Surulere LG Flags Off Activities to Mark Lere Day 2024, Vows to Sustain Its Heritage and Enviable Lifestyle

The Chairman of Surulere Local Government, Sulaimon Bamidele Yusuf, is optimistic that this year’s Lere Day celebrations will provide a platform for residents to engage in brisk business and boost the socio-economic development of the area.

He also said that the event will further showcase the long-standing heritage and enviable lifestyle of Surulere, transcending diverse cultures, ethnicities, political affiliations, and religious backgrounds.

The Council Chairman expressed this optimism during the media briefing and unveiling of the logo to flag off the Lere Day 2024 celebrations, which is the second edition held at Oluremi Tinubu Hall within the council’s secretariat.

He explained that Lere Day 2024 will reunite Surulerians from far and near, along with friends, associates, and even those in the diaspora, under one roof.

The council boss was confident that Lere Day would soon become a household name, akin to the Ojude Oba Day, Calabar Carnival, Durbar celebrations in the North, and the Notting Hill Carnival in London. He added that the goal is to sustain it and pass it on to future generations.

Sulaimon Bamidele Yusuf told the gathering that it gladdens his heart to know that the residents are united, adding that Surulere stands tall as home or passage for many prominent Nigerians, including the current President, Bola Tinubu, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, former Minister for Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Ademola Adeleke, former Governor Donald Duke, and the Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila. The area is also home to major sporting facilities in the country.

The Chairman of the Planning Committee for Lere Day 2024, Tayo Gbajabiamila, pointed out that Surulere leads while others follow in many respects, adding that it is the envy of all and has what it takes to make this celebration a memorable one.

She emphasized that the rich heritage for which Surulere is known must be enhanced and sustained.

Also speaking at the event, the lawmaker representing Surulere Constituency 1 in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Desmond Elliot, disclosed that communal living thrives in Surulere, as all tribes in the country live and do business in the area.

He noted that Surulere is symbolic to Nigeria and beyond, serving as a hub for sports and entertainment. He commended the organizing committee for their vision and the council for embracing the project.

The lawmaker declared the full support of the House of Assembly for Lere Day and urged all residents to come out in large numbers and have fun during the 5-day event.

On his part, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism, Idris Aregbe, expressed his commitment to always giving Surulere the best.

He described Surulere as a home for beauty, talents, fashion, arts, and culture, where every venture blossoms.

Speaking on security plans for the event, the DPO of Bode Thomas Police Station vowed to ensure adequate security throughout the entire program.

According to him, the new State Commissioner of Police, Ishola Olawale, has ordered his men to ensure that crime is reduced to the barest minimum in the metropolis.

The DPO also urged residents to swiftly report to the police whenever their phones go missing, adding that failure to do so could result in more trouble.

Some of the activities lined up for the 5-day event, which runs from December 10th to 15th, include a symposium, trade fair, talent hunt, old school day for the elderly at Eric Moore, fashion fair, Fanti carnival, and an awards night where prominent personalities from Surulere will be honored.