The open field area of Maternity Health Centre, Agege was filled to its capacity yesterday as sons and daughters of Agege Local Government Area and Orile Agege Local Council Development Area from all walks of life, rolled out drums to rejoice at the 2017 Sallah Get-Together gig organised by Lagos State Government in collaboration with the two councils.
As part of the state government's inclusive initiative, the Ileya fiesta was a moment of merrymaking targeted towards bringing the people under one umbrella in order to dine and wine with government, simultaneously across the coastal state.
Speaking at the event, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode who was ably represented by Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Babatunde Samuel Adejare, said the annual celebration signifies the triumph of faith and the assurance that Almighty Allah will always open a way for those who have absolute trust in His grace.
"It is a day of sacrifice to commemorate Prophet Ibrahim's faith in Allah. It is however, very important for all of us to play our own part as Prophet Ibrahim did many centuries ago", said Ambode.
Ambode stressed that his administration will ensure that dividend of good governance is evenly and fairly distributed in line with his pledge not to leave any part of the state behind.
According to the Commissioner, Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs, Hon. Muslim Folami, the Ambode led administration has been an impactful one. "We want you to support the governor and his team in order to take Lagos to a greater height and to also deliver the dividends of democracy at the grassroot level."
On his part, Chairman of Agege LGA, Hon. Ganiyu Kola Egunjobi appreciated the gathering for holding firm to the pillar of unity and religious tolerance. He admonished them to keep their environment clean and safe for healthy living. He encouraged them to take good care of their children and try to engage them gainfully at the free vocational centre provided by the council.
While delivering his speech, Chairman of Orile Agege LCDA, Hon. Johnson Sunday Babatunde made it known that Agege and Orile Agege Muslim and Christian Community have been enjoying peaceful co-existence adding that his administration would continue to preach peace for greater Agege LGA and Orile Agege LCDA.
Like the previous year, Islamic Quiz and Quran competitions were held as part of the activities marking the event. Abdullah Rasaq emerged 1st while Fathia Olayemi and Ismail Nusayba took the 2nd and 3rd position respectively in the Quiz competition. Also, Keshinro Abubakar came 1st, Sofia Ajala emerged 2nd and Animashaun Raman picked the 3rd prize in the in the Quranic Competition.
Apart from the exquisite delicacies and assorted drinks provided in abundance for the people at the event, there were various Islamic singers on the band stand ditching out songs with their sonorous voices. Also, the gathering provided avenue for the grassroot to mingle with the political class. Moreover, there was high level of networking and exchange of ideas among the people.
