At the vibrant Ojude Oba festival held on Tuesday, June 19, 2024, at the King Kosoko Embarkment Center, kakalistiq.com reports that two prominent community leaders underscored the critical need for peacebuilding initiatives and impactful leadership to foster unity, prosperity, and development in Epe. The event provided a platform for these influential voices to share their vision for a cohesive and thriving Epe community.
The President of Epe Ogunmodede Club, Barrister Omodele, speaking on the sidelines of the festival, emphasized the urgency of embracing selflessness and sportsmanship to overcome longstanding divisions within the community. “The time for such actions is long overdue,” he declared. “If our politicians can be selfless, it’s achievable. If they do not look at things as a winner-takes-all scenario and avoid the desire to perpetuate themselves in power, we can turn things around. Sharing the benefits of leadership and involving everyone will create a sense of belonging and unity.”
Challenging the media to uphold justice and equity, Omodele called for their active role in driving these initiatives. “For the media, I hope you will promote these ideals to foster the unity and prosperity that President Ahmed Bola Tinubu desires,” he urged. “This is a message of peace and progress, and it involves taking our youths off the streets by creating jobs. Not everyone can work in the civil service, but we can become employers of labour, which will curb criminality.”
Reflecting on his impact at the Civil Service Commission as Commissioner representing the interests of Epe Division, Barrister Tunde Seriki noted that his performance should be judged by the community. “It is you people that can score me,” he said. “Many don’t understand the full scope of the job. It’s not just about recruitment; it’s about career management, discipline, and addressing secretarial issues. To the glory of God, we’ve done our best. We’ve employed many and assisted those within the system who were being cheated, sometimes without their knowledge.”
His remarks were a critical reminder of the multifaceted responsibilities of leadership and the importance of integrity and fairness in governance. By addressing these issues head-on, both renowned leaders highlighted the potential for transformative change in Epe, driven by inclusive and ethical leadership.
The Ojude Oba festival, renowned for its rich cultural displays and communal spirit, served as the perfect backdrop for these powerful calls to action. As the festivities continued, the message from the leaders resonated deeply with attendees, promising a renewed commitment to peacebuilding and development in Epe.