Lagos monarch unveils JAMB training for 500 students

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The Adeboruwa of Igbogbo Kingdom, Oba Semiudeen Kasali, has commenced activities marking his 10th coronation anniversary with free Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board Computer-Based Test training for 500 SSS 3 students.

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The initiative forms part of a week-long programme unveiled on Saturday at the monarch’s palace in Igbogbo, Ikorodu Local Government Area of Lagos State, where stakeholders also hailed Oba Kasali’s contributions to peace, infrastructure and community development over the past decade.

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The week-long celebration was formally unveiled during a press briefing by the Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, Adesegun Ogunlewe.

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Oba Kasali, a legal practitioner from the Emugoriade Branch of the Ijaolu Ruling House, ascended the throne on July 25, 2016.

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Speaking at the briefing, Ogunlewe, a former Lagos State Head of Service, described the anniversary as a celebration of “a decade of purposeful and impactful leadership” that has transformed the kingdom.

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He said, “This 10th anniversary is a recognition and celebration of a decade of Kabiyesi’s achievements in ensuring that Igbogbo receives quality attention, impactful social amenities and projects that have improved the overall well-being of our people and brought peace, progress and prosperity to the Igbogbo Kingdom.”

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According to him, activities marking the anniversary have commenced with the monarch-sponsored free JAMB computer-based test training for 500 SSS 3 students.

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He said other programmes lined up for the celebration include traditional prayers on July 19; a medical outreach, awareness rally against sexual and gender-based violence and a novelty match on July 20; distribution of palliatives, visits to orphanage homes, a public lecture and sporting activities on July 21.

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Speaking on behalf of the Chairman of Igbogbo/Bayeku Local Council Development Area, Hammed Aroyewun, the Vice Chairman, Ade Ayeni, said the monarch’s inclusive leadership had fostered peaceful coexistence and accelerated development in the community.

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Commending the royal father, Ayeni described Oba Kasali as a humble and accessible monarch.

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He said, “If you look around, you will find that there are many people who are not indigenes of this town but have chosen to make it their home and are doing well here. Great communities are built on collaboration and peaceful coexistence between indigenes and settlers. A welcoming society attracts diverse ideas that translate into development.

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“You cannot imagine how welcoming our royal father is. He listens to ideas and is always ready to support initiatives that will move Igbogbo forward. What we are celebrating today is a reflection of his humility, knowledge, spirit of service and compassion for the people.”

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He also credited the monarch with supporting efforts to tackle crime and other security challenges in the community.

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He added, “In Igbogbo today, we are stamping out crime, land grabbing and other criminalities. The king has brought his knowledge to bear in ensuring that this town continues to be projected positively.”

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Also speaking, the Odofin of Igbogbo Kingdom, High Chief Tajudeen Onasanya, attributed the peace enjoyed in the kingdom over the past decade to the monarch’s consultative leadership style.

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Onasanya also noted that the monarch facilitated the gazetting of nine traditional chiefs into the kingdom’s chieftaincy structure.

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He said, “For the past 10 years, there has not been any crisis beyond control. The king listens to counsel. Whenever issues arise, we deliberate collectively and he respects our decisions. He has made tremendous impacts since ascending the throne.”

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In his closing remarks, the Secretary of the Central Planning Committee, Babatunde Afowape, said the anniversary would serve as an opportunity to renew stakeholders’ commitment to the continued development of the kingdom.

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