Tobade Progressive Club of Gbagura, as part of its humanitarian services and social contribution efforts, the Club has begun the construction of perimeter fence at the Holy Trinity Anglican Church Primary School located at Ayetoro Garage Road, Sabo, Abeokuta.
The multi-million naira construction is part of the yearly project undertaken by the Club, which covers critical areas of interventions such as education, infrastructure, health, social security, among others.
Recall that the Tobade Progressive Club of Gbagura has involved in and facilitated several developmental projects, including the facelift of Agura Palace at Oke-Iddo, financial support to 250 elderly and vulnerable persons in Gbagura Kingdom.
Others were the donation of Peugeot 306 vehicle to first runner-up at 2022 Gbagura Day Celebration, Medical Outreach to over 2,000 Egba sons and daughters at Oke-Iddo and Ake, Construction of Toilet Facility at AUD Primary School, Ilawo, Abeokuta, among others.
But, speaking at the foundation laying of the perimeter fence being constructed at Holy Trinity Anglican Church Primary School held recently in Abeokuta as part of New Year Party Celebration, Chief Shamwill Tunji Keshinro, President of Tobade Progressive Club Gbagura, said, “Today is a special day. We have gathered not only to celebrate ourselves but to physically cement the bond that has kept us united, even when most of our engagements were conducted online.
“As part of our humanitarian service and contribution to educational development, we are here to lay the foundation of the perimeter fence of Holy Trinity Anglican Church School. We give all glory to God for making this day a reality.
“The Birth of the Tobade Progressive Club
The Tobade Progressive Club began as a simple but powerful idea initiated by one of our princes, Prince Adeola Olaloko, who reached out to me and said,
“Let us reconnect with those we grew up and played with. In expanding that vision, I invited Dr. Lanre Biobaku and Alhaji Monsuru Obalenowo, to ensure the Club would capture not only our contemporaries but also our juniors.
“This effort was later strengthened with the inclusion of Mr. Monsuru Akindele, Alhaji Kazeem Ojikutu, and many others. The Club was initially known as Gbagura Elites.
“However, when the idea was presented to our revered royal father, Oba (Dr.) Saburee Babajide Bakre, the Jamolu II, he graciously gave the Club his royal blessing and renamed it – ‘Awon Temi Lode yi. Hence, the birth of Egbe Tobade Gbagura.
“From inception, the Tobade Progressive Club has been founded on the principles of unity, selfless service, and sustainable community development. Our mission has always been to complement government efforts through people‑oriented projects that positively impact education, health, and social well‑being in Gbagura and Egbaland at large.
“Over the years, our Club has undertaken several impactful projects in furtherance of this vision. We commenced the facelift and upgrade of the Agura Palace, with the intention of making it a befitting palace for our revered monarch. This project was temporarily suspended following the transition of our late royal father and icon, Oba Saburee Babajide Bakre, the Jamolu II, while we await the emergence of a new Agura of Gbagura to guide the next phase.
“In honour of our late Agura, the Club last in 2024 organised a free medical outreach, catering for over 2,000 beneficiaries across Gbagura and Egbaland. The outreach addressed eye problems, dental issues, and other medical needs, and was conducted concurrently at the Agura Palace, Oke‑Iddo, and the Centenary Hall, Ake, Abeokuta.
“The Club also presented a Peugeot 306 vehicle as a gift to the Best First Runner‑Up during the 2022 Gbagura Day Celebrations, in recognition of excellence and community contribution.
“Furthermore, during the period of cash scarcity, we provided token financial support to over 250 elderly and vulnerable persons at the Agura Palace, as part of our commitment to compassion and social responsibility.
“We also successfully completed the construction of a modern toilet facility at AUD Main School, Ilawo, Gbaguraland. The project has improved sanitation, enhanced convenience, and reduced the risk of communicable diseases such as cholera, dysentery, and diarrhoea. Beyond serving the school, the facility benefits families from Egba Alake, Egba Oke‑Ona, and Egba Owu, who are directly connected to the school.
“Today’s ceremony the laying of the foundation of the perimeter fence of Holy Trinity Anglican Church School is another important step in our commitment to safeguarding our children, protecting school infrastructure, and promoting a secure learning environment. This project reaffirms our belief that education remains the bedrock of meaningful and sustainable development.”
Responding to the kind gesture of Tobade Progressive Club and its contribution to education, Dr Lanre Oyegbola-Sodipo, the Executive Chairman of Abeokuta North Local Government, whose jurisdiction covers the school and Gbagura Kingdom, lauded the effort, asking philanthropists and clubs in the Local Government to support Government, especially at the local level.
The Chairman, who was represented by Hon. Taiyelolu Egbeyemi, Vice‑Chairman, noted that Government alone can do everything, hence, he called for private sector involvement in the socio-economic growth and development of the Country, especially at the Local Government Level.
Also, Chief Festus Kehinde, Balogun Idere, Gbagura, who represented Gbagura Council of Chiefs and received Post-Humour Award on behalf of late Agura of Gbagura, Oba Saburee Babajide Bakre, Jamolu II, Family, declared that Tobade Progressive Club is the first to reckon with in the entire Gbagura Nation and Egbaland.
Chief Festus noted that the short period of existence of Tobade Progressive Club of Gbagura had brought about massive growth and development, not only in Gbagura Nation, but the entire Egbaland, asking the members to do more in the areas of socio-cultural and socio-economic growth and development of Gbagura Nation and the Egbaland.
Meanwhile, some dedicated members were awarded at the New Year Party of Tobade Progressive Club of Gbagura, including Alhaja Safiat Tijani, who was given a Milestone Achievement Award meant for respected elders aged 60 years and above.
Prince Adeola Joshua Olaloko was given a
Most Outstanding Award for his dedication and impact, wich have distinguished him as a role model, while Posthumous Award was granted to the late Tobade Grand Patron, Agura of Gbagura, Oba Saburee Babajide Bakre, Jamolu II.
