How Epe Division can be an industrial hub, by Dada

• ‘We want to honour our leaders while alive and not after their passage’

Chief Olayemi Dada, a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), is the President of Epe Club. He spoke with Emmanuel Oladesu and Chinyere Okoroafor in Lagos on the challenges confronting Epe Division, the aspirations of the people for development and why the organisation is honouring the All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart, divisional leader and Apase of Epeland, Chief Shakiru Akanni Seriki-Bamu, at a reception in Lagos next week.

What is the place of the Epe Division in the development of Lagos State?

The Epe Division is very vital to the development of Lagos State. Out of the five divisions in the state, Epe stands out because of its unique features. First, it is largely surrounded by water, giving it a strong aquatic advantage. It is also close to the commercial nerve centre of Lagos and sits at the end of the Lekki Peninsula. In addition, Epe is home to some of the most vibrant indigenes in Lagos State. Historically, Epe was the education hub of the state. That is why many of the early Commissioners for Education in Lagos State were from Epe. This reflects the presence of a highly educated and enlightened elite. Today, Epe Division hosts major developments such as the Dangote Refinery, the seaport and deep seaport projects, as well as several other ongoing investments. The Federal University and the Federal Medical Centre are also located within the division. Clearly, Epe Division is central to the present and future growth of Lagos State.

Epe is becoming more urbanised. What are the challenges confronting the environment?

One of the most obvious challenges is insecurity. Another major issue is infrastructure development, which is not keeping pace with the rapid growth in the division. There is also a significant population surge, as many people are relocating from the Lagos metropolis to Epe. Unfortunately, amenities have not grown at the same rate as the population. Power supply is another major challenge. For any area to develop industrially and economically, stable power is crucial. From what we have gathered, the Lagos State Government is looking into this issue very critically, and we have received assurances that solutions are on the way. Power remains one of the most pressing challenges facing the Epe Division.

We believe the government alone cannot solve all these problems. What are indigenes doing to help?

The government alone cannot solve all problems. In fact, the government itself is made up of people, which means we must all take part in addressing these challenges. Several clubs, associations, and groups are actively complementing government efforts. For instance, the Premier Club of Epe Division intervenes in areas such as health, security, communal issues, and even economic development. In the past, committees were set up to develop a blueprint for the economic growth of Epe. Various groups and individuals have also come together to form advisory bodies and pressure groups that engage the government constructively. Among these, Epe Club has emerged as the champion of many supportive and developmental initiatives across the division.

How are leading figures fostering peace and harmony in a town known for having multiple traditional rulers?

The Epe Division has many traditional rulers, and their coexistence has spanned decades. The monarchs crowned from the two sides of Epe town are prominent members of the Epe Club. This provides a strong platform for dialogue. At different levels, there are forums where issues of peaceful coexistence and security are discussed collectively. There has never been a problem arising from the presence of two monarchs. This is largely because Epe town has distinct cultural and historical backgrounds, which explain the existence of the two traditional institutions. At the highest level, both monarchs come together and work peacefully for the good of the community.

Is Epe Club restricted to Epe town, or does it cover the entire division?

Epe Division stretches from Abijo in Ibeju-Lekki to Agbowa towards Ikorodu, extends to the Lekki Free Zone, and ends at Ise, which is the boundary between Lagos and Ogun states. Prominent individuals from all these areas are members of the Epe Club.

In fact, all the monarchs from these communities are patrons of the Epe Club. The club has a unique way of bringing everyone together across the division. For example, I am from Eredo LCDA in Epe Division, I live in Ibeju-Lekki, and I am the president of Epe Club. Even if I later live in Agbowa Ikosi, I would remain active and relevant within the division. This inclusive structure makes it easier to spread supportive programmes and intervene in critical issues such as security, communal disputes, health, and economic development. Epe Club has also been awarding bursaries to indigent students across the entire division for many years, covering students in universities and other tertiary institutions nationwide.

This is how Epe Club is structured, and we remain grateful to our forebears for establishing it on such a solid and inclusive foundation.

How is the association interfacing with the political class to attract more dividends of democracy to the people?

