… As Music Stars Light Up End-of-Year Fiesta in Lagos
Politicians, party leaders and top music stars on Thursday converged at the Mile Two Army Signal Barracks, Lagos, as the Chairman, Lagos State House of Assembly Committee Chairman on Budget and Economic Planning and Ajeromi Ifelodun Constituency 01 representative, Hon. Lukman Saad Olumoh, hosted members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the annual end-of-year get-together of his New Era political movement.
The colourful event, which doubled as a celebration of the APC and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, attracted serving and former lawmakers, local government chairmen, party leaders, and community stakeholders from Ajeromi-Ifelodun and beyond.
Addressing newsmen at the event, Hon. Olumoh expressed delight at the wide turnout of party leaders and stakeholders, describing it as evidence of the growing acceptance of the New Era movement within the APC.
“I am happy that other local government chairmen and leaders are here with us,” he said. “Hon. Olalekan Akindipe of Ajeromi constituency 02 is here, Hon. Okeowo is here, Hon. Taiwo Adenekan, the Ifelodun Apex Leader, Hon. Kolawole Taiwo, Hon. Fatai Ajidagba, Hon. Wahab Adigun, and many others. This shows that what the New Era movement is doing is widely accepted among party members, and I am delighted that we are all here celebrating our great party.”
Explaining the decision to celebrate President Tinubu, the lawmaker described the President as a father figure who has made significant contributions to the party and the nation.
“Our father, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has given so much,” Olumoh said. “One of the ways we can celebrate Mr President is to bring party members together like this so that they can feel remembered. We are doing everything possible to make life better for them, and gatherings like this also serve as a form of therapy for our members.”
Reacting to the presence of his estranged former boss and former Ifelodun LCDA Chairman, Hon. Fatai Ajidagba, Olumoh dismissed suggestions of political surprise, stressing that the event was inclusive.
“There is nothing wrong with Hon. Fatai Ajidagba being here,” he said. “He is our leader, a great man who has done his part. We are all here to celebrate APC, and he is a member of the party. He is exactly where he should be.”
He added that the gathering of APC leaders from Ajeromi-Ifelodun and other areas underscored party unity and collective commitment to shared achievements.
Reaffirming his intention to seek re-election, Olumoh said leadership comes with responsibility and accountability. “To whom much is given, much is expected. When the time comes, we will return to our leaders and party members, because the decision lies with them. I am confident they will make the right choice,” he stated.
The event was enlivened by performances from leading artistes, including Omo Ajoke, Islamic music sensation Bariamogbemi, Kehinde Oriyomi, the trending Lagun Chanter, Yoruba chant eulogist, Tungba Apasa, Amina Babalola (popularly known as Omotayebi), and Fuji music icon, King Osupa.
King Osupa drew loud cheers as he moved around the venue, greeting guests amid traditional drummers, while Omotayebi thrilled the audience, particularly women and members of the New Era support group, with energetic performances that drew applause from the host and attendees.
Among the dignitaries at the event were former and serving members of the Lagos State House of Assembly, including Hon. Abdulbaqi Ladi Balogun; former Deputy Speaker, Hon. Kolawole Taiwo; Hon. Shina Ogunkoya, Hon Sabur Akanbi Oluwa; and Prince Rabiu Adio Oluwa, Lagos West leader and member of the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC), and his wife, Yeye Ireti Oluwa.
Also present were members of the Ifelodun G16 group led by Hon. Prince Taiwo Adenekan; the group’s secretary, Hon. Lamina; former Executive Chairman of Ifelodun LCDA, Hon. Fatai Ajidagba; the first Executive Chairman of Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government, Dr. Ajijola; Chairman of Ajeromi Local Government, Hon. Olalekan Akindipe; former Executive Chairman of Ajeromi Local Government and immediate past Head of the Lagos Civil Service Commission, Hon. Kamal Bayewu; Commissioner for Basic Education, Hon. Jamiu Alli-Balogun; Engr. Wahab Adigun; Igwe Yekinni; councillors; and representatives of Community Development Associations (CDAs) and Community Development Committees (CDCs).
Hon. Olumoh was seen moving from table to table, personally attending to guests and ensuring a warm and lively atmosphere throughout the celebration.
In a related development at the venue, the Chairman of Amuwo-Odofin Local Government, Prince Lanre Sanusi was observed holding an extended working discussion with the GAC member, Prince Rabiu Adio Oluwa, reviewing documents and electronic correspondence on official matters.
The event was anchored by Oloye TZ as Master of Ceremonies, with Bashorun Chochocho serving as co-anchor.
