In a colourful ceremony witnessed by dignitaries, community leaders, and residents, Mr. Shina Dare was on Sunday inaugurated as the newly elected President of the Abesan Estate Residents’ Association (AERA), promising a new era of inclusive leadership, transparency, and development for the sprawling Lagos estate.

The event, held at the Abesan Community Hall, Mosan-Okunola LCDA, was graced by the Executive Chairman of Mosan-Okunola LCDA, Hon. Akindele Adunni Opeyemi, past AERA Presidents, the President of the United Estates, religious leaders, and several sector chairmen and residents.
In his acceptance speech, Shina Dare described his emergence as “a profound honour and a humbling responsibility,” expressing deep gratitude to the residents for entrusting him and his executive team with the mandate to serve.
He commended the outgoing executive led by Elder M.A.O. Kehinde for their dedication and resilience in sustaining peace and community harmony, assuring them that his administration would build upon the solid foundation they laid.
Dare outlined a five-point agenda aimed at repositioning Abesan Estate as a model residential community defined by security, harmony, and shared prosperity.
Dare pledged renewed attention to drainage, roads, and waste management through partnerships with the Lagos State Government, the LCDA, and private organisations.
The president vowed to run an open administration where residents will regularly receive reports on the use of funds and community decisions.
In his first official acts as President, Dare announced the dissolution of all existing committees in line with Section 24 of the AERA Constitution to allow for restructuring and broader inclusion.
He also instituted a Monthly Environmental Exercise to foster collective responsibility for sanitation and community bonding. The first clean-up exercise, scheduled for November 1st, will be sponsored by the new executives in partnership with PSP operators.
Dare also announced four key appointments to enhance governance efficiency: Otunba Gbenga Awosoro – Chief of Staff; Odunewu Olusegun – Chief Press Secretary (in addition to his role as P.R.O.); ASP Joseph – Community Security Adviser and Adetunji Taiwo – Consultant on Environment
In a warm gesture of inclusiveness, Dare specially appreciated female executives — Mrs. Banjo Aina, Mrs. Akinlabi King, Mrs. Folasade Owoseni, Mrs. Oyin Adejobi, Mrs. Folashade Oguntade, Alhaja Kudirat Fasasi, and Mrs. Asho Simbiat — for their immediate dedication to post-election meetings and inspections.
“Your commitment right from the moment of our victory demonstrates the strength, passion, and resilience women bring to community service,” he noted.
“Together, we will make Abesan not just a place where we reside, but a home we cherish — a community that inspires pride in every resident,” he declared.
Earlier, Showole Abduljelil Babatunde, Chairman of the Abesan Estate Independent Electoral Committee (AEIEC 2025), praised residents for conducting the freest and fairest election in the estate’s history.
He thanked Hon. Akindele Adunni, the LCDA Chairman, for her support and commitment, describing her as a “major reason the election became so competitive and credible.”
In her goodwill message, Hon. Akindele Adunni Opeyemi, Executive Chairman of Mosan-Okunola LCDA, congratulated the new executives, reaffirming her administration’s partnership with AERA.
She highlighted several ongoing developmental projects within the estate — including road rehabilitation, health centre upgrades, and school renovations — while announcing discussions with a paint company to beautify the estate.
“Leadership is not about titles or positions; it is about service, responsibility, and results,” Akindele said. “I urge the new executives to work hand in hand with the LCDA to make Abesan a model community worthy of emulation.”
She also charged the AERA leadership to prioritize youth discipline, community security, and social order to sustain peace and progress.
In his farewell message, Elder M.A.O. Kehinde, the outgoing president, lauded Hon. Akindele for her support since assuming office and encouraged the new executive to leverage the strong relationship between the LCDA and AERA to attract more development projects.
He expressed gratitude to residents for the opportunity to serve for six years, assuring that his doors would remain open for consultation and advice.




