Egba Economic Summit Group backs Ijebu State creation

The Egba Economic Summit Group, a body of prominent Egba sons and daughters, has thrown its weight behind the creation of the proposed Ijebu State creation.

Ijebu State, comprising the nine local governments in Ogun East (Ijebu and Remo), would be carved out of the current Ogun State.

On Saturday, the 11th AGM of the summit was held at the Conference Room of Gbenga Adeoye & Co.( Chartered Accountants), in Ibara GRA, Abeokuta.

Presiding over the AGM, the Chairman of the Board, Chief Taiwo Adeoluwa, Agba Akin of Egbaland, admonished members of the EES to continue to relate as siblings.

In his remarks, he noted that once Egbas are united, the issues of the contribution of resources will flow easily and naturally.

Reacting to the creation of Ijebu State that has passed a second reading in the Senate, the Vice President, Dr Gbenga Adeoye, stated that such development underscores the determination of the Remo and Ijebus to have their state.

Adeoye said this is not in any way against the progress of Egbaland and Ogun State as it stands today, saying, however, that it will foster development in both Egba and Ijebu lands.

He stated further that the Erunwon Ajebo Free Trade Zone project should be pursued with all the energy in the Egbas while the University of Medicine and Medical Science should be supported by all means to ensure the smooth take-off in 2025 now that council and principal officers of the university are almost in place.

The President of the Summit, Mr Yinka Chris Coker, stated that the coming year will be approached differently in terms of project implementation, which will now be in accordance with the report of Captain Temi Okesanjo-led project implementation committee.

Similarly, the former Chairman of the Board, Prince Abiodun Karunwi, encouraged members to contribute their resources for the growth of the summit while he frowned at the attitude of those who have resources but fail to pay annual dues.

Former President Chief Tokunbo Odebunmi encouraged members to continue to act as a dragnet to bring new and old members back to the summit with renewed commitment.

Chief Shina Luwoye, who is the immediate past president, joined the AGM virtually and challenged members to be strategic in the development of Egbaland.

Alhaji Egbeyemi, said if anyone is running and unable to catch a snail, then his case needs re-examination and admonished members to increase their speed in terms of personal developmental projects that others could support in the year 2025.

Chief Tunji Sunmonu, who joined virtually, also reminded members that the way to succeed is to go back to the foundation of the summit and ensure that all programmes align the main goals of setting up the summit at a time when Mr Ade Coker was the President.

Engineer Ola Sobande who ,also joined virtually expressed gratitude to the Vice President; Dr.,Gbenga Adeoye for ,making his ffice space available for the summit to use as secretariat and also for the AGM and at t,he same time insi,sted that the council must ensure new members are attracted in the year 2025.

Mr Surakat Lateef who , als joined the AGM virtually aligns with the new project implementation method of 2025.

His position was supported by Chief Taiwo Adeoluwa who stated further that he submitted some names to be admitted and that more efforts should be made to get those parties admitted.