Who is your personality of 2017 and what event will you pick as the event with most impact within the year in review?
The underlisted fifteen individuals and events were shortlisted list by THE IMPACT editorial board from a lengthy list that were considered.
They made the final list because of their impacts, spread and implications on the division.
Another major consideration is their dominance on social media discourse.
We are now requesting that you should be part of the final process by helping us pick THE IMPACT Personality of the Year 2017 and THE IMPACT Event of the Year 2017. Thank you for your cooperation.
This exercise is being conducted on THE IMPACT social media platforms i.e. blog: impactnewspaper.wordpress.com, Twitter: impactnewspaper1, instagram – The Impact Newspaper, WhatsApp: Impact News – Community and Facebook: The Impact Newspaper – Community.
IMPACT Events of 2017
1.The Badoo Menace:
The ritual killings by suspected group called ‘Badoo’ really instilled fears in residents across the Ikorodu division. The unfortunate development, which commenced in 2016, took a deadly dimension in 2017as many residents and their families were brutally killed in their sleeps in Ikorodu, Odogunyan, Ibeshe, Lajo, Olu-Odo/Adegbose, and Imota among other areas.
The residents, in guarding themselves against the senseless massacre when it appeared that the State Government and Security Operatives were not doing enough to overpower the deadly gang, formed vigilance groups in their respective communities and made bonfires as they remained awake for many nights while they subjected several suspcted persons apprehended during that period to jungle justice as a way of retaliating the terror unleashed on them by the gang.
2.Demolition of Houses to pave way for road constructions in Igbogbo/Bayeku and Ikorodu West LCDAs
Demolition of houses in Igbogbo/Bayeku and Ikorodu West Local Council Development Areas to pave way for the construction of Igbogbo-Bola Tinubu-Afa-Ijede and Agric-Owutu-Isawo-Isheri roads respectively caused great discomfort to residents, especially the owners of the demolished buildings as hundreds of houses were demolished without the state government paying compensation.
Although, there were notifications long before the demolished exercise, many residents were still caught unaware.
3.Asa festival and revival of culture in Ikorodu
Asa festival, which was organized by a socio-cultural and research group, IREP-Ikorodu Division Rebirth Foundation initiated by Hon. Sanai Agunbiade, hugely succeeded in placing Ikorodu division on the state and global tourism map.
IREP emergence was greeted with massive acceptance across the length and breadth of the division.
The initiative led to the revival of dying cultural heritages as about 10 communities were given monetary and technical assistance to showcase and parade Asa masquerades during the staging of Asa festival in October 2017 which recorded an impressive attendance of traditional rulers across Yorubaland as well as important political figures and other eminent dignitaries while notable musicians such as Alhaji Wasiu Alabi Pasuma, Qdot,Fabo,and Valentine thrilled the massive crowd that turned out to witness the cultural festival.
The festival received the Lagos State Government’s recognition as IREP was presented with certificate of recognition of the festival as an annual cultural event.
It also received the recognition of many national and international organizations, institutions, traditional rulers etc.
4.Rebranding of Ikorodu-Oga Day Celebration by the Otunba Ganiyu Abiru led IKODASS executive
The 2017 Ikorodu-Oga Day Celebration in all ramifications gave a new hope to the people and charted a new direction for Ikorodu. Unlike in the recent past, Ikorodu – Oga Development Association (IKODASS), the organizer of the annual cultural celebration, received massive supports and cooperation from associations, clubs, groups and individuals, many of which had severed ties with the association.
The unprecedented successes recorded at the 2017 Ikorodu Oga Day celebration, according to report, was not unconnected to the new ideas and innovations introduced by the current IKODASS executive led by Otunba Ganiyu Abiru, a former Clerk of the Lagos State House of Assembly.
The annual celebration, unlike the recent previous editions, enjoyed tremendous contributions from the public, especially the youths and residents who were adequately carried along in all the activities marking the celebration.
The activities were well planned and executed inspite of challenges posed by lack of time and funds among others.
5.2017 Igbogbo Day Celebration which heralded the consciousness for a new beginning in Igbogbo community
No doubt, the 2017 Igbogbo Day Celebration has set a new standard for organizers of Ikorodu-Oga Day in Ikorodu, Ayayo Day in Imota, Ijede Day in Ijede, among other annual community day celebrations in Ikorodu division in terms of organization, mobilization and sponsorship among others.
