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Tag: Epe

  • 120 suspected cultists, hoodlums arrested in Epe

    The Ibile Vigilante Group, in Epe, has arrested 120 suspected cultists and hoodlums between January and November in Epe, Lagos State.

    Mr Olajide Monday, the Team Head of the group made this disclosure to the News Agency of Nigeria in Epe on Friday.

    He said that the suspected cultists were arrested in some areas of Epe, including Oke-Balogun, T-Junction, Lagos Road, Okemagba, Aiyetoro, Poka, Temu, Noforija and Papa.

    “These arrests were made during the initiation of new members into secret cult groups.

    “Some of the suspects were also nabbed during their usual gyration in some crime prone areas in the town and in the suburb areas of the community.

    “After the arrest, we hand them over to the police for further investigations,” he said.

    He said that the hoodlums were usually found disrupting peace in the community as well as invading political and other social activities in town, which led to their arrest.

    Monday said that since the last few years, Epe had always been a hideout for cultists, hoodlums and kidnappers.

    But after establishing this vigilante group in 2009, we have been able to reduce the activities of the cultists in the community through the arrests.

    “The reduction of cult activities in the town was achieved with the support of police and other security agencies.

    “The vigilante group works closely with government security agencies to ensure a peaceful atmosphere in Epe,” he said.

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    He, however, lamented poor funding of the group.

    “The Epe Local Government pays our salary but the group has not been enjoying good welfare since the past one and a half years.

    “The previous council chairman, Mr Segun Agbaje, was the one, who inaugurated our group and we enjoyed working with him as a vigilante group then.

    “The group enjoyed good welfare package during his tenure but we are not getting similar treatments again,” he alleged.

    He urged the current council administration to gear up support for the welfare of his members in order to discharge their responsibility effectively.

    Monday said that the group lacked basic ammunition to tackle cultists, hoodlums, and kidnappers.

    “We have been working with the little ammunition at our disposal, such as, machetes, knives and other local weapons, ” he said.

    Monday lauded the financial, moral and physical support of traditional rulers in the area, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Epe division and other well meaning individuals.

    In his response, Mr Adedoyin Adesanya, the Chairman, Epe Local Government, said that the council was aware of the complaints and would look into their demands.

    The chairman complained of the vigilante group’s poor performances recently, adding that members of the group needed to be trained and retrained in order to discharge their duties responsibly.

  • Riot in Epe after man killed at APC Primary

    Some houses and vehicles were burnt  in Epe, Lagos east, on Thursday as political violence erupted following  the killing of a supporter of one of the aspirants contesting to represent  the All Progressives Congress in the House of Representatives election next year.

    The person killed was identified as Idris Alooma, said to be 30 years old.

    He was shot by hoodlums who attacked  a polling unit in Ward 4,   after voting had taken place and party members were awaiting the declaration of the result.

    Four persons were cleared to contest for  the APC ticket to  the House of Representatives. They are Wale Raji, the incumbent, Lanre Odubote,  a former Rep member, Remi Adebowale and Segun Olulade, a member of the House of Assembly.

    Voting had ended at  Ward 4, when the gunmen arrived at about 4.15 pm and shot Alooma, a witness Mr Akeem Lawal  said.

    He said the  hoodlums stormed the polling unit after learning that their candidate had lost.

    Lawal complained that the security in Epe was loose because there were no police officers at the polling unit when the attack occurred.

    A NAN reporter who monitored the election reports that, some aggrieved youth set houses and vehicles ablaze across Epe community, after the killing of Alooma.

    The Divisional Police Officer in Epe, CSP Adeyeri Sunday told NAN that one of the suspects, who attacked Alooma,  had been arrested, adding that his team would do everything humanly possible to arrest other suspects and bring them to book.

    The direct primaries to elect the candidates for both the House of Representatives and the Senate were held at the 19 wards in the Epe Federal Constituency.

