokun I, alongside esteemed members of the Olu-Epe-in-Council, gathered on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, to inaugurate the newly appointed Epe Youth Forum Executives led by the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tertiary Education, Comrade Murtala Giwa-Moore.
The ceremony, graced by dignitaries including the Vice Chairman of Epe Local Government, Hon. Sikiru Owolomoshe, High Chief Kadri Odedeogboro, High Chief Tajudeen Ajiborisha, High Chief Shobaloju, and High Chief Agoro, witnessed a resounding call for the new leadership to lead by example and propel the community to greater heights.
Addressing the newly sworn-in executives, Oba Adewale emphasized the importance of selfless service and accountability in leadership, urging them to prioritize the interests of the community above personal gain. “Your duty is a voluntary assignment. If any of you are forced to take up this rigorous and thankless job, please let them signify. It is not a money-spinning venture, and I am sure you are all happy to be a part of the Excos.
“It is a must for you to be committed and dedicated to your duties. On my part, I will monitor you. If anyone performs abysmally, they will be recommended for removal because this is not to acclaim any name but to serve the people of the Eko-Epe community,” the monarch asserted.
Following the inauguration, the Balogun of Epe Kingdom, High Chief Kadiri Odedeogboro, congratulated the new executives and charged them to remain steadfast in their commitment to community development. “This is not an avenue for personal enrichment. Your priority is community interest; please make sure nothing should divide you again. Remember that your tenure began on January 1st, 2024, and will lapse on December 31st, 2027,” he emphasized.
Echoing the sentiments of traditional authority, the Otun Bashorun of Epe Kingdom, High Chief Jamiu Balogun, stressed the need for the youth forum to prioritize community advancement over political affiliations. “This is not a political platform but a platform for progress. We inaugurated you against all odds. We expected heaven to fall, and we are ready to stand against it. We needed to take a stand, and we have taken a stand. Part of your critical responsibility as a youth is to enlighten your fellow youth. Charity begins at home. Let it be noted that those who attempt to disrupt this process will never go scot-free. We can’t continue this way. This has to stop, and it has stopped,” he asserted.
Supporting the call for unity and progress, Hon. Adeniyi Ahmed, one of the notable stakeholders in the community, reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the new leadership. He urged the president to leverage his influence to benefit the community. “We admonish you to use your influence to tap resources from the state and federal governments to benefit the community. We are ready to give our unflinching support, and our advisory role as elders will be undiluted,” he stated.
In his address, Comrade Muritala Giwa-Moore, the newly appointed President of the Epe Youth Forum, pledged to prioritize community interests and foster inclusive development. “The interest of the community has propelled my emergence rather than self-interest. We will stop at nothing to never disappoint our elders who found us worthy to steer the wheel of the community’s prosperity,” he affirmed.