The event truly heralded a new dawn in Igbogbo kingdom as the duo of His Royal Majesty, Oba Semiudeen Kasali, the Adeboruwa of Igbogbo, and Comrade Sesan Daini, Chairman,Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA, provided impactful traditional and political leadership which contributed immensely to the support and participation enjoyed by the celebration from the indigenes and residents.
The 2017 Igbogbo Day celebration, which was celebrated alongside the First Coronation Anniversary of Oba Kasali, was a 10day event used in mobilizing various sections of the community towards Igbogbo development, showcasing cultural heritages and impacting the residents, both socially and economically.
- Renounciation of cultism and submission of arms by cultists across the Ikorodu division
This is another event which its accompanied impact vibrated across the length and breadth of Ikorodu division in 2017. From Ikorodu, Igbogbo, Ijede Imota to other communities in the division, the popular Vigilante group, Onyabo, led by its chieftains, Lanre Olabinjo and Olalekan Pelumi, and in collaboration with the traditional institutions and local government authorities, leveraged on statement of the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, during the 2017 One Lagos Fiesta, that amnesty would be giving to cult members that renounced their membership, to received repented cultists and arms surrendered by them.
Thousands of the cultists, mostly youths, renounced cultism and submitted their arms and other dangerous weapons at various events supervised by the Lagos State Police Command.
- Controversial LG Elections in Ikorodu Division
The 2017 LG Elections was another major event that rocked the 6 LG and LCDAs in Ikorodu division. The election polarized the political class as the ruling party’s candidates were determined through power politics against party primaries.
8.LG Chairmanship Political Debate on THE IMPACT platform
For the first time in the history of social media, THE IMPACT Group on his whatssApp chat platform, organized a political debate among the chairmanship aspirants for the 6 LG and LCDAs in Ikorodu division. The three day debate generated huge interest and provided platform members opportunity to interact with many of the aspirants on the plans, agendas, capacity and background among others.
- Lagos @50 celebrations in Ikorodu Division
Prior to the celebration, there were serious criticism from the Ikorodu division of the state because of what the perceived lopsidedness of the activities that were lined up for the celebration. This forced the government to review the programmes and included some of the people’s demands. The protest also led to the decentralization of some of the programmes. Aming the events of the Lagos @50 held in Ikorodu division were boat regatta, Lagos love the cinema, community day and club/association day among others.
- LASPOTECH’s CONTISS 15 Migration controversies
The citadel of learning and pride of Ikorodu, Lagos State Polytechnic, which as its main campus and the administrative seat in Ikorodu also made it into the top ten IMPACT’s events of 2017.
Within the year in review, the Rector of the school with his management team had collision on several occasions with the three unions and the students regarding the controversial CONTISS 15 Migration. The controversy resulted into many protests within the school premises, the Ayangbure palace, Lagos State House of Assembly and Lagos House in Ikeja.
During one of the protests, men of the Nigerian Army attached with 174 Battalion, Odogunyan forcefully dispersed the students leading brutalization of many students’ activists and attack on lecturers.
The problem remained unresolved despite the intervention of many personalities and the Lagos State Assembly.
- 2017 One Lagos Fiesta
This annual fiesta which is the initiative of the administration of Mr Akinwunmi Ambode has become an integral part of the state as residents always look forward to the 8 days of ceaseless music and other entertaining displays.
The keen interest and importance attached to it by the people could be seen from the reactions that trailed the attempted change of the venue from Ikorodu Town hall to Cherubim & Seraphim Primary School/Govt College, Ikorodu.
The 8day musical activities from December 24, 2017 to the morning of January 1, 2018, witnessed A-list artistes like 9ice, Sound Sultan, Lil Kesh, Mr P of the Psquare fame, Small Doctor, Malaika, Ospa, Sir Shina Peters, Lanre Teriba, Kenny St. Ogungbe, Valentine, LAX, Tony Tetuila, Idris Abdulkareem, Azadus, Qdot, CDQ and Aweni Waka among others performing. Popular comedians like Gbenga Adeyinka, Omo Baba and Afo also added colours.
Deejays Mickey4, Shina, Jaju and Annex among others managed the turntable during the 2017 fiesta.
- Sabo Market Demolition
The demolition of Sabo market was a major incident that characterized not only the economic live of Ikorodu division in 2017, but also the social and political lives. Unknown caterpillar and soldiers had entered the market complex at ungodly hours and demolished a section of the market with goods of hundreds of the marketers.
The wailing, sorrow, tears and blood hat followed lingered on for months and the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, the Majority Leader of Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Sanai Agunbiade, the traditional ruler of Ikorodu, Oba Adewale Shotobi, the State House of Assembly and many other stakeholders had to intervened before the matter was resolved.
