Kunle Adelabu
The Chairman of the Ikorodu – Oga Development Association (IKODASS), Mr Rotimi Erogbogbo has continued his visitation to clubs and associations under the umbrella of IKODASS with the aim of getting inputs into the programmes of the socio – cultural and developmental association.
He also said that the visits would assist his new exco to familiarize with the affiliated clubs and associations and rebuild the trust as way of making them to recommit to their financial and moral obligations to IKODASS.
Erogbogbo made these statements on Sunday, September 19, 2021, when he led other members of the IKODASS executives to parley with Prestige Social Circle.
The parley was held at the home of club’s pioneer President in Ipakodo- Ebute, Ikorodu West Local Council Development Area (LCDA).
Addressing the chieftains and members of the club, Erogbogbo said that IKODASS team embarked on the visit to update member clubs and associations under the umbrella of IKODASS on what the association has achieved so far.
He also said that the visit was aimed at getting inputs into the IKODASS programmes for better performance.
“We have been going round to visit clubs and associations under IKODASS to familiarize ourselves and get inputs into our programmes. You are the ones that sent us to represent you in the IKODASS executives and we cannot be doing things without carrying you along”, Erogbogbo said.
“We are here today to brief you on our efforts so far and get your views. We came in three months ago with the mandate to change the narratives and tell the world the true nature of Ikorodu.
Erogbogbo also listed achievements of his administration in the last three months and while he also disclosed upcoming activities of IKODASS and solicited for the support of member clubs and associations in form of payment of their dues and other supports.
“In the last three months, we have been able to show that IKODASS is more than a developmental association which only concerns itself with social lives as depicted by the annual Ikorodu – Oga Day. It’s also a development association that is concerned about all – round development of lkorodu and its people.
“We have had a programme where we hosted Octogenarians to give our elder people a sense of belonging and let them know that they are not alone. We have also had an education summit and based on its communique, we have met the Commissioner for Education who is disposed to the contents and we are in discussion with the Tutor – General/Permanent Secretary, Education District II on it.
“Another event that gladdened people’s hearts that we have been able to organize is the IKODASS Ambassadors where we honoured non indigenes who have thrived in their businesses in Ikorodu. This is our way of bringing them closer to help us in the development of Ikorodu and also ensure that they give more opportunity to the people”, he added.
“Our last programme was the IKODASS Indoor Youth Games Championship which has received commendations.
“We are planning for the Ikorodu Literary Initiative which is a programme aimed at making people know more about Ikorodu. We are working towards ensuring that literature that will be produced from the initiative would included in the Lagos State curriculum and that would be a source of revenue for IKODASS.
“It is going to be a six – month programme.
“We are also preparing for the 2021 Ikorodu – Oga celebration between November 14 and 21 and we are expecting supports from clubs and associations to make it successful. We are soliciting that our affiliated clubs should pay their annual dues and also offer support”.
He commended members of the Prestige Social Circle for their efforts towards the development of IKODASS and for ensuring that their young children are brought into the club for its continuity.
“You are the kind of elders that we are looking up to. It is commendable that you have younger elements as members because you don’t want the club to die.
“No wonder that you have the likes of Otunba Ekiyoyo who had served IKODASS as chairman and did very well and since his exit, he has always been with the IKODASS to give his support”, Erogbogbo said.
Otunba David Ekiyoyo, the President of the club and a former Chairman of IKODASS, thanked the IKODASS team for the visit.
“Thank you for coming here today to visit our club. This is one of the oldest and elderly clubs in Ikorodu. We are in the same category with the likes of The Exclusives Club and Oriwu Club.
“We are one of the earliest clubs invited when the IKODASS started and we have been with the body since that time”.
Otunba Ekiyoyo also said that two members of the club had served as chairmen of IKODASS and added that he was the first to served twice as Chairman of IKODASS.
“This club has had the privilege of having two of its Presidents serve as IKODASS Chairman, that is Chief Arole and myself. In my own case, I served twice”.
While commending Ikorodu for the preservation of IKODASS, Otunba Ekiyoyo also charged those in – charge of the socio – cultural association to ensure that the body continue to exist.
“I thank Ikorodu people for sustaining IKODASS and I want to charge those in – charge now to ensure that the body continues to exist.
“I thank your administration for keeping the flag flying and I pray that you will continue to achieve success”, Otunba Ekiyoyo said while commending and praying for Erogbogbo- led IKODASS executive.
Otunba Ekiyoyo assured IKODASS of Prestige Social Circle’s financial support for IKODASS.
Also speaking, Engr. Luqman Erogbogbo, a member of the club, charged IKODASS to be more of a pressure group to speak on behalf of Ikorodu other than its socio – cultural activities.
“IKODASS should do more than it is doing now. It should serve as a pressure group for Ikorodu on issues like demolition at the Ikorodu garage roundabout and activities of traders, cultism. What is happening to us should be of concern to IKODASS.
“The body must be involved in all – round developments”, Engr. Erogbogbo said.
The Secretary of the club, Mr Kolalwole Shonubi called for reformation of cultures and traditions and to make tourism attractive to residents and others.
He said that the body should focus more on scholarship and bursary awards to students.
Chief Sulaimon Ogidi, the Ajiroba of Ikorodu, in his own submission, called on the IKODASS Chairman to continue his consultation with the Ayangbure of Ikorodu and other stakeholders on all issues”.
He commended him (Erogbogbo) for his efforts so far which he said has shown that he has plans for the development of Ikorodu.
