History was recorded as a Nigerian entrepreneur and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Arabel Islamic Nigeria, Mrs. Shareefah Abiola Andu emerged as the first female chairman of Lekki Phase 1 Residents Association (LERA).
The founder of the popular Islamic merchandising brand in Nigeria was elected and sworn-in on Sunday, 8 December, 2024 alongside six executive members.
They are: Kevin Ebhojie, Vice Chairman; Yetty Ogunnubi, General Secretary; Toye Owodunni, Assistant General Secretary; Kola Oni, Financial Secretary; Kenneth Atuanya, Treasurer; and Akin Semowo, Publicity Secretary.
The newly elected executive will direct the affairs of the highbrow residential estate for the next two years.
In her welcome and maiden address, Mrs. Andu expressed appreciation to the members of the community for electing her as the first female chairman of the Lekki Phase 1 Residents Association.
She said, “First, let me take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for the trust and confidence you have placed in me by electing me as the Chairman of our great association, LEKKI PHASE 1 RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION (LERA). It is truly an honour.
“I was filled with a sense of responsibility when I became the first woman chairman of a zone in Lekki Phase 1 (Lekki Zone 3), where I served meritoriously for four years, and now, I am honoured to be the first woman chairman of the Lekki Phase 1 Residents Association. I am indeed grateful to God Almighty for His Grace.
“Today is a great day for our Association, when power is transitioning from one administration to the other without rancor. We have many challenges ahead of us, and I am confident that with our combined efforts, we will tackle all these issues and restore the glory of our dear community”.
Mrs Andu, who has made a name for herself in Nigeria as a successful business woman, acknowledged the incredibly dedicated individuals on her team, assuring of their promises to commit their time and energy to serve the community.
“My team and I will pursue our STIMSS Agenda vigorously. What is the STIMSS Agenda? It is Security; Transportation and Traffic Management; Infrastructure enhancement; Membership drive; Sanitation; and Structural repositioning and Transparency.
“We will collaborate with the Lagos State government and their agencies to achieve the desired results of a safe, secure, clean and peaceful Lekki Phase 1, where residents are happy to live and work.
“Hard decisions will be taken, but they will be with a human face. Our core values will be built on transparency and you will be privy to our decision-making processes, the transactions we make on your behalf, and our finances, which will be published.
“I encourage each of you to voice your ideas, share your concerns, and become actively involved because your engagement is key to our success,” Mrs Andu said.
She also commended the hard work of the electoral committee (ECLERA), under the chairmanship of Amb. Olufemi George for their dedication and resilience, saying they performed excellently.
Mrs Andu also thanked the outgoing Executive Committee led by Engr. Abayomi Idowu, Chairman; Sir Malachy Ezeoke, Vice Chairman; and Ms Funmi Adeogun, Secretary; for their service to the community.
“We appreciate your selflessness and sacrifice, and we wish you all the best in your future endeavours,” she noted.
Mrs Andu called on the members to embrace the spirit of community service, kindness, and communication.
“Let us learn from our failures, and always strive for progress. Together, we can build not just a neighbourhood but a community filled with connection, compassion, and joy,” she noted.
