Kunle Adelabu
-Unveils 2023 Calendar
The Chairman of Ikorodu – Oga Development Association (IKODASS), Mr Rotimi Erogbogbo, has charged the clubs, associations and societies under the socio – cultural and developmental organization, on the need to reposition it and make it self – sustaining.
Erogbogbo, who also said that IKODASS cannot focus on annual Ikorodu – Oga Day every November, but engage actively in other activities that would impact the socio – cultural, economic and political aspects of Ikorodu, also announced that 40 students would be benefitting from the organisation’s scholarship this year.
He made the clarion call at the official public presentation of the 2023 IKODASS Calendar at the association’s secretariat located within the Ikorodu Ultra – Modern Town Hall, Ikorodu, on Monday.
“Today is the official presentation of the IKODASS 2023 calendar which is another landmark achievement. Although, the calendar is coming late, which is due to paucity of funds. This calendar was sponsored by one of our partners, Biomedical Limited, a pharmaceutical company and the pioneer manufacturer of intravenous fluids. It is a company which has been sponsoring free medical missions for our people during our programmes”, he said.
“We won’t stop praying for the company and partnering with them. Whatever that is there that our members can benefit from, we will continue to ask them. They are part of us and they will continue to be part of us and they will never be tired”.
He noted that for two years running, IKODASS has not received any financial support from the state government, and has continued to rely on the contribution of member clubs through dues, donations and sale of the annual Ikorodu-Oga Day fabric (Ankara).
Erogbogbo, however, pledged that IKODASS will continue to partner the state government and strive towards getting its support.
He said that as part of his administration’s efforts not to make the organization solely concerned with the annual Ikorodu – Oga Day celebration, the IKODASS will be giving out 40 scholarship awards to indigent students.
“What we are trying to do is that we don’t want a situation where lKODASS would be relevant in November alone. Today is the last day of the scholarship that Sen. Tokunbo Abiru sponsored under the Late Justice Mubasheer Akanbi Abiru Scholarship. We are planning to do the presentation of cheques to the beneficiaries and it’s possible that we do that at our next meeting. He has paid for three years’ scholarship for the beneficiaries. They are to benefit from it throughout the duration of their courses in higher institutions”, Erogbogbo said.
“We have chosen 15 students to benefit from the IKODASS Scholarship Scheme for these three years. They will be presented their cheques on February 23.
“It is through educational support like that we can develop our youths and secure the future of Ikorodu”, he said.
Explaining why IKODASS is supporting educational developments of youths, Erogbogbo said that:
“Ikorodu is now witnessing rapid developments and more are still coming. When the time comes and we are unable to provide capable youths to suit specific needs or request, that will be disastrous. This is why we are supporting their education”, he added.
Erogbogbo also extended the association’s appreciation to others thst are also sponsoring scholarships with IKODASS, among which are Late Jimoh Longe Adedoyin Education Endowment Fund and AGL – Delightsome Scholarship.
Others are: Late Sabalemot Erogbogbo Scholarship for female students, Late Alhaji & Alhaja Yinusa Olawale Solebo Scholarship and IKODASS Scholarship Grant.
The IKODASS Chairman also thanked the Ayangbure of Ikorodu, Council of Chiefs and Baales, eminent sons and daughters of Ikorodu, all the representatives of Ikorodu, the Local Government Chairmen and member clubs for their support.
While further calling on the people of Ikorodu for continuous support, Erogbogbo also charged residents to ensure that they troop out to vote on Saturday during the Presidential and National Assembly elections.
Also at the presentation, IKODASS General Secretary, Mr Seun Elesho announced to the chieftains of various clubs and associations present that the next IKODASS General Council meeting will hold on Sunday, March 5, at the Oteju Hall, Ikorodu Ultra – Modern Town Hall, Ikorodu.
