𝐏𝐎𝐋𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐂𝐀𝐋 𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐄𝐑𝐒, 𝐅𝐀𝐌𝐈𝐋𝐘, 𝐀𝐒𝐒𝐎𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐒 𝐂𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐁𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐄 𝐋𝐄𝐆𝐀𝐂𝐘 𝐎𝐅 𝐋𝐀𝐓𝐄 𝐀𝐏𝐀𝐏𝐀 𝐂𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐂𝐈𝐋 𝐁𝐎𝐒𝐒, 𝐇𝐎𝐍. 𝐍𝐔𝐑𝐔𝐃𝐄𝐄𝐍 𝐒𝐀𝐊𝐀 𝐀𝐓 𝟏𝟓𝐭𝐡 𝐌𝐄𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐈𝐀𝐋⁣

 

By Kayode Olopade 

Political leaders, family members, associates and admirers on Tuesday gathered in Apapa to celebrate the enduring legacy of the 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐄𝐱𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐩𝐚𝐩𝐚 𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐥, 𝐀𝐥𝐡𝐚𝐣𝐢 𝐍𝐮𝐫𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐒𝐚𝐤𝐚, during activities marking the 15th anniversary of his passing.⁣

The commemorative event, held at the frontage of his residence along Iganmu Road, Sari, attracted prominent political figures from within and outside Apapa, as well as several protégés who identified themselves as products of his political school of thought.⁣

The Executive Chairman of Apapa-Iganmu Local Council Development Area (LCDA), 𝐇𝐨𝐧. 𝐉𝐢𝐦𝐨𝐡 𝐎𝐥𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐥𝐞 𝐒𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐮, who once served as the late Saka's Personal Assistant, hosted the event and warmly welcomed guests, describing the memorial as a fitting tribute to a leader whose impact continues to resonate across the political landscape.⁣

Among the dignitaries in attendance were Alhaji Moshood Tijani (popularly known as Govy), Alhaji Tunde Balogun, a member of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) and former Vice Chairman to the late council boss; former House of Representatives members Hon. Isiaka Lawal and Hon. Adewale Babatunde Jimoh; former Chairman of Ajeromi-Ifelodun LCDA, Hon. Fatai Ajidagba; Vice Chairman of Apapa-Iganmu LCDA, Hon. Chief Mrs. Fadekemi Otitonaye, APC Apex Leader in Apapa-Iganmu LCDA, Alhaji Moruf Gbadamosi Ojora; Chief Shamsondeen Ogunkoya, the Ajagungbade of Ibeju-Lekki; APC Apapa-Iganmu Chairman, Dr. Fabiyi Olabanji; Hon. Abdulateef Isah (Aloba), among others.⁣

Also present were several political associates mentored by the late council chairman, which include Hon. Olawepo Kayode,Hon. Dele Olufemi, Hon. Shuaib Olanrewaju Razak, Hon. Yomi Onakoya Williams, Hon. Olugbenga Ogunbiyi and Alhaji Kawu amongst others.⁣

In a chat on the sideline of the event , Alhaji Moshood Tijani described the late Saka as an exceptional leader, a complete gentleman and a God-fearing man whose life remains worthy of emulation.⁣

"Alhaji Nurudeen Saka was a fantastic leader with a large heart. He was a complete gentleman and a man of God. As a leader, he lived a life that others should emulate," Tijani said.⁣

He also commended Hon. Jimoh for sustaining the memory of his former principal through the annual posthumous celebration.⁣

In his remarks, Alhaji Tunde Balogun recalled Saka's remarkable achievements during his brief tenure in office, describing him as an active, visionary and highly popular politician.⁣

According to him, the late chairman spearheaded several developmental projects, including the construction of the first administrative building for the local government.⁣

"He was a great politician and very popular, which earned him the nickname 'Saka l'oni Wharf.' He was active, visionary and recorded numerous achievements within a short period in office. He built the first administrative building, and none of his successors has been able to match those accomplishments," Balogun stated.⁣

Similarly, the APC Apex Leader in Apapa-Iganmu LCDA, Alhaji Moruf Gbadamosi Ojora, described the late Saka as a father figure whose leadership laid a solid political foundation for many in Apapa.⁣

He noted that the accolades being showered on the late politician were well deserved, stressing that his contributions to grassroots governance and political development remain significant.⁣

The memorial celebration was declared open with special prayers for the repose of Alhaji Saka's soul, led by renowned Islamic clerics, including Alhaji Ibrahim Olawunmi, Alhaji Shehu Abiodun and other respected scholars.⁣

The event served not only as a remembrance of the late council chairman's life but also as a celebration of a legacy of visionary leadership, mentorship and grassroots development that continues to inspire a new generation of political leaders in Apapa and beyond.⁣