    Senator Gbenga Bariyu  Ashafa, cleared to run unopposed for the Lagos East senate seat by the APC National Working Committee, had an opponent in Bayo Osinowo, a four-time member of the state of House of Assembly.

    Voting started  at about 3:45 p.m. in many of the wards in Ibonwon, Ikosi-Ejirin, Epe Recreation centre and Ogunmodede among others.

    Results are being awaited.

  • Festive mood in Epe as Kayokayo festival kicks off

    The rustic town of Epe, Lagos State is in festive mood as the 2018 edition of the popular Kayokayo Festival kicks off on Friday

    The festival, described by the Baameto of Epe and coordinator of the committee in charge of the event this year, Alhaji Alhaji Saliu Okulu, as a celebration of the religious, cultural and social aspects of Epe Kingdom will end on Saturday.

    Speaking with journalists, Oba (Dr) Shefiu Olatunji Adewale, Olu Epe of Epe Kingdom, said Epe is made up of two communities; the Ijebu and Eko communities that have always been at peace with each other.

    With his side being of the Eko community, he said the Kayokayo festival is based on the celebration of the coming of King Kosoko to Epe in 1851.

    According to the monarch, Epe, which incidentally is the hometown of Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, aims to use the socio-cultural event to position the town as a tourism hub.

    While stating that the  religious aspect tends towards heralding the New Islamic Year with 1st Hijra calendar Muharram, he said the cultural dimension commemorates King Kosoko’s landing in Epe just as the social aspect is about celebrating communal bonding by making and sharing abundant food to all.

    According to the committee, among dignitaries expected to grace the occasion on Saturday which is the D-day are; Governor Ambode, Otunba Gani Adams, the Aare Oona Kakanfo of Yoruba; Dr. Abiola Dosunmu, Erelu of Lagos, traditional rulers in the state as well as music stars including Malaika, Queen Salawa Abeni and Sugar Boy.

    Among sites to be visited during the festival is the house occupied by Divisional Officers (colonial masters), King Kosoko’s disembarking point and boat in 1851 where a giant Etufu (traditional torch) will be lit and left to last for seven days.

    Also speaking at the briefing, Otunba Tajudeen Abass, the Aremo of Epeland, stated that over 50,000 indigenes and non-indigenes are expected to participate in the festival this year, stating that Epe is gradually becoming a centre of attraction as there are now over 20 hotels in the town, all fully booked for the festival as opposed to before when there were only two hotels in the whole of the town.

    Reacting to why most activities of the event seem about Islam, the organisers said everyone is expected to take part irrespective of religious or social leaning.

    However, they made it known that about 95% of people living in Epe community are Muslims, brought about mainly by the coming from Lagos of King Kosoko who was the patron of the Lagos Muslin community before coming to Epe.

  • Dismissed Lance Corporals, others held for lorry ‘hijack’

    Two dismissed Lance Corporals, a fake soldier and two others have been arrested by the police in Lagos for allegedly hijacking a vegetable oil laden truck at Epe.

    The suspects, Akintola Abiodun of the Nigerian Air Force (13NAF/89/8811), Moses Johnson of the army (13NA/69/8811), Monday Ayele, 42, Esowanne Emeka, 30, and the fake soldier Osegbu Chidi, 30, were paraded on Wednesday  by Police Commissioner Imohimi Edgal.

    According to Edgal, the suspects were notorious highway armed robbers, who specialised in intercepting, diverting lorries in that axis.

    He said the command had received several complaints from victims of military men hijacking vehicles carrying goods, adding that with the arrest of the suspects, it has been established that the perpetrators of the crime were criminals impersonating the military.

    Edgal said the suspects were arrested on Sunday night after they hijacked a Sterling truck with registration number LSR266XW carrying vegetable oil worth N13,250,000 million.

    He said: “They stopped the Kano State bound truck close to Ijebu Ode and pushed the conductor and the driver out of the vehicle. However, as the duo were trekking towards Epe, Lagos, they came across a policeman and narrated their ordeal to him.

