Communities Alliance Against Displacement (CAAD) held its first general meeting on February 23, 2017, with 23 community representatives in attendance. The meeting drew participation from displaced communities, including those settlements in Lagos threatened with forced evictions such as Mowo-Phase2, Ajeromi (Badia-East), Ebute-Metta (West), Otodo-gbame, Atikporome, Araromi-Ale, Otto-Ilogbo, Adekunle Makoko and Toluwani communities.
Election of CAAD officials
Through the nomination of candidates for offices, and voting using the open ballot system, the principal officers (president and vice-presidents) were elected. Community representatives moved further motions were for the nomination of other non-principal officials. Some other officials were appointed by motion-in-support or unanimous affirmation. At the end of the process the following officials emerged:
President – Pastor Aworetan Olatunde (Ajeromi community, Badia-East)
Vice President 1 – Chief Charles Edeha Adu (Atikporome and Araromi-Ale communities)
Vice President 2 – Mr. Afolabi Kehinde (Mowo-Phase2 community)
Public Relations Officer – Simeon Erhakpotobor (Mowo-Phase2 community)
Financial Secretary – Seinde Ebiesuwa (Ajeromi community, Badia-East)
Treasurer – Mrs. Olabisi Williams (Otto-Ilogbo community, Ebute-Metta)
Assistant Secretary 1 – Rosemary Enebeli (Atikporome and Araromi-Ale communities)
Assistant Secretary 2 – Aslam Dhikullahi (Ebute-Metta {West})
The office of the General Secretary was also created to function as liaison between SPACES FOR CHANGE and CAAD. This officer will document, offer guidance on specific issues during deliberations of the general meeting (where necessary), and offer legal advisory services. S4C’s Aizighode Obinyan was appointed by members to undertake the role.
Post-Election Acceptance Speech
CAAD’s newly-elected President, Pastor Aworetan Olatunde stated that he was humbled by the trust reposed on him to lead the group. He sought requested the cooperation of all communities to carry out the association’s objectives. His first priority is to personally visit all the member-communities for proper introduction and to get a better understanding of challenges they are facing. He harped on teamspirit, solidarity-building and bolstering exchange of ideas under CAAD.
Pastor Aworetan’s 3-point agenda for the executive team are-
- Capacity building through education of members and executives on objectives and activities of CAAD
- Giving voice to their ideas, agendas and challenges
- Conclusive successful resolution to all court cases through various means including alternative dispute resolution, advocacy et al