- 2017 Ikorodu NUT Elections
The Oduguwa led former exco of the union organized free and fair elections which supposed to be a model for the INEC and State Electoral bodies in the country. The built up to the election was characterized by cold war among blocs which vibrated in the length and breadth of the division.
- Barr SOK Shillings suing of Lagos State Government over the marginalization of Ikorodu Division
Barrister Saheed O.K. Shillings, a former Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ikorodu chapter took his advocacy to another level by proving that he is not among arm chair or social media critics. The leading community figure took a more practical approach in finding redressing to the cry of marginalization of Ikorodu division which has been on since the commencement of the democratic dispensation in 1999.
In 2017, the lawyer and activist approached the Lagos High Court to fill a matter against the Governor, Speaker, Lagos State Attorney-General and the Lagos State House of Assembly among others to redress what he called marginalization of Ikorodu division. A move commended by many residents as bold, instructive and commendable. Although, many were also of the opinion that the situation requires more of the political solution
- Declaration of curfew in Ikorodu Division by the Police
The declaration of curfew by the Lagos State Police Command in Ikorodu division and environs was met with stif opposition from the residents that saw it as admittance of incompetence by the police.
Residents has openly condemned the declaration on social media while others petitioned against the curfew.
- Campaign for #EndSARS
Residents of Ikorodu division in 2017 joined the campaign for #EndSARS to call the state and federal governments attentions and that of the Nigeria Force headquarters to the brutality of SARS. Ikorodu division played a very prominent role with social media platforms relating to Ikorodu also joined the campaign.
2017IMPACT Personalities
1.Mr Edgar Imohimi
The relative successful campaign against the Badoo menace and other criminalities in Ikorodu division can be ascribed to his efforts while he was an Assistant Commissioner of Police under Mr Fatai Owoseni, former Lagos State Commissioner of Police(CP) and also as acting Commissioner of Police in Lagos State.
Also, since he became the CP, he has been encouraging community policing by working with the traditional rulers, local vigilante groups and other stakeholders.
His prompt response to emergencies is also very commendable and is effective policing has led to the duscovery and demolition of many ritual shrines in and outside Ikorodu division.
2.Otunba Ganiyu Abiru
The emergence of Otunba Ganiyu Abiru, a former Clerk of the Lagos State House of Assembly, as the chairman of the Ikorodu-Oga Development Association (IKODASS) was received with great acceptance and also served as a major step to the reformation of the socio-cultural association.
The association, since his emergence, has been receiving broad-based supports frome Ikorodu residents unlike in the recent past.
Since his assumption of office, Otunba Abiru has not disappointed as he rallied stakeholders and gave them sense of belonging. Unlike the previous administrations, his leadership accepted inputs from people which led to the enlargement of the activities of the annual Ikorodu- Oga Day celebration.
He has also succeeded in restoring trust and confidence into the association as many clubs and associations have rekindled their membership and supports for IKODASS. The 2017 Ikorodu -Oga Day Celebration, the first to be held under his leadership, was a huge success majorly because of his personality and the new ideas he injected.
3.Gov Akinwunmi Ambode
During the year under review, the governor of Lagos State, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode , did not only give his support to the police in the fight against crime but also provided adequate equipment for them and other security formations across the state. This, to a large extent, resulted in the flushing out of militants in Isawo and Arepo communities in Lagos and Ogun States respectively.
The success recorded by the Lagos Command of the Nigeria police in tackling the Badoo menace and other criminalities in Ikorodu can also be ascribed to his administrative support and willingness to rid the State of criminal activities.
Also in 2017, the governor fulfilled his promise to relocate the popular Commodities Market (Mile 12) to Imota and also ensured that construction works commenced on the site which would accommodate the market which is expected to transform the economic, political and social lives of the host community and entire Ikorodu division.
His government also commenced the rehabilitation/reconstruction of Owutu-Isawo-Isheri and Igbogbo-Bola Ahmed Tinubu-Oke Afa-Ijede Roads in Ikorodu North and Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDAs in the division .
- Hon. Sanai Agunbiade
In the year under review, the representative of Ikorodu Constituency I and Majority Leader of the Lagos State House of Assembly continued his legislative excellence on the floor of the house by sponsoring impactful laws and motions.
In his representative duty, Hon. Agunbiade sponsored and organized the 3rd edition of one of his pet projects, Oba Shotobi Independence Day Marathon for students of the junior and senior secondary schools in Ikorodu division.
