To kick off the much-anticipated Surulere Day celebrations, a thought-provoking symposium was held on Tuesday, 10th of December, bringing together esteemed Surulerians and young minds for an inspiring exchange of ideas, experiences, and motivational talks, all geared towards fostering a sense of community pride, promoting intellectual growth, and empowering the next generation of leaders.

The Executive Chairman of Surulere Local Government, Hon. Sulaiman Bamidele Yusuf, kicked off the event with the symposium themed “Surulere: The Intellectual Hub of Nigeria,” highlighting the community’s impressive track record of producing exceptional individuals.

Hon. Yusuf proudly mentioned notable personalities from Surulere, including former Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola, current Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and prominent business leaders like Alhaji Aliko Dangote and Mr. Femi Otedola. He also acknowledged the community’s diverse cultural heritage, stating that Surulere is a place where “minds are sharpened, ideas are born, and learners are made”.

The six-day celebration promises to be an exciting showcase of Surulere’s rich cultural identity, with events like talent hunts, fashion exhibitions, and awards nights. As Hon. Yusuf noted, Surulere Day aims to unite people from all walks of life, celebrating their shared heritage and promoting intellectual excellence.

With its strong legacy of producing accomplished individuals, Surulere continues to be a beacon of knowledge and innovation. As the community comes together to celebrate Surulere Day, it’s clear that this intellectual hub will remain a vital part of Nigeria’s cultural landscape.

As part of the Surulere Day celebrations, Omotayo Gbajabiamila, pioneer of the Surulere Connect Global Association and Chairman of the Surulere Day Planning Committee, she emphasized the importance of Surulere’s rich history and heritage, highlighting its reputation as a hub for intellectuals and people of class. She noted that Surulere was carefully planned as part of the new Lagos development project after the Lagos Island was modified for the bridge.

As a proud Surulerian herself, Gbajabiamila reminisced about growing up in the community, where everyone knew each other. She mentioned notable areas like Shitta, Love Garden, Small London, and Eric Moore, which were all closely knit.

The symposium aimed to motivate young Surulerians to emulate the successes of their predecessors, who have made significant contributions to various fields. By sharing their stories, the speakers hoped to inspire the next generation to strive for excellence and make a positive impact in their community.

In his address, Chief Abiola Kosoko, the Oloja Elect of Lagos and Alashe of Ebute Iga, delved into the fascinating history of Surulere, revealing its origins and evolution over the years.

According to Kosoko, Surulere was created in 1953 as part of the proposed development of Lagos Island. The area was initially known as “New Lagos,” but its name eventually changed to Surulere, which is derived from the phrase “Suru to ni Ere,” meaning “patience brings gain” ¹.

Kosoko emphasized Surulere’s unique status as a community with no tribal, religious, or cultural boundaries. He described it as a “large platform” that allows individuals to practice their faith and pursue their passions without restrictions.

The Oloja Elect also highlighted Surulere’s ability to adapt and evolve, citing the transformation of the old Civil Servant Settlement into a thriving hub with skyscrapers, stadiums, and sports facilities. He attributed this growth to the community’s innate ability to “take care of itself,” regardless of government intervention.

Kosoko’s address concluded with a call to action, urging the people of Surulere to preserve their community’s spirit and foster innovation and development. With its rich history and resilient people, Surulere is poised to continue thriving as a vibrant and inclusive community.