    “The policeman immediately contacted some of the police stations along the route taken by the robbers. At about 10:30pm, policemen on stop and search duty, saw the truck coming and intercepted it. In the process, Ayele and Emeka were arrested.

    “During interrogation, they mentioned the others as part of those who hijacked the truck.

    “The truck and the goods were recovered intact and all the suspects have been identified by the victims. Suspects will be charged to court at the conclusion of investigation.”

    However, the ex-personnel, who were dismissed for allegedly aiding Boko Haram and riotous behaviour, denied involvement in the hijack.

    They claimed they were only invited by one Oloja for escort duty. While Johnson said he was promised N10,000 to escort the truck, Abiodun disclosed that his fee was N20,000.

    Admitting it was wrong to have worn military camouflage years after they had been dismissed, the duo said they usually used the attire for escort duties so as to get money to feed.

    Narrating how his truck was hijacked, the driver, Rabiu Kazeem said: “I saw a hilux with amber light. It flagged me down and I saw some men with soldiers uniform. I stopped and they told me to get down. I asked them what I have done but they brought out their gun.

    Read Also: Man breaks into shop, steals N180,000 goods

    “My conductor jumped into the bush. Since I was alone, I could not do much. I stepped down but I didn’t  go far. I sat on an iron underneath the vehicle and clung to its arm rest because I wanted to know where they were taking the truck to.

    “But one of them who was on a bike saw me. I did not know he was their member. He told me to come down that he will help me pursue them, that it was dangerous for me to stay in that position.

    “I listened to him but instead of pursuing the truck, he became slow and so, I raised alarm. People in the community came out and I explained what happened, begged them to hold that man while I entered another vehicle to look for them.

    On our way to look for them, we saw Rapid Response Squad (RRS) patrol vehicle and informed them about what happened.

    “I am so grateful to the police for rescuing this truck and the product. If not, the owner would have sent me to jail that I sold his goods, whereas, it was armed robbers that took them.”

  • DPR seals 3 filling stations in Epe, Ibeju Lekki

    DPR seals 3 filling stations in Epe, Ibeju Lekki

    The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) on Wednesday sealed three filling stations in Ibeju-Lekki and Epe in Lagos State for allegedly hoarding and selling fuel above the approved pump price.

    Mr Igheghe Abel, Chief Mechanical Engineer of the Department, who led the team, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that two filling stations were sealed in Epe and one in Ibeju-Lekki.

    Abel said the stations were sealed for hoarding of products and selling petrol at N170 per litre which is above the official pump price.

    He accused TAS Nigeria Ltd in Epe of hoarding over 12,000 litres of petrol as at the time the DPR team visited the station, claiming its generator was faulty.

    “But we got information from motorists that they were selling at N170 per litre. When they got the wind that DPR was around, they stopped selling.

    “We have summoned them to our office in Lagos to come and tell the management why they are hoarding and selling above the official price.

    “The T.Tab Global Merchant in Epe pretended that it did not have the stock because nobody was around to answer us, but the motorists confirmed that it stopped selling because of our presence.

    “We have sealed the station as well, the dealer has been invited to our office,” he said.

    Meanwhile, the petrol attendants at the two stations told NAN that their generating sets were faulty.

    Abel said the attendants in NIPCO filling station at Kilometre 32, Ibeju-Lekki were selling petrol at N170 per litre when the team got to the station and it was sealed.

    The dealer of the station who identified himself as a monarch of a community said he bought the product from a third party depot at N165 per litre.

    “I don’t think what I am doing is bad, my people need the product, sealing the station cannot help us,” he said.

    NAN reports that some filling stations along Ibeju-Lekki Epe Road were without products.

    At PSG filling station along Epe Road, Austin Ibe, the operation manager, said the station had been out of stock since Nov.14.

    “We cannot afford to buy at the depots because they are not selling at ex-depot price of N133.28 per litre.

