By Evelyn Usman

The Take Back FESTAC Amuwo Odofin initiative at the weekend honoured residents, investors and professionals who have contributed to the growth and revival of FESTAC Town, describing community-driven effort as the foundation of sustainable development.

The awards were presented at the maiden End-of-Year Dinner and Community Builder Ceremony, attended by community leaders, business owners and residents across FESTAC and Amuwo Odofin.

Speaking at the event, President of Take Back FESTAC, Mr. Valentine Uduebo, said the recognition was designed to acknowledge people who have invested their own resources to create jobs, build businesses and improve the social environment. He said the initiative had made measurable progress, pegging its development drive at 25 per cent, and emphasised that true transformation must be gradual and deliberate.

“It’s a gradual process. We are not apostles of microwave or rocket science development. We love things done patiently and in due time. We are not concerned with speed; we focus on achievements,” Uduebo said.

He stressed that the event was apolitical and fully community funded, adding that none of the award recipients were politicians, describing it as the first of its kind in FESTAC and Amuwo Odofin since 1977, marking a milestone in resident-led development and civic organising. .

He explained that the honourees were selected through a structured census and survey process, identifying residents who have built hotels, industries and companies that employ dozens of people across FESTAC and Amuwo Odofin.

According to Uduebo, “No government has ever said thank you to them. We deemed it appropriate to say thank you,” he said.

On her part, Dr. Mrs. Dumebi Owa, a member of the Take Back FESTAC executive committee, said the initiative was not only about infrastructure, but also a cultural and moral renewal project grounded in values such as integrity, humility and competence.

“Take Back FESTAC is more than an infrastructure initiative; it is a moral and cultural reconstruction project aimed at restoring values and fostering sustainable development within FESTAC and its environs,” she said.

One of the award recipients, Engr. Folorunsho Ola-Western, said the recognition represented motivation rather than celebration, noting that awards increase responsibility and deepen community commitment. Another honouree, Dr. Jude Ukusare, said the honour carried special significance because it came directly from the community, pledging to support the initiative through his foundation.

Other awardees included Chief Anderson Uhuegbu, Prince Obape, Chief Okoye and Chief Nwosu.

Member representing Lagos State House of Assembly, Amuwo Odofin Constituency 1, Mrs. Stella Osafile, who was Special Guest of Honour at the event, commended the organisers for celebrating citizens who have demonstrated tangible commitment to community development.

Osafile described the initiative as an important civic platform that strengthens accountability, inspires service and deepens the culture of shared responsibility within FESTAC Town.

Osafile also assured residents of continued legislative support towards FESTAC’s renewal, describing development as a steady, shared task that demands partnership across institutions. She said lawmakers do not directly execute projects but drive progress through advocacy and strategic lobbying of the executive arm of government. According to her, visible results would emerge over time through constant engagement, monitoring and alignment of priorities, noting that the Take Back FESTAC movement had become a vital force in pushing community needs to the forefront.