Ambode celebrates founding fathers of Lagos with fish statue

Lagos State governor Akinwunmi Ambode has promised to continue the implementation of policies and programs with direct impact on every Lagosian without bias for gender, ethnic or religious inclination. The Governor said this informed the creation of aesthetic works of art and its deployment at strategic locations across the State with added value to our environment.

Speaking at the unveiling of The Fish statue at Lekki-Epe Junction in Epe Local Council, Ambode, who was represented by his Special Adviser on tourism, arts and culture Hon. Adebimpe Akinsola, said the iconic statue is a symbolic expression that celebrate the traditional disposition of the founding fathers of Epe as a generic community of fishermen primarily because of its proximity to the lagoon.

According to him, “The Fish statue is a celebration of the communal economic activities which revolve the vast potentials available in the coastal area including fishing, marine transportation and job opportunities.”

The Governor, however, enjoined the Epe community to protect the monument and other infrastructure provided his administration to enhance the socio-economic opportunities available in the area. He also encouraged all Lagosians to improve on their tax obligation compliance.

Earlier in his remark, Hon. Doyin Adesanya, Chairman of Epe Local Council, said the siting of the monument at the Lekki- Epe T- junction does not only signifies that Epe the is fish basket of the State but also of the nation as a whole, stressing that anyone in need of fresh fish for occasions thinks of coming to Epe before considering any other place. He pledged that the people of Epe would remain grateful to His Excellency for the development going on in Epe.

Bale Olorunju, who represented the Sculptor, Mr. Hamza Attah, in his narrative of the artwork, said the monument depicts modern Epe as the collecting point for the export of fish in Lagos, fishing is the major occupation of the people in Epeland. The sculptural work associates the community with the fish that put Epe on the global Map. According to him, ‘in Epe we celebrate fish, this is our pride’.

Among other dignitaries at the commissioning are High Chief Yinka Tobun, Chairman Epe Community Development Committee (CDC), Hon. Sherfat Haruna, Leader of the Epe Council, Otunba Kehinde Adeniyi , APC Chairman, Epe Local Government, Directors and top management staff of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, members of the A-plus Disciples, market leader and Artisans.