    “If we now decide to buy and sell above the pump price, DPR will seal the station.

    “This is the second month that we have been sleeping here. Government should help us so that the product can circulate,” he said. (NAN)

  • Lagos gives new lease of life to Epe roads

    Lagos gives new lease of life to Epe roads

    The Lagos State Government has begun the rehabilitation and upgrade of the second segment of the arterial/inner roads in Epe Local Government Area of the state.

    At a stakeholders’ meeting at the Michael Otedola College of Primary Education, Naforija, Epe, last week, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mr. Abiola Anifowoshe, said road is an integral part of the infrastructure development vision of the state government. He said with Epe Town and environs witnessing high influx of people and increased traffic as a result of industrial and commercial growth, the need for upgrading infrastructure in the area became inevitable. Already, marking of buildings that fall on the right of way and serving of statutory notices to such property owners had begun.

    According to Anifowoshe, the roads on completion, will improve road connectivity and cater for the expected traffic increase arising from industrial and commercial activities, adding that it will also eliminate potential traffic gridlock as well as enhance property value. He also revealed that the area would provide aesthetically pleasing environment that could make the area become a major transportation hub within the state as well as the adjoining states.

    “The project is in fulfilment of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s promise of rehabilitating all road networks in the state and ensuring even development across the state. I just want to implore our people to cooperate with the contractors and at the end, we will all enjoy the dividends of democracy,” he explained.

    Anifowoshe revealed that the ministry will establish a temporary office at Eredo area to receive any complaints from the residents. He, therefore, called on affected property owners who have titles such as building approval, certificate of occupancy or survey as well as a photograph of the affected building, to come forward with same for compensation.

    The Permanent Secretary Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, Mr. Olujimi Hotonu, said the scope of the project to include dual carriage road with a length of 13,000m and an average width of 19m, beginning from Ottin-Odomola – Poka- Mojoda (Boundary of Lagos/Ogun State) road. This segment would also include completion of the rehabilitation /upgrading of the 1,040m Prof Agbalajobi Road; Phase 1 of Aiyetoro Garage to Ita Opo Central Mosque. This will comprise asphalt surfacing with provision of drains, street lights service ducts.

    Hotonu, who was represented by an engineer in the ministry, Mr. Olanrewaju Daodu, further disclosed that the second segment would include rehabilitation of roads from Oke-Osho through Araga to Poka Junction on Epe – Ijebu Ode Road,  a dual carriageway with a length of 600m and an average width of 19m.

    The Aladesoyin of Naforija, Oba Babatunde Ogunlaja, while thanking the government for the project, advised residents and landowners to cooperate with the contractors and report any grievances to him personally, assuring that he will transmit same to the appropriate quarters. He charged the contractor to employ the residents and people in the area for the construction job.

    The Chairman, Eredo Local Council Development Area, Saliu Adeniyi, agreed with the Oba’s position and assured of the full cooperation of his administration on the project.

    The Epe roads project is being handled by Craneburg Construction Company Limited.

  • Group donates 300 WASSCE forms in Epe

    A socio-development Group, Epe Renaissance 2015, has donated 300 forms for November/December diet of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) to youths in all 30 wards in Epe.

    According to the group, the gesture was to complement the philanthropic efforts of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, who donated to social welfare institutions during his birthday.

    President of the Group, Mr Abiodun Muritala, said 10 forms were given to candidates in each ward.

    He expressed optimism that the intervention would increase the level of literacy of the indigenes and encourage indigent families to send their wards to school.

    Since the introduction of the scholarship, Muritala said over 800 youths from Epe had benefited from the gesture.

    The president implored the beneficiaries to put in their best into the exam, promising that group would offer scholarship to the best candidate in each local government and local council development area within the Division to further their education in the higher institution.

    He urged public-spirited individuals in the Division to volunteer their time to mentor and share knowledge with the youth outside the regular academic classes to augment what they were being taught in school.

