Lagostrend report that the His Royal Majesty, Oba Olufolarin Olukayode Ogunsanwo, Telade IV, the Alara of Ilara Kingdom in Epe, Lagos State, has marked his sixth year on the throne with gratitude, reflection and a renewed commitment to attracting sustainable development projects and opportunities to his people.

Speaking with newsmen during activities commemorating his sixth coronation anniversary, Oba Ogunsanwo acknowledged the need for a more aggressive and effective approach to community development, particularly in response to the evolving socioeconomic realities confronting rural communities.

The monarch expressed appreciation to God, government officials, traditional rulers, community leaders and other stakeholders whose contributions, he said, had made his six-year reign remarkable.

He particularly commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his leadership and commitment to economic and trade development in Nigeria, while also appreciating Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for his support and longstanding relationship with the Ilara Kingdom.

The Alara described his appointment as Chancellor of Lagos State University by Governor Sanwo-Olu as a landmark achievement for the traditional institution and the people of Epe.

According to him, several major development initiatives are currently ongoing or being pursued in Ilara and the wider Eredo area.

He highlighted the ongoing construction of a stadium promised by the Lagos State Government, integrated solar power generation initiatives, the allocation of land to the Nigerian Navy for the establishment of a base in Ilara, and the proposed Federal College of Alternative Medicine.

The monarch also disclosed that a new Federal Health Centre had been approved for the people of Ilara and Epe through the intervention of the Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals.

He further revealed that efforts were ongoing to establish a General Hospital in Eredo to complement the Federal Medical Centre in Epe, stressing that he would continue to pursue the project until it becomes a reality.

Speaking on education, Oba Ogunsanwo noted that the presence of institutions such as Lagos State University of Education (LASUED), Yaba College of Technology and Augustine University within the Eredo axis had created opportunities for young people, but emphasized that more educational opportunities were still required.

He urged youths in the kingdom and across Eredo and Epe to embrace productive ventures, skills acquisition, entrepreneurship and other forms of capacity development that could improve their livelihoods and contribute to community growth.

The traditional ruler maintained that the people of Eredo and Epe possess enormous human and economic potential capable of contributing significantly to the development of Lagos State and Nigeria.

He therefore called on community leaders, traditional institutions, youths and other stakeholders to continue supporting developmental initiatives while also playing their respective roles in building stronger communities.

The Alara also encouraged eligible citizens to participate actively in the forthcoming general elections and exercise their civic responsibilities by voting for candidates of their choice.

Oba Ogunsanwo expressed appreciation to the media and other stakeholders for their continued efforts in keeping the people informed and ensuring that community issues receive the attention they deserve.

As he enters another year on the throne, the Alara reaffirmed his determination to use his position as a royal father to attract more government interventions, investments, institutions and development opportunities to Ilara, Eredo and the wider Epe Division.

He said the sixth anniversary was not only a celebration of his reign but also an opportunity to renew his commitment to the progress, prosperity and wellbeing of his people.

See pictures below

1