It was a day of history, symbolism, and bold ideas as the Epe Legislative Conference (ELC) 4.0 transformed the Lagos State University Student Arcade into a hub of inspiration.
Under the trailblazing leadership of Rt. Hon. Ogunbiyi Hafsoh, the first female Speaker in the 25-year history of the Federation of Epe Division Students’ Association (FEDSA LASU) parliament, kakalistiq.com the gathering broke new ground in the way student governance is imagined in Epe Division.
With the theme “Beyond the Gavel: Redefining Legislative Leadership,” the conference sent a clear message: true parliamentary power lies not in the gavel’s strike but in the vision, integrity, and compassion that drive decisions.
One of the day’s most powerful moments came with the unveiling of the Epe Division’s first-ever parliamentary wig and gown, a long-awaited symbol of dignity and legislative authority.
The honour of officially placing the regalia on the Speaker went to Rt. Hon. Opemipo Bamgbopa, first female Speaker of the LASUSU Student Parliamentary Council, alongside the Deputy Speaker of the Lagos State Youth Parliament. The gesture carried a weight of history and hope, bridging generations of female leadership.
The keynote address, delivered by Hon. Abdullah Sesan Olowa, Chairman of Ibeju-Lekki Local Government urged participants to embrace a model of leadership built on vision, collaboration, and steadfast integrity.
The Grand Honoree, Rep. Wale Raji, Member of the House of Representatives for Epe Federal Constituency (represented by his Senior Legislative Aide on Media and Youth Affairs, Mr. Kaka Babatunde), reinforced the call for transparency, accountability, and community-focused service.
Drawing from deep parliamentary experience, Guest Speaker Comr. Babatunde Ogunlana, Chairman of the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (Lagos State Chapter), reminded attendees that leadership is not measured by symbols of office, but by service, ethical governance, and mentorship.
A vibrant panel session featuring Barr. Adeleke Aroyewun, Prince Ademola Adetola, and Rt. Hon. Opemipo Bamgbopa explored how youth-led legislative institutions can honour tradition while embracing reform, ensuring that young voices remain central to democratic growth.
The event drew a notable crowd of leaders and organizations, including Comr. Adesanya Ibrahim, Hon. Odunare Mahruf, Comr. Ogunbawo Ibrahim, members of the Igbogbo Students’ Union, the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (Lagos State Chapter), Rt. Hon. Adeolu Talabi, Comr. Edu Ibrahim, Comr. Abisoye Aminat, Rt. Hon. Hassan Yusuf, members of FEDSA LASUSUTECH, and members of NuLASS LASU.
As proceedings drew to a close, Rt. Hon. Ogunbiyi Hafsoh reflected on the symbolism of the wig and gown, calling them “reminders of a higher calling, to serve with dignity, uphold democratic values, and inspire the next generation.” Her words lingered in the air: “Beyond the gavel lies the true measure of leadership.”
The ELC 4.0 ended not as a routine conference, but as a rallying cry, a declaration that in Epe Division, a new chapter of legislative leadership has begun, one defined by courage, service, and the resolve to redefine tradition.
