A new event place to host all categories of occasions for Ekiti residents LUCILDA Event Center was commissioned at the weekend.
The architectural masterpiece built by a US-based Ekiti son, Pastor Gbenga Okimi is located at Number 8, Imoleloju Street Iwaro community along Afao Road in Ado- Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital.
The ceremony attracted a host of dignitaries from far and near who graced the occasion to rejoice with the celebrants on the joyous event.
They include family, friends, and associates including the clergy.
The DG, Bureau of Touurism Development Ekiti State Amb. Wale Ojo Lanre also stormed the venue as the Special Guest of honour.
The dedication and cutting of the ribbon was performed by Pastor Dipo Eweje of Charismatic Renewal Church, Akure who ministered with the words of God and prayed for the proprietor of the multi-million naira edifice for more successes and breakthroughs in his life’s journey.
Amb. Wale Ojo- Lanre in his remarks expressed delight at the initiative of the CEO of the magnificent place for having the love of Ekiti at heart by deploring his hard earned resources abroad to give back to the society in a bid to expand the economy and reducing unemployment in the state.
He urged other well meaning Ekiti sons and daughters living abroad to emulate the patriotic gesture of the Okimis by investing at home.
Ojo-Lanre, however, enjoined all and sundry that gathered in the hall to be marketers of the business outfit.
His words: “What we are doing here today is my own function, it’s a project after my heart and I’m going to be Number 1 marketer, Number 1 Public Relations Officer. I’ve sold a lot of places, hotels and tourist sites when it comes to marketing but this is our own and I’m urging everybody here present today to turn ourselves into marketers of LUCILDA Event Center. It is the best place we have in town” he said.
The proprietor and CEO of LUCILDA Event Center in a response thanked all for their presence.
He appreciated his wife for her support and encouragement saying that the planning, execution and completion of the event center was a joint efforts of the couple without which nothing could be achieved.
“We appreciate God in our lives for giving us the grace to put this project in place. Also I want to appreciate you all for taking your time in spreading the news of this project to the nooks and crannies of entire Ekiti State. It’s a show of love which we did not take for granted. I also want to thank our children for their immeasurable contributions towards the success of this occasion.
“My further appreciation goes to my siblings and their spouses for their support and encouragement. Once again I thank you all for coming” he concluded.
Mrs Oluwatoyin Okimi who spoke in similar vein expressed the family’s gratitude to the audience noting that she appreciated the sacrifices of those who chose to attend the event in the face of harsh economic realities in the country.
She however, announced a number of promotional offers and discounts to users of the event center to draw huge patronage in the days to come.