  • Lagos’ new lease of life for Epe

    SIR: In every society, people clamour for development; a change from good to better and ultimately a secured and more prosperous society. Epe, a prominent town on the northern shore of Lagos State and a few kilometres away from Ikorodu is not an exception

    Historically, Epe has a chequered history as it was somehow involved in the British-Lagos diplomatic rows of the colonial era. The defeat of King Kosoko and subsequent expulsion from Lagos by the British army brought a new lease of life to Epe community.  The waterway was an available navigation resource that brought King Kosoko and his entourage on exile to Epe in1852. The aura and exploits associated with king Kosoko’s business exposure in Lagos was replicated in Epe. With Kosoko’s entourage of about 1,500 people and other European traders, the economic potentials of Epe received a great boost.

    Prior to this time, Epe was only lively on Fridays after indigenes (Ijebu- Epe) might have returned from their various fishing camps across the lagoon. However, the presence of Kosoko and his team of business associates brought about a great transformation to the town.  Consequently, the town originally noted for aqua culture and agriculture, gradually translated into a melting pot of commercial activities due to various external influences. This extended to neighbouring lagoon front community like Ejinrin, which played host to the first post office in Nigeria.

    In the sixties, especially shortly after independence, the searchlight of development was beamed on Epe. This was a period the industrialization policy of the defunct Action Group brought about positive change through the activities of ODUA investments.  Epe Boat Yard and Epe Plywood became a major investment of repute that scaled up economic fortunes of the historic town. Epe Plywood Industry became a major player in the business of high grade furniture that could compete with any foreign product.

    Interestingly, Epe Boat Yard, on the other hand, was responsible for high performing boat barges and yachts to mention a few. Sadly, the once thriving businesses eventually went into extinction due bad management. Epe Boat Yard may have died without any physical relic of its past existence, Epe plywood Industry, in the heart of the town, has remained a jungle of dangerous reptiles for over 20 years. The company that once contributed to the gross domestic products of Lagos collapsed to the advantage of Chinese furniture products which now penetrate the Nigerian local market.

    However, the advent of the current Akinwunmi Ambode administration has brought a new lease of life to Epe.  The searchlight of the Ambode administration into the non-oil revenue potentials of the state has driven the government to identify the serene and alluring tourism opportunities that abound in Epe. With a number of historic landmarks such as the first ever post office in Nigeria, the second oldest seaport in Nigeria, the first comprehensive college in the state, the second police station in Nigeria among others, the tourism  prospect of Epe is being enhanced .

    It is in order to further develop tourism activities in Epe that the state government redesigned and restructured the old VIP chalet built by the Jakande administration into a luxurious 72-room tastefully furnished apartment. The chalet boasts of a swimming pool, bar, tennis court, football field and gymnasium.

    Additionally, current massive reclamation of the lagoon along Epe Marina is a project that cannot be ignored.  Fashioned after the Dubai Marina, there could not have been a better location than the historic site which was the trading cluster for King Kosoko among the Portuguese, Lever Brothers, UAC, who were prominent in produce buying during the colonial era. The project is planned to provide infrastructure such as Civic Centre for special purposes, food venues, museum, Aquarium, Boat club/services, Dock Amusement and other interesting fun spots. All these are expected to stimulate investors’ interest and direct their attention to the Epe axis.

    Thus, it could be rightly affirmed that Epe, the stone which the builders once rejected has now become the chief cornerstone. It now behoves on investors, tourists and residents to take advantage of this new development.

     

    • Bolaji Odumade,

    Lagos State Ministry of Information & Strategy, Alausa Ikeja.

  • Revealed: INSIDE STORY of abducted Lagos pupils’ rescue

    Revealed: INSIDE STORY of abducted Lagos pupils’ rescue

    DAYS after the six abducted students of Lagos State Model College, Igbonla, in Epe area of the state regained their freedom, facts have emerged about the true circumstances of their release. Addressing the media after the pupils regained their freedom penultimate Friday, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Fatai Owoseni, had claimed that the pupils were rescued by policemen, adding that no fewer than 20 suspected kidnappers were killed during a gun battle with the criminal elements.

