Group photograph of Ekorians with Aremo Adesegun Oniru (Centre) during the condolence visit to the Oniru Family by EKOBA
The Eko Boys High School Old Boys Association (EKOBA) has enjoined the Lagos State Government under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to take steps to immortalize the Late Oba, Idowu Abiodun Oniru of Iruland, for his sterling contributions to the ongoing development of the State as a mega city.
National President of the Association, Ekorian Rilwan ‘Bola Fashina made the call during a condolence visit of the Association to the Oniru family last week in Lagos.
The late monarch was an active member of EKOBA in lifetime.
Ekorian Rilwan Fashina (standing) presenting the EKOBA condolence message to the Oniru family while Ekorian Alhaji Gbolahan Solabi sits to his left
Ekorian Fashina noted that the late Oba’s legacies in the development of the over 700 hectares of land at Maroko now known as Iruland which comprises Victoria Island and its environs, perfectly complements the emerging mega city status of Lagos State as the Centre of commerce and excellence in Nigeria.
He added that the Oniru Royal Family Private Estate under the Late Royal Majesty’s rule has evolved into a modern, beautiful inner city of its own which has attracted banks, international public and private establishments, one of the best private schools in Nigeria, a vibrant international shopping complex, some of the best hotels in Nigeria, in addition to Fire and Police Stations, traditional market centre, modern medical facilities, petrol stations, workshop centres to mention but a few.
All of these establishments according to him, have continued to generate employment, create wealth and reduce poverty for thousands of Nigerians in support of the Nation’s economic advancement.
The EKOBA President also extolled the Late Royal Majesty’s dexterous and democratic management of men and materials which formed the pivot of his leadership style that is evident in the rapid physical development of Iruland today with peace, tranquility and sanctity of the environment under which the Iru Royal Family Private Estate and Iruland in general has continued to flourish.
On Late Oba Oniru’s contributions to his Alma Mater, Fashina stated that the EKOBA Alumni association take great pride in having the King as one of them during his most eventful and impactful lifetime, pointing at his many positive and inspiring traits such as humility, milk of human kindness, selflessness, concern for the welfare of his friends and associates as well as philanthropy.
The Late Oniru was said to be supportive of all the efforts leading to the allocation of the large parcel of land at Abijo corridor for the development of a modern day new site for Eko Boys High School by the Lagos State Government and the planned relocation of the school back to the Island, according to Fashina
He contributed actively, morally and financially to the development and sustenance of Klub E’ 61, of which he was a very notable member, the National Association and many EKOBA Service Clubs, Fashina said.
In his response to the Old Boys Association, the Aremo, Prince Adesegun Oniru acknowledged the great comradeship that his late father enjoyed with members of EKOBA as well as his passion for the school as the first indigenous, non-denominational, private secondary school in Nigeria.
He pledged the commitment of the Oniru Royal Family to sustaining and building on the legacies of Late Oba Idowu Abiodun Oniru.