Obasanjo, Sarafa Ishola, Olowu Rally Support For Egba Legacy Network Massive Tourist Projects
....as new members joined ELN
ABEOKUTA – A social and economic group in Abeokuta, the Egba Legacy Network (ELN) at the weekend, inducted new members with a charge to compliment the efforts of the Ogun state government in the transformative agenda of the ancient city, Abeokuta.
The Osi Apagunpote of Egbaland and Chairman of the Egba Legacy Network, Chief Lai Labode, Jnr enjoined the new inductees to live up to expectations and join hands with the leaders of the group and Egbaland to facilitate a development roadmap that will beautify the town.
Speaking at the induction of new members and award ceremony held at Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library on Saturday, in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, Labode said the motive was in a bid to retain the good memories of Egbas culture, traditions, and past, and present heroes of Egbaland.
According to him, part of the projects the group wanted to embark upon is the Egba history and heritage areas where statue of iconic Egba sons and daughters like Sir Adetokunbo Ademola, Prof. Saburi Biobaku, Madam Efunroye Tinubu, Fela Anikulapo, Chief Beko Ransome Kuti, Chief MKO Abiola, Ayinla Omowura and Chief Olusegun Obasanjo would be engraved to beautify the towns.
Lai Labode highlighted Ibara GRA, Oke-mosan-Kobape expressway and Alake Palace as areas that will witnessed the first phase of the historic turnaround.
The Osi Apagunpote Lai Labode explained that the group made up of professional like-minds was founded 18 months ago to unify all Egba sons and daughters of social networks both home and diaspora.
He denied insinuation that the group was to rival Abeokuta Club, saying the Egba Legacy Network is already planning major collaboration with Abeokuta Club.
He stressed that “we opened a new era of leadership in Egbaland and Ogun state to reinvent Egba, it has put the very best of young people to reinventing Egbaland through idea and passion.
He posited that the network has a lot to offer Nigeria and Africa as a whole, adding Egba has been a nation even before Nigeria, there by making it rich in culture, tradition, and ideas.
He also stated that one of the major focus of the group to reconnect with the young ones who had already lost their path and bring them on board so they could also bring people behind them as well.
“A key part of our project is to try to re-connect those who are coming behind us to us now, a lot of them have already disconnected, and one of the things we are doing right now at the exco level, we just have a new committee on bringing the younger ones to join Network, so they can also bring people behind them, and of course traditional institutions is also important to us as well, we believe that there are more Egba can offer Nigeria, and Africa at large.
“Our plans is not just a plan we are working toward it, this project cost us our passion not our money, once we are united, let me tell you when we said a new Era of young leadership has come, it has already come and that Egba Legacy Network”, he said.
Also, speaking at the colourful event, former President Olusegun Obasanjo commended the group, calling for support from all Egba people.
Obasanjo said the initiative to beautify the Abeokuta cities with monuments of past Egba icons would motivate the younger generations to invest in their hometown.
The Balogun Owu, therefore, called for unity and intention of purpose among all Egba sons and daughters, saying the proximity to Lagos state gave the state capital advantage to make Abeokuta aa tourist attractions.
Similarly, a former ambassador to the United Kingdom, Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Ishola, said the initiative by the Egba Legacy Network would add value and reinvigorate the dream of the founding fathers of Egbaland.
Amb. Ishola noted that the group is an emergence of a new era to take leadership succession to another level, saying the heritage project would beautify Abeokuta and contribute to the tourist attraction aside Olumo rock and the Adire mall.
The Chairman of Abeokuta North local government, Hon. Lanre Oyegbola-Sodipo described the ELN initiative as historic and remarkable to develop a network at ensuring in documenting the historic events, persons, and personalities who have made significant impact in Egbaland and Ogun State in general.
Reflecting on his trip to the United States, the council boss posited that the move was essentially to drive investment and development to the council area.
According to him, the vision of the Egba Legacy Network aligns with his blueprint and master plan to develop Abeokuta North.
Hon. Solomon Oluwalogbon Enilolobo, who spoke on behalf of the new inductees, pledged to support the lofty projects, calling on private investors to join hands in making the projects a reality.
