Kunle Adelabu
As part of its efforts to change the narrative of negative stories associated with the Ikorodu Division, the Ikorodu – Oga Development Association (IKODASS), has honoured eminent individuals who are non – indigenes as Ambassadors of the Kingdom.
Those that received the prestigious honour as IKODASS Ambassadors were TPL. Idris Okanla Salako, the Honourable Commissioner for Physical Planning & Urban Development, Chief Ayodeji Babatunde Iginla, former Rector, Lagos State Poytechnic and the Akomolede of Ikorodu Kingdom, Hon. Isiaka Oluwatoyin Suara, former House of Representatives member and former Commissioner for Agriculture, Lagos State and Hon. Alabi Kolade – David, Chairman of Bariga Local Government and ALGON Chairman.
Others were Princess Samiat Abolanle Bada, Chairman, Ikosi – lsheri Local Council Development Area, Mr Akpevwe Batare Akpomejero, National President, Dredgers Association of Nigeria, Mrs Jadesola Olabisi, Otubanjo, Chief Executive Directive, Otjore Ventures and Hossanna Catering Services, Mr tuned Adigun, Chairman, Dredgers Association of Nigeria, Ikorodu Chapter and Mr Olayiwola Adedoyin Giwa, Head of Administration/Council Manager, Yaba LCDA.
Mr Rotimi Erogbogbo, the Chairman, Ikorodu – Oga Development Association (IKODASS), speaking at the event, said that his administration, upon resumption in office, set agenda to change the Ikorodu narrative from negative perception .
“About 106 days ago that we were elected into office to steer the ship of the association, our first challenge was to articulate a clear path to achieving the purpose of IKODASS in this age and time. That process resulted in the Executive Vision document of this administration which is encapsulated in the singular focus: changing the narrative”, Erogbogbo said.
“The narrative of Ikorodu being the backwaters of Lagos State, the land of insecurity, ritualism, cultism and crime needs to change.
“This change can only come through tangible positive actions that will counter the aforesaid perspective held by many hitherto.
He also said that his administration has been focusing on youths’ development as part of his administration’s efforts towards changing the situation in Ikorodu.
“More than that, there is a dire need to critically engage the segment of our society most responsible for the negative perception – our youths. It should, therefore, not surprise anyone that a good proportion of our programmes like Ikorodu Through Your Lens, Ikorodu Literary Initiative, various sports competitions to mention but a few, are all targeted at the youths” , Erogbogbo said.
Speaking on the award bestowed on eminent individuals who have made names for themselves in different fields of human endeavours, the lKODASS Chairman said that these individuals though, are not indigenes of lkorodu, have contributed immensely to the developments of the town.
He charged them to continue contributing to the development of Ikorodu community as ambassadors.
“Mindful that no community is hundred percent self-sufficient, we recognize the significant contributions of non-indigenes to the continued development and evolution of Ikorodu”, Erogbogbo said.
“Ikorodu has never shied from taking the lead or welcoming visitors. The event of today where non- indigenes are appointed Ambassadors of a community is unique in every sense. As you prosper and grow in the land, prosper and grow the land.
“If you seek a testimony to the hospitality and accommodating nature of Ikorodu, look no further than this gathering, look no further than these distinguished men and women who came to Ikorodu, tasted Ikorodu and formed a lasting bond with Ikorodu despite not being indigenes.
“Some of these men and women we are gathered to honour here today have businesses running into hundreds of millions of naira in Ikorodu. Through these businesses, they provide employment and livelihoods to our sons and daughters.
“My dear Ambassadors designate of IKODASS, we count you among the friends of Ikorodu because through your actions, you have proven yourselves so.
“On behalf of Kabiyesi, the executive council of IKODASS and the over 300 clubs and associations that constitute Ikorodu-Oga Development Association, I say thank you for all you are doing for Ikorodu.
“Like we all know, success begets success and the reward for a job well done is more work. I, therefore, appeal to each and every one of you by saying, when you were not an Ambassador of IKODASS, you did so much for Ikorodu, now that you are an official Ambassador, join hands with IKODASS to do so much more. Feel free to adopt and sponsor any of our projects.
“Together we can do so much more to accelerate the development of the land and the human capital in Ikorodu”, he charged.
In his royal message, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Engr.) Kabir Shotobi, the Ayangbure of Ikorodu, described the initiative as commendable.
“This is a new innovation by the new IKODASS executives led by Erogbogbo. I must say that you have started well”, Oba Shotobi said.
“You have been coming to my palace to brief me on the projects you’ve got off your sleeves and I will be doing comparative analysis between you and your predecessor.
“You have started wonderfully well and you have added value to the body”.
Oba Shotobi also commended the awardees for their contributions to Ikorodu.
“Akomolede (Chief Iginla), I thank you because what you have regarding the turning of the Lagos State Polytechnic into a University is in the process of being achieved”, Oba Shotobi said.
“Despite the fact that you’ve left the position of the Rector for many years, you are still providing necessary support and guidance for the institution.
“All other recipients of this award, this is a different award and it’s one of its kind because you are being honoured with the symbol of Ikorodu which is ‘Oga’. Please, I want you all to fulfill your promises and pledges for the development of lkorodu kingdom”, Oba Shotobi charged recipients of the IKODASS Ambassadors’ award.
The Chairman of the occasion, Otunba Ayodele Elesho, who was a former IKODASS Chairman during whose tenure the award was introduced to honour individuals, commended successive administrations for sustaining the tradition of making the socio – cultural organsiation’s impacts felt by residents.
He described the various initiatives of the Erogbogbo led administration as improvements and landmark achievements.
“Therefore, what the present executive committee of IKODASS, under the Chairmanship of our own Rotimi Erogbogbo, is doing is not only an improvement on what I started over eighteen years ago, but another landmark achievement in the history of IKODASS.
“For this, I sincerely commend and congratulate our amiable Chairman and his team for the brilliant idea, the good planning and excellent execution which we are now witnessing.
“I want to encourage the IKODASS exexecutives to look inwards and introduce more innovations and beautiful programmes for the benefits of the good people of Ikorodu kingdom and most importantly, for the upliftment of our teeming youths.
“It is of equal importance for me to state that, I am not unaware of all the commendable programmes you have introduced since assumption of office, the sky is not your limit, but the starting point”, he said.
Otunba Elesho also charged the honorees to see their honours as call to further serve Ikorodu by assisting IKODASS in achieving its laudable programmes.
“Remember that the reward for good work and performance is more work. I want to call on all the recipients of this noble awards that, with this, you are all expected to join hands with IKODASS, not only for this award ceremony, but also in assisting us in introducing other welfare oriented programmes to IKODASS and Ikorodu Kingdom”, Elesho said.
“Mr Chairman, distinguished recipients, ladies and gentlemen, I have the mandate of HRM Alaiyeluwa Oba Kabir Adewale Shotobi, Adegorunshe V, Ayangburen of Ikorodu Kingdom, to formally declare and proclaim all of you, the recipients of this glorious award, as Distinguished Stakeholders in the affairs, projects and programmes of IKODASS and indeed Ikorodu Kingdom generally”, the chairman declared.
Chief Iginla, while expressing his appreciation to the Ayangbure of Ikorodu and IKODASS executives for the honour, said:
“ I,hereby, acknowledge my acceptance of this award wholeheartedly and also acknowledge the fact that it’s coming with challenges, being one of the pioneers of the award.
“The ambassadors here today are the pioneers and we have to make sure we set a very good pace for the ambassadors coming behind. Therefore, we, the ambassadors, want to assure IKODASS that we won’t disappoint the association”, Iginla pledged on behalf of other awardees.