    However, a senior security source privy to how the schoolboys’ freedom was secured has revealed that the pupils were released by the kidnappers to the Ondo State Government after intense negotiation with them.

    It will be recalled that the six pupils were kidnapped by suspected militants on May 25, 2017, who kept them for 65 days before they were released.

    A few hours after the news broke on July 28, 2017 that the pupils’ freedom had been secured, Owoseni addressed a late night press conference with information that his men played the most significant role in securing the pupils’ release.

    It was gathered that Owoseni did not mention the role played by Ondo and Delta states, led by the deputy governors of the two states, Mr. Agboola Ajayi and Mr. Kingsley Burutu Otuaro respectively, let alone credit them with risking their lives to ensure that the pupils were reunited with their parents.

    Owoseni had said: “The militants, during the encounter, also tried to steal some police and naval gunboats. On the 18th of July, the kidnappers tried to ambush the police and marine post in one of the communities in Ondo State and take the gunboat.

    “The attack was led by the kingpin within that axis, Bright Dabo Adeniye and Oniwe Iyelabi, popularly called America, were killed.

    “Adeniye, who led the abduction and his 16-gang members were the first group to meet their waterloo during encounter with our men. Iyelabi, popularly called America, died during the encounter with the police.

    “In order to achieve swift rescue, we engaged some of the parents, and in the process, we engaged some psychologists who constantly gave us assurance.

    “That led to the Acting President, Yemi Osinbajo, reassuring the parents recently that the children would be rescued alive.”

    Owoseni’s narrative on the release of the schoolboys drew the ire of the senior security source, who described the CP’s account as self-serving, unbelievable and spurious.

    Although the state government has been silent on its role in the release of the kids, security sources praised the efforts of the Ondo State deputy governor and his team for staying for about four nights in the inclement weather of the creeks to persuade the kidnappers release the pupils.

    He said before the pupils were released, the militants contemplated releasing them and abducting the Deputy Governor for higher ransom until they negotiated amnesty with the state government. One of the militants was said to have suggested that the government could pay N2 billion as ransom if the school children were released and the deputy governor abducted.

    The source said that Ajayi and his Chief of Staff, Mr. Donald Ojogo, and an ex-militant, who was the link between the militants and the government, went into the creeks on the order of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN) to negotiate with the abductors on the release of the six pupils.

    Giving details on how Ajayi risked his life to enter the creeks in spite of security advice against it, the source said the Commander of the Forward Operational Base of the Navy insisted on escorting the team to the creeks with gunboat. But the militants had warned that they would kill the children if they saw any security personnel in company of the negotiation team.

    The Navy Commander said it would be suicidal for him to allow the number two citizen of the state to travel to the creeks without security details.

    The source said it was the assurance given by the deputy governor that made the Navy Commander to allow him to travel without any security escort. The Navy and the security details of the Deputy Governor had to stay at Igbokoda in Ilaje Local Government Area for the three-man team.

    The source said the team traveled for over five hours in the creeks before the militants appeared to them. He said it would have been suicidal if they had gone with security men as the militants encircled them when they got to the creeks between Ajakpa in Eseodo and Ugbonla in Ilaje.

    He, however, said the militants negotiated with Ajayi that they should include them in the amnesty programme of the Federal Government, before the school children were released to the government delegation.

    His word: “I want to tell you between man and God that no ransom was paid as far we are concerned here. I don’t know where the issue of fresh N5 million ransom came in.

    “The governor directed the deputy governor to go and meet with the boys (abductors) to talk to them. You know the deputy governor is from Eseodo Local Government, so he knows the terrain (the creeks). The deputy governor went into the creeks with one of his aides known as Donald Ojogo, without any security aide because the militants warned them not to come to them with security men. They said if they came with security, they would kill the pupils.