He also made a major contribution to the cultural renaissance in the division by solely organizing and sponsoring the Asa festival which has been adjudged as one of the best and most impactful event in Ikorodu in recent time.
More so, the lawmaker rehabilitated a block of classroom in his primary school alma mata, Jamaltul Islammiyyah Primary School, Ikorodu.
Among other activities he carried out in 2017 are securing employment for constituents and rehabilitation of some of the projects he facilitated.
- Hon. Babajimi Benson
The Member representing the Ikorodu Federal Constituency at the Federal House of Representatives in Abuja, in 2017 maintained his consistency as a leading lawmaker while his legislative excellence was attested to by his colleagues in the house,
He continued with his Foodbank programme which has so far fed over 10, 000 constituents.
Hon. Benson also introduced StartUpIkorodu, a programme which was initiated to train and empower young entrepreneurs in Ikorodu. He was able to secured capital for 85 trained youths.
He facilitated the construction of two blocks of classrooms, office and toilet facilities in Imota and Ikorodu North LCDAs
The federal lawmaker also initiated Employment databank for Ikorodu youths especially graduates and graded several roads across the federal constituency among others.
- Hon. Adebimpe Akinsola, Special Adviser/Acting Commissioner for Tourism Arts & Culture
She brought so much attention to the Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture and succeeded in 2017 and also contributed immensely the current cultural reawakening sweeping through Ikorodu division.
- HRM Oba Semiudeen Kasali, Adeboruwa of Igbogbo
Since he mounted the throne of his ancestors as Adeboruwa of Igbogbo, the ancient community of Igbogbo has witnessed a new dawn in every aspect of life .
In the year under review, the amiable monarch used his influence and personality in bringing about peace and cooperation among once polarized community.
He also succeeded in rebranding Igbogbo by carrying indigenes and residents along in his efforts in building a sustainable community.
Also in 2017, two banks, UBA and Sterling established there branches in Igbogbo. While UBA has commenced operations, Sterling is about to complete its structure. This is coming after over two decades of the collapse of Savannah bank and it’s a feat that is being ascribed to the new dawn which his reign ushered in.
Oba Kasali also succeeded in ensuring the participation of some individuals and families who have not been participating in community activities due to some crisis that polarized Igbogbo community for over 30 years.
His reign has indeed and truly brought about the new dawn he promised upon mounting the throne in 2016.
- Prince Abiola Kosoko
The Alashe of Ebute-Iga and Chief Executive Officer of Origin Zoo & Gardens in acquired over 50 hectares of land for the establishment of Origin Gardens & Resort in June 2017.
The project, according to Prince Kosoko, would place Ikorodu and indeed, Lagos State, on global tourism map upon completion
The huge expanse of land, which is located along Ikorodu-Lagos road and sharing boundary with the Lagos Lagoon and two rivers in Itowolo area of Ikorodu division, was officially released to Prince Kosoko by the officials of the Department of Forestry Services of the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture, who inspected the erection of signpost on the site.
The project is expected to be a world tourism hub with a five star hotel, largest shopping mall, cinema, art gallery, eatery, amusement park, ferry service, pool, aquarium, masquerade museum and Lagos State Historical Museum and others.
The site would also conserve Ikorodu manatee and other animals that are almost going into extinction.
The project, which is also tagged as ‘Project Wildlife Park’, and being in existence in a smaller version by Origin Zoo & Gardens at Ebute-Iga and Aginju Eko, both in Ikorodu Division area of Lagos State, is aimed at expanding the revenue generation of Ikorodu and Lagos State, and above all, to achieve the company’s primary goal which bothers on conservation, entertainment and employment.
He also organized one of the most outstanding cultural festival – Liwe festival inIkorodu division in 2017. The festival that included boat regatta both on water and land and other cultural display laced Ikorodu firmly on the global tourism map.
He is also one of the few Private zoo owners in Nigeria.
- Mr Samuel Olayinka Sogunro, Rector, Lagos State Polytechnic,Ikorodu.
The Rector made the list of THE IMPACT’s Personalities of 2017 for surviving the crisis that bedevilled the institution within the year under review.
The three unions – ASUP, SSANIP and NASU had declared war on the Rector and his management team over the unresolved issue of the CONTISS 15 Migration. There were over 10 protests by the unions and the students over the issue in 2017, including protests to the Ayangbure palace in Ikorodu, Lagos State House of Assembly and Governor’s office in Ikeja.
