5th December, 2014
Jamiu Yisa
The Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babatunde Raji Fashola, will be honoured at the maiden Ebira Unity Day celebration.
The event which is slated for Sunday, 7 December, will be held at Bakare Disu Oshodi Memorial High School, formerly Oniwaya High School, Agege, Lagos, southwest Nigeria.
During the event a N250,000,000 fund raising to build an ultra-modern Ebira Community Secretariat in the state will be launched.
Speaking with P.M.NEWS, the Lagos State president general of the group, Chief Salau Ohiana Suleman, said the event will afford all Ebira indigenes in the state the opportunity of coming together under one roof for the first time.
He said they are honouring the state governor for his achievements and kind gesture towards all the tribes living in Lagos State.
“Fashola is an accommodating governor and his achievements in the state since the inception of his administration speak for him. He’s friendly and doesn’t segregate. All tribes have benefited immensely from his kind gesture.
“We intend to build a befitting Ebira Community Association Secretariat with our fund raising. As soon as the fund is realised, we will secure a choice area where the building will be erected.
“Our unity is what we are celebrating that day. We have Ebira indigenes scattered all over Lagos. Therefore, this coming Sunday will afford us the opportunity of rejoicing with one another,” he said.
Speaking on whether the it is going to be an annual event, Chief Ohiana said that the outcome of the maiden edition will determine what would happen afterwards, adding that the event is going to be capital intensive.
“The maiden edition will determine if its going to be an annual celebration. Preparation is in top gear and we are receiving positive response from our people. They can’t just wait for the day to come. They are very happy.
“They are going to gain a whole lot on that day because it will be very colourful. Ebira culture will be on full display. Ebira native masquerade will also be on display. A lot of our people were born in Lagos and have never been home for once. They don’t even know what the culture is all about but on Sunday, they will have a feel of everything,” he said.
According to a press release signed by Mallam Sadiq Abubakar, the Secretary of the Association, the Chairman of the occasion is Alhaji Azeez Afolabi, a business tycoon while the Lady Chair person is Hajiya (Mrs.)MojisolaOgembe, a renowned caterer.
Amongst the Special guests are Mr. Musa Audu Ogirima, Chairman of God’s Divine Grace Furniture Ltd and Alhaji YakubuSalau, a prominent Lagos-based businessman.
Highlight of the occasion will be the presentation of the prestigious honour of Onoguvo-Obanyi (Greatest Helper) of Ebira People, Lagos to be bestowed on Governor Fashola forr his excellent performance in the state during his tenure and with whom the association has had a cordial relationship.
It would be recalled that the Association had openly pledged its support for Fashola’s re-election in 2011.
Also to be honoured with the title Pride of Ebira people In Lagos are Sheik Ibrahim Dende, the initiator of the association and Mallam Umar OmeizaJimoh, the Deputy President-General of the Senior Staff Association of Communications, Transport and Corporations (SSACTAC) Maritime Branch, who has impacted positively on Ebira people.
The laudable objective of the association is to foster unity, peace and prosperity amongst all members of Ebira Community Association, Lagos, a fully registered socio-cultural group that has been in existence for 18 years.
Historically, Ebira-Tao people have lived and conducted several businesses in Lagos State for upward of 250 years.With an estimated population of two million people, members are always enjoined to live by the true meaning of Ebira which equates to good character.
Amongst the groups supportive of the event is Ebira Progressive Union, Nigeria, Eti-Osa, Lekki, Lagos.