    “They also warned the government to evacuate all the gunboats of the navy and the police from the waterways in Lagos, Ogun and Ondo states.

    “They spoke with the Deputy Governor in pidgin English. They told him they were indigenes of Ondo State and they wanted to be included in the amnesty programme of the Federal Government.

    “They said if the government included them in its amnesty programme, they would drop their arms and leave the creeks. The government did not pay a dime as ransom. Anybody that is saying they paid is not being truthful. It was after their release that the security agencies were informed.

    “It got to a stage that the deputy governor gave himself up in exchange for the children. This was just after he was asked to raise up his hands in symbol of absolute surrender to the militants in their territory.”

    The source said the pupils had got used to their abductors during their stay in the creeks. He said one of the pupils had become a general and was referred to as General Saka, as he was the leader of the pupils in captivity.

    An impeccable source revealed to The Nation that the deputy governor of Delta State and his wife, who hails from the area, intervened to convince the abductors to drop their arms and release the kids.

    It will be recalled that the states in the South West had earlier met at a meeting in Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State, on Monday, July 24, 2017, to discuss matters of interest, including the worsening security issues in the zone.

    Rising from the meeting, the governors vowed to work together on security issues affecting the zone. The release of the boys, it was gathered, was a fallout of the meeting.

    Contacted, the Lagos State Police spokesman, Olarinde Famous-Cole insisted that the police were fully involved in the rescue operation.

    He said: “From inception till their release, we were involved and we are glad we got them back to their families.”

  • Jubilee Chalet boosts tourism in Epe

    Jubilee Chalet boosts tourism in Epe

    The old Government VIP chalet neglected for years has been transformed into a cozy resort by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode to boost tourism in Epe, reports Assistant Editor (Arts) Ozolua Uhakheme

    The old neglected Government VIP Chalet, Epe, built by the Alhaji Lateef Jakande administration in Lagos State has been transformed by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s administration into a modern tourist destination offering unique experience for relaxation, meetings and events, among other leisure  activities.

    Last Thursday, the newly reconstructed facility, Jubilee Chalet, now a cozy resort built in a serene lagoon view and secured environment was inaugurated by Ambode.

    The event was witnessed by top notch guests, including party leaders, members of the House of Assembly, members of the diplomatic corp and other stakeholders in the hospitality industry.

    Located in the heart of the community, the Jubilee Chalet presents a perfect blend of comfort and relaxation in a natural habitat operated on international best practices.

    The facility, built by the state government has a 72-room capacity with four executive suites, an ultra-modern conference hall, a large meeting room that can sit more than 100 guests as well as a modern restaurant.

    It also boasts of a standard swimming pool, tennis court, football field, gymnasium, a bar and a party area.

    Speaking at the inauguration of the facility, Ambode said his administration thought it wise to expand the old Government VIP Chalet built by the Jakande administration, in line with its objective to strategically reposition the town to take maximum advantage of the economic benefits from the huge investment activities in and around the Lekki Free Trade Zone.

    He said beyond Jubilee Chalet, his administration was taking deliberate actions to promote tourism, leisure and recreation, including the construction and upgrading of road projects in Epe, adding that ongoing Epe Marina project would soon wear a new look.

    “As we are changing the face of Epe, we are doing the same thing in Badagry in a twin-pronged approach to promote tourism in the State. The Government VIP Chalets in Badagry is currently being rehabilitated and will be inaugurated early next year. Work is also going on at the Badagry Marina to prepare it for the investors and tourists that the Badagry Deep Sea port will attract,” the Governor said.

    Ambode also said aside enhancing the tourism potential of the Epe axis, the facility would provide employment opportunities for different categories of individuals and companies, boost economic activities in the community, as well as generate additional revenue into the state’s coffers.

