Governor Sanwo-Olu to unveil the statue of Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande in Abesan Estate at their 40th Anniversary

L-R Vice president of AERA, Prince Babatunde Fapohunda, Chairman of 40th anniversary committee, Pastor G.O Oduwole and President of AERA, Elder M.A.O Kehinde

Abesan Estate with a population of about a hundred thousand people is the largest demographic concentration in Lagos state. It boasted of the largest in Sub-Saharan Africa until recently. The people are friendly, warm and receptive.

Though the roads are bad, their infrastructure are poor, the Residents Association believe the 40^th Anniversary of the commissioning of the estate is worth celebrating.

The estate was commissioned on 17^th December, 1982 by the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo during the tenure of Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande as the governor of Lagos state.

In a press conference held at the Secretariat of Abesan Estate Residents’ Association (AERA), on Friday 9^th December, 2022, the chairman of the anniversary committee, Pastor G.O Oduwole noted that the 40^th anniversary celebrations is aimed at celebrating the legacies of the former governor of Lagos state in whose tenure, about 14 Low and Medium Cost estates were built. “This singular act saved many people from the claws of shylock landlords who were ready to suck tenants dry.” He explained.

A weeklong events including Schools Debate, Sports, Church Thanksgiving, Friday JUMAT Service, Training and Empowerment, Public Lecture, Free Healthcare, Welfare for the Needy and Aged, Awards and Grand finale have been lined up for the celebrations.

Also speaking at the event, president of AERA, Elder M.A.O Kehinde noted that some members of the community who have led exemplary lives will be given awards during the celebrations. “These are people who have impacted our community positively and touched the lives of people. It is an opportunity for us to recognize and appreciate them”, he said.

The awards are in categories which include Excellence in Leadership, Community Service and Grassroots Politics. Others are Philanthropy, Service to Humanity and Youth Development.

Some of those receiving awards include Hon. Bisi Yusuf, a member of Lagos State House of Assembly representing Alimosho 01, Hon. Chief Abel Badejo; a former Chairman of Mosan Okunola LCDA and former president of the estate, Hon. Princess Olabisi Adebajo (ABISCO); Chairman of Mosan Okunola LCDA, Hon. Opeyemi Adunni Akindele ; former Executive Secretary of Mosan Okunola LCDA, past presidents of the estate and some residents who have distinguished themselves in their discharge of duty to the community.

A Clean-Up-The-Estate programme has been put together by the executive and the youth to usher in the celebrations. This was made known by Prince Papohunda Babatunde, the vice president of AERA who also spoke at the event.

The highpoint of the celebration is the unveiling of the statue of Pa. Lateef Jakande by the governor of Lagos state, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu which is to hold on Friday 16^th December by 11am at Ayoola bus stop in the estate. The wife and family of late Pa. Lateef Jakande will also be at the unveiling.

The Grand finale of the celebration will hold on Saturday 17^th December at Abesan Mini stadium. This event is expected to host more than 5000 residents who have bought the anniversary’s Ankara. A number of popular musicians who are also residents of Abesan will be performing at the event.

The celebration is to hold everyday from December 10 to17.  

According to the organisers of the event, they have received support from Lagos state government, Mosan Okunola LCDA, Companies and individuals.

Other people who were present at the press conference include former president of the estate, Elder Bisola Ogunyanwo, former Chairman of Chairmen, Alhaji M.S Akintunde, executive of the estate, Chairmen of sectors, 40^th anniversary committee members and some residents.