One of the protests assumed dangerous turn when the intervention by the Nigerian Army stationed at the 174 Battalion in Odogunyan and other security forces led to the brutalization of students and lecturers.
The protest also assumed dramatic dimension when the members of the three unions stormed the frontage of the Rector’s office to fry bean cakes (Akara) as a way of demanding his compulsory exit from office.
The Rector also introduced several stiff measures to ensure his firm control of the institution.
And contrary to many expectations, Mr Sogunro is still in full charge of the institution.
- Lanre Olabinjo & Pelumi Olalekan
The two leaders of the Onyabo Vigilance Group within the year under review consolidated on the efforts by the group to put stoppage to the nefarious activities of different cult groups operating in Ikorodu division.
The duo, in conjunction with other chieftains of the group, some council chairmen and traditional institutions in the division, embarked on a campaign to make the cultists surrender their arms and renounced their membership. The campaign, however , paid off as thousands of cultists in Ikorodu, Igbogbo, Ijede, Imota and other communities renounced their membership of various cult groups.
The renouncement events, which were supervised by the Lagos State Police Command, also witnessed the surrendering of scores of fire arns and other dangerous weapons by the cultists.
- Asiwaju Olorunfunmi Basorun
The old Awoist and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) remains the only politicians that has been consistent for about four decades. He is one of the few politicians (with or without political appointment) that have strong political structure.
Despite that he was ‘badly bruised’ during the 2017 Local Government elections when his candidates for the chairmanship and Secretary to the Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA were dropped for candidates from another political bloc, the veteran politician bounced back into political relevance and shocked those who thought he has finished politically with his recent appointment by President Mohammadu Buhari as member of the federal boards.
- Lateef Oduguwa
He led the Ikorodu branch of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) for eight years with unprecedented achievements. On completion of his tenure in 2017, Asiwaju Lateef Oduguwa did not only survive several attempts to tarnish his hard earned reputation but also succeeded in installing his preferred successor through free, fair and transparent elections.
Against all odds, he refused the ethnic card that was played by some natives to support and campaign for the eventual winner, Comrade Oluwafemi Fakolade, a non-native of Ikorodu, on merit.
- Col. BC Eze, Commanding Officer , 174 Battalion, Odogunyan,Ikorodu.
Aside commanding his men to work round the clock in providing security in the division in the year under review , Col. Eze also ensured that his men got involved in social and community activities and services.
One of such instances was the mobilization of his men in fixing several collapse portions of the dillapilitated Ikorodu-Odogunyan road to make it passable.
- Oba Kabiru Shotobi,Ayangbure of Ikorodu
Another royal father that impacted on the division in 2017 is Oba (Engr) Kabiru Adewale Shotobi, the Vice Chairman, Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs and Chairman, Ikorodu Division Council of Obas and Chiefs and the Ayangbure of Ikorodu kingdom. He played a very prominent role in ensuring that there is security of lives and properties in the division in collaboration with other traditional rulers. He gave maximum support to both the conventional and unconventional securities outfits in tackling cultism and the Badoo menace among other criminalities. Also, his role in resolving crisis within the local vigilance group, Onyabo and its restructuring is also very commendable.
More so, the various roles he played in the resolution of many traditional issues, both within the Ikorodu township and other parts of the Ikorodu division, stands him out. This could be seen in his intervention in the settlement of two Obaship tussles in the division and the turbulent Balogun of Ikorodu position and other chieftaincy titles.
His leadership role in rallying other traditional rulers in the division in ensuring that Ikorodu division’s cultural and traditional heritages are well documented also qualified him for nomination for this award.
Oba Shotobi has also been a good ambassador of the division at home and abroad, bringing goodwill to the division and Lagos state and facilitating developmental projects in the process .
Other factors that facilitated his nomination for this award include his involvement in sporting activities and youths development as well as his intervention in Sabo demolition crisis and NUT crisis both of which have since been amicably resolved.
- Sergeant Oguntade
This is a traffic police officer who is well known in Ikorodu division for her exemplary diligence and hardwork which have earned her the trust of the residents across the division. She carried out her duty in a way and manner that bring honour to the police profession which many have lost faith in. The kind of passion and dedication she apply in carrying out her duty at her duty posts in the division, particularly at Sabo Roundabout in Ikorodu, is breathtaking and worthy of commendation. It is, therefore,not surprising that her outstanding performance has earned her several awards and honours from the police authority as well as reputable organisations and clubs in and outside Ikorodu division, hence her nomination for The Impact 2017 Personality Award.
