Wale Jagun
It was an historic moment as a new executive council for the Ikorodu North Students’ Union, was inaugurated to steer the affairs of the teeming students in the council.
At the inauguration ceremony, which took place at the Isiwu Town Hall, Comrade Makanjuola Haddy Adekunle took oath of office as the second President of the union.
Members of his excos are: Ajetomiwa Taiwo Awolesi (Vice President), Tijani Ikimot Adebisi (General Secretary), Mabodu Hazeezat Opeoluwa (Assistant General Secretary), Atunrase Omotoyosi, (Welfare director) Oladunni Halimah, (Financial Secretary) and Ogunlaru Stephen Oluwafunsho (PRO).
The inauguration symbolized unity and collaboration among the students’ unions in Ikorodu Division, as representatives and past leaders of various students’ unions from others councils in the division, were present. Their attendance helped in setting a solid foundation for the new administration.
Comrade Makanjuola Adekunle, in his acceptance speech, said that the occasion was historic in students’ unionism in Ikorodu Division, and thanked his predecessors for laying the foundation his own administration will be building upon.
He thanked the students in the council for trusting him with their mandate and pledged not to disappoint them.
“Today marks a significant moment in our collective journey as we gather here to celebrate the inauguration of a new era of leadership within the vibrant Ikorodu community. I am deeply honored and humbled to stand before you as the newly elected President of the Ikorodu North Students’ Union”, he said.
“First and foremost, let me acknowledge the legacy of our predecessors who have tirelessly served this esteemed institution and the community at large. They have laid a strong foundation for progress and have set the bar high for us to follow. It is now our turn to carry the torch forward and build upon their achievements.
“Today, I stand not just as a representative of the student body, but as a symbol of unity between our educational institution and the larger community of Ikorodu. Our union is not limited to the boundaries of the campus; it extends to every corner of this great kingdom. Together, we will bridge the gap between the students and the residents, forging a bond that will foster mutual understanding and cooperation.
“I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you who placed your trust in me and granted me this incredible opportunity to serve as your representative. I assure you that I will dedicate every ounce of my being to fulfil the promises and aspirations we share for our community. Together, we will embark on a transformative journey to uplift, empower and enrich the lives of our fellow students”, Comrade Makanjuola pledged.
While acknowledging the responsibilities attached to his office, the new President pledged that his administration will strive to give voices to members of the union, and pursue educational development in the council.
“As I take office, I am reminded of the tremendous responsibility that lies upon our shoulders. Our administration will strive tirelessly to ensure that the voices of the students of Ikorodu North are heard, acknowledged and acted upon. We will foster an environment of inclusivity where every student feels valued and empowered to contribute to the growth and development of our community”, he said.
“One of the key pillars of our administration will be education. We firmly believe that education is the foundation upon which we can build a brighter future, therefore, we will work diligently to enhance educational opportunities within our community. Education is the key that unlocks the doors of opportunity, and it is our duty to ensure that every student in Ikorodu North, has access to quality education.
“We will work closely with the school administrations and local authorities to improve the infrastructure, enhance educational resources and provide scholarships and financial aid for those in need. Our goal is to empower our students to reach their full potentials and become future leaders who will contribute to the growth and development of our community.
Other programmes he pledged to embark on are: community clean-ups, awareness campaigns and skill development programs to address the challenges facing fellow residents.
While promising to establish open channels of communication, hold regular town hall meetings and encourage student participation in decision-making processes, Comrade Makanjuola charged members to join hands with the new administration to build a prosperous union in Ikorodu North LCDA.
“Fellow students, as we embark on this journey together, let us remember that progress is not a solitary endeavor; it is a collective effort. I call upon each and every one of you to join hands with me and my team, irrespective of our differences, to create a vibrant, inclusive and prosperous Ikorodu North. Together, we will write a new chapter in the history of our students’ union, one that will inspire generations to come”, he said.
“I stand here before you today, ready to serve, ready to lead and ready to make a difference. I believe in the power of our collective dreams, aspirations and potentials. Let us work together to build a brighter future for ourselves, our community and our beloved Ikorodu North”.
Mr. Odumbo Taiwo, Principal, Lagos State University (LASU) International School and the first President, National Association of Ikorodu Division Students, in his goodwill message, congratulated the new administration led by Comrade Makanjuola, and charged them to be good ambassadors of the union and the community.
While sharing his personal experience with them, the former students’ leader enjoined the new excos to focus on educational development of members.
The outgoing president, Comrade Orikemi Abdul- Fatai, reflected on the journey of the union, highlighting the progress they made and challenges they overcame, as well as the vision for the future. His speech reminded the new administration and student activists of the collective efforts that have brought the union to its current position.
Comrade Ogunjimi Olamide Abdul Kabir, National President, National Association of Ikorodu Division Students (NAIDS), while congratulating the new administration, also encouraged them to ensure that the interest of students, is uppermost in their agenda.
He charged the newly inaugurated administration on the need to have a sense of purpose and responsibility.
The President of the Ijede Students’ Union, who is the best graduating student in Ikorodu Division, at the recently held convocation of the Lagos State University, Comrade Rufai Azeezat Dolamu, in her goodwill message, also charged the new administration on the need to be focused and work towards the sustenance of the primary goals of the union.
The inauguration was graced by Comrade Abdul Azeez Samuel Shoyiga Adeshina, Emeritus President, NAIDS, Comrade Kuti Damilare, immediate NAIDS President, Comrade Tanimowo Abdul – and Akeem (ESHO), Comrade Amusan Emmanuel, General Secretary, IYDM, as well as representatives from the Imota Students Union and National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Ikorodu North LCDA chapter.