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We regularly organise interactive sessions where political office holders and government representatives visit the club to brief us on their plans and programmes. During these engagements, they outline what they intend to do as part of the ruling government, and we, in turn, share the aspirations and needs of our people, which we expect them to push within government. Our relationship with political leaders is very close. For instance, members of the Lagos State House of Assembly visit Epe Club almost every weekend, not just formally but also socially. We have structured programmes called interactive sessions. At our last meeting, we invited all chairmen of local governments and LCDAs within the division to engage with us. Before that, a commissioner also visited to discuss pressing issues affecting the division, explain government plans, and receive direct feedback from the community. This relationship is built on accountability. During election seasons, those who perform well are openly acknowledged and supported, while those who do not deliver are also told plainly. Through our grassroots membership, feedback travels quickly. When a representative is doing well, the people say so; when they are not, questions are raised. This transparency has sustained both the credibility of the club and its relationship with the government.

Can you shed light on the Club’s recruitment process, especially regarding youth inclusion? Is it only for retirees or established elites?

The club is not restricted to retirees or only highly placed individuals. When it comes to recruitment into public service or private-sector opportunities, once we identify openings through our members who occupy strategic positions, we use our grassroots network to disseminate the information across communities. When government agencies or private organisations provide criteria for recruitment, we circulate them widely within the division and collate feedback. Importantly, beneficiaries do not have to be members of the club, nor children of members. Our priority is fairness and community impact. In fact, integrity is key. If we discover that a candidate already has sufficient family support or privilege, we may deliberately remove such a name to give others a fair chance. This principle has helped the club maintain its credibility over the years. The only major requirement is that beneficiaries must be indigenes of the division. Once that is established, we push their cases strongly, and the success rate has been remarkably high.

Why is the club celebrating its elder statesmen now, and what is the significance of this event?

This celebration marks a deliberate shift in narrative. Previously, many of our elderly members were celebrated only after they had passed on. We felt it was time to honour our founding fathers while they are still alive.

This is the first celebration of its kind, and *Baba Bamu* is the first person we recognize under this new approach. Going forward, we plan to hold such celebrations at least once or twice a year. It will not be limited to age alone; members who have made outstanding contributions to the club and the division will also be honoured.

*Baba Bamu’s* impact cuts across politics, community development, and the economy. Almost everyone in the Epe Division can point to one way or another in which he has touched their lives. Whether it is facilitating industrial investment, mediating with the government, or guiding traditional leadership processes, he is known for speaking truth and standing for integrity. This is why people from diverse sectors and industries will gather to celebrate him.

How can Epe Division emerge as an industrial hub?

Epe Division is already on the path to becoming a major industrial hub in Lagos State. In the past, it sat somewhere between an industrial corridor and a residential zone. Today, its strategic location has positioned it clearly for industrial growth.

We now have critical infrastructure taking shape, the Lekki Free Zone, a proposed airport, and a rail line extending towards the axis. These are the foundations required for industrial expansion.

What is needed now is for indigenes of Epe Division, especially those running businesses outside the area, to return and take advantage of these opportunities. The government has provided infrastructure; our role as a club is to sensitise our people to these developments and encourage them to invest at home.

We are also engaging the government through our members in strategic positions to advocate incentives for indigenous investors, such as tax reliefs and reduced levies, to help businesses stabilise before heavy taxation sets in. This approach will encourage more participation and sustainable growth.

How are you engaging the Diaspora to contribute to development in the division?

Through Epe Club, we have strong connections with our members and indigenes in the diaspora, particularly in the United States and the United Kingdom. Many of them remain actively involved in the club’s activities. We understand their concerns, especially around security and the business environment. However, we lead by example. Many of us are running successful private businesses locally without intimidation or threats, and we showcase this reality to them.

During the recent Christmas and New Year period, several diaspora members visited and spent time at the club. Some are still around and will attend the upcoming celebration. At the club level, we continue to demonstrate that the environment is viable and that they, too, can thrive if they return.

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What is your development outlook for the next five years?

The government has a clear master plan, and while development projections often span 20 to 50 years, even within five years, Epe Division will experience a remarkable transformation. The government’s role is to provide infrastructure and create an enabling environment for businesses. Already, we are seeing rapid land acquisition, particularly for residential estates. While some worry that this is reducing land available for industry, estates themselves are part of economic development. Housing is essential for the growing population that industrialisation attracts. In five years, Epe will not only be an industrial zone but also a well-balanced environment where industries, housing, and commercial activities coexist. The division will look vastly different, more organised, more developed, and more economically vibrant.