kakalistiq.com reports that the Council Chambers of Epe Local Government was abuzz on Monday, October 14, 2024, as stakeholders gathered for the 2025 budget conference, turning the event into a platform of strong endorsement for the return of Council Chairman, Surah Animashaun, for a second term. The event was marked by powerful speeches, notably from two influential members of the Lagos Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC), Alhaji Akanni Seriki Bamu and Rt. Hon. Adeyemi Ikuforiji.
Addressing the gathering, Alhaji Akanni Seriki Bamu praised Chairman Animashaun’s performance, crediting her with fostering unity among the local party leaders. “I have seen the works Surah has done, and if anyone claims they can do half of what she has achieved, they are mistaken,” he said.
“We, the party leaders in Epe, have ensured there is unity, and this harmony has been reflected in the chairman’s exceptional performance. That is why I have gathered all the leaders and informed them, Surah must return for a second term. She has excelled, but there’s more work to be done, particularly at the market. The congestion must be addressed to make movement easier for our people, day and night.”
Echoing this sentiment, Rt. Hon. Adeyemi Ikuforiji lauded the chairman’s dedication and achievements, expressing his support for her re-election.
“I am thrilled to be here today, and from what I have seen and heard, I am deeply impressed. Local government is the closest form of governance to the people, and our chairman has dedicated herself fully to this cause. She has delivered on her promises to the community, and that’s why I wholeheartedly endorse her for another term,” Ikuforiji declared, drawing applause from the audience.
During the conference, Princess Animashaun highlighted her administration’s accomplishments since taking office in 2021, including the construction of boreholes and public toilets, road reconstructions, providing ambulances to the general hospital, youth and women empowerment programs, bursaries for Epe students, and the distribution of clothes and school materials to underprivileged children. “These initiatives are just a few examples of our commitment to the welfare of the people of Epe,” she said. “We are focused on continuous development and progress.”
Rep. Wale Raji, in his remarks, commended the chairman’s efforts and reassured her of his support in developing the local government. “I am impressed by all you have accomplished, and I want to recognize the backing you have received from our leaders. Rest assured, you have our full support to continue bringing positive change to Epe. Let’s continue working together to ensure even greater development,” he said, emphasizing the need for collective effort to drive growth.
Further accolades came from Hon. Ahmed Seriki, who, as the Commissioner representing Epe Division in the Local Government Services Commission, expressed his gratitude to the leaders for electing a capable chairman. “We have visited many local governments, but none have performed as well as Epe under Chairman Animashaun. I had no idea she had achieved this much, kudos to her,” Seriki stated.
The conference began with a welcome address by Mrs. Omowunmi Egunjobi, Head of the Budget Department, who described the program as an opportunity for stakeholders to present their needs. “tell her your needs and she’ll do it,”
she assured.
The meeting which had in attendance the presence of Lagos APC Welfare Secretary, Hon. Kehinde Adeniyi also featured contributions from a diverse range of stakeholders, including the representative of Oloja of Epe and the Olu Epe of Epe; Bashorun of Ito-Omu, Alhaji Kamorudeen Atanda; Head of ‘Olorituns’ in Epe, High Chief Mukaila Gberefu; Farmers Leader and National Youth Council of Nigeria, Epe Branch’s Electricity Committee member, Alhaja Shabi Aminat; Epe Branch National Youth Council of Nigeria’s Coordinator, Comrade Moibi Ibrahim; and Epe General Hospital Social Welfare Coordinator, Mr. Ayanbisi.
Issues raised included youth development, stable electricity, waivers on electricity bills during periods of blackout, funding for local health initiatives, street lighting, and welfare for traditional chiefs.
The conference highlighted the community’s unanimous support for Princess Animashaun’s leadership and their collective vision for a brighter future for Epe.