    “The Jubilee Chalet and Epe town are ready for you. This facility is not only for tourists but also for corporate institutions looking for a serene location for their retreats and all Nigerians looking for vacation spots within the country. I assure you all that this facility will deliver services that will surpass your expectations and someday be ranked among the best hospitality properties in Africa,” he said.

    To ensure the smooth running and maintenance of the facility, the Governor said the facility would be managed by MP Hotels, an internationally acclaimed firm in the hospitality industry that will be charged to deliver world-class services and create wealth for the state and all stakeholders.

    MP Hotels Managing Director Bruce Prins said the concept behind the establishment of the Chalets was far-reaching and the benefits could not be over-emphasized.

    “I think it is a very good thing that the government is investing first of all in hospitality industry and infrastructure development for its people because building is something that creates job opportunities and it contributes to the economy, especially to Epe as a town because contrary to popular believe, Epe is larger than people think it is but yet it has the rural distinctiveness that makes it very nice for relaxing,” Prins said.

    For Prins, the beautiful view of the lagoon also adds to the aesthetics of the facility and gives guests the opportunity to savour the aquatic splendour that abounds in Epe.

    “As a result, the Chalet can attract both leisure by individual people who wants to get away from the busy life at the city or it can also attract companies who want to do small retreat. We basically categorise this Chalet as a mid-level or mid-scale hotel and with that, it is more affordable for majority of companies and individual people. It has elements of luxury but is affordable,” he said.

    Prins is also confident that the mere fact that the facility is located close to the waterfront with the amazing view would be a major selling point and a point for consideration by guests who would crave for more than just a roof over their head.

    In his words: “The facility is very serene and it is unlike living on the island which is very noisy and very hectic. Here is relatively calm and once the waterfront project ongoing is completed, the waterfront visitors will also like to come here.

    “Epe is outside of Lagos and it’s a quiet place. So, what we are selling is the experience that people will have with us when they visit us at Jubilee Chalet, Epe. It’s a serene environment with natural features.”

    Aside the facilities at the Chalet, there is also a water fountain, good road network and expansive packing areas within the premises of the Chalets, while effective security arrangement has also been made to guarantee safety of guests.

    The Jubilee Chalet, Epe, according to the state government is just one out of several models to be built across the state as it intends to build such facilities in other locations.

    With the Jubilee Chalet now open for business, visitors and tourists alike now have a viable alternative for a one-stop relaxation centre that would provide a luxury treat, home away from home and a unique experience in a natural habitat.

    Interestingly, Epe, an ancient town located within the Lagos East Senatorial District is endowed with rich history and huge economic and tourism potentials dating back to the colonial era in Nigeria.

    Part of its rich history is the fact that it houses a host of historic landmarks, including the first ever post-office in Nigeria, the second oldest sea port in Nigeria, the second police station in the country, the first comprehensive college in Lagos state, among others.

    Epe over the years has also maintained its natural endowment. However, the full potentials of the coastal community had in the past decade remained untapped and largely unexploited.

    But in the last two years, the once sleepy town is buzzing and bubbling again. Since Governor AkinwunmiAmbode assumed office on May 29, 2015, Epe, like many  communities in the state, has benefited from the development strides of the government.

    From road rehabilitation and construction to upgrade of healthcare facilities as well as the Light Up Lagos initiative, Epe is fast becoming the new construction site.There is also the ongoing massive Lagoon reclamation under the Epe Marina project, which is fashioned after the Dubai Marina, and the primary goal is to facilitate the development of the area and give a quantum leap to the tourism potential of the state.

    But Ambode, who hails from Epe, tells anyone who cares to listen that the infrastructural renewal drive  ongoing in Epe has only  started. With the series of ongoing projects, Epe is fast emerging as the new haven for investors and tourists alike.

    With its proximity to Lekki, where the Free Trade Zone housing the ongoing Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical Projects, the Lekki Deep Sea Port and the Lekki International Airport, among other multifaceted projects, the corridor is set to welcome thousands of visitors for business and pleasure and on the long run, portends greater prosperity for Epe residents and its environs.