Kunle Adelabu
The Executive Secretary of Ikorodu Division Peace Initiative Limited (IDPIL/GTE), Otunba Ganiyu Olusegun Abiru has charged royal fathers and political office holders in Ikorodu Division to ensure that the Lagos State Development Plan is redrawn to include the division.
Otunba Abiru called for the redraft of the plan to adequately capture Ikorodu Division which is the 3rd largest city in Southwest and 12th in Nigeria.
The retired Clerk of the Lagos Assembly/Permanent Secretary had, in a piece sent to THE IMPACT, titled, “Ikorodu Division: A Community Crying For Accelerated Development’, quoted His Royal Majesty, Alaiyeluwa (Oba) Engr. Kabir Adewale Shotobi, alleging that Ikorodu Division is not included in the state’s 30 years plan.
Abiru said that the royal father made the allegations during the investiture ceremony of the Governor of the State, Mr Babajide Sanwo – Olu as Grand Patron of Oriwu Club, Ikorodu, last month.
“Kabiyesi Ayangbure, during the investiture ceremony of Mr Governor, told us that in the 30 years plan drawn for Lagos State during the Ehingbeti Summit, lkorodu was not captured or incorporated in the proposed Development Plan. Could that be deliberate or an innocent mistake?”, Otunba Abiru asked rhetorically.
“The plan has to be redrafted to include lkorodu interest. All our representatives, both at the state and Federal levels, should see to this without excluding the Commissioners in this remedial effort”, he charged.
“All the Obas must speak with a voice with a view to having more of the government’s projects spread across the division.
“As we lay our beds, so shall we lay in it. We have to back our agitations with actions”, he said.
Otunba Abiru, who was also the immediate past Chairman of Ikorodu – Oga Development Association (IKODASS), also described Governor Sanwo – Olu as the only governor, since the advent of this democratic dispensation, that has shown interest in developing Ikorodu.
“Yes, as I have always argued, Governor Sanwo – Olu, to me, appears to be the only Governor that has shown some sincere interest in lkorodu division since 1999. He impressed me with the seriousness he attaches to the completion of projects such as the Ogolonto, Itamaga- ljede, Agric axis roads, re-construction of garage roundabout, as well as the rice mill factory in lmota, which I learned has started production”, he said.
“Aside from his other laudable interventions in other areas, his regular visits to lkorodu distinguish him from others, and this is a clear testimony that he is more pro – lkorodu than his predecessors in office. I stand to be corrected that since 1999, no governor of the State has visited lkorodu more than Governor Sanwo-Olu.
“Again, no governor has ever respected lkorodu so much like he does. Not that he has done sufficiently enough, but unlike the previous governors, he is showing some interest in the developmental stride of the division, and there is a semblance of hope that he will do more if he can be pressured by our representatives, the Council of Obas and Chiefs and also our elites, both in the political and business circles. His humility to accept to come to Oriwu Club for the investiture ceremonies elegantly stood him out”, Abiru emphasised.
Otunba Abiru equally commended Sen. Tokunbo Abiru and Rep. Babajimi Benson for their facilitation of infrastructures to aid the development of the division.
He called out elites who are apolitical, to be part of change that they are clamouring for, and be part of the political process.
“To our elites who often show apathy in politics, they should know that politics drives all other factors of development, and your PVC is the potent instrument to elect those that will guarantee a dream state that you desire”, he said.
“If you stay aloof and an incompetent nincompoop is elected, you will have no moral right to complain when he starts making policies that will ruin your businesses, the future of your children and grandchildren.
“Make a choice to be part of the envisaged CHANGE”, Otunba Abiru charged.
