Mariam Akinloye
With the inauguration of the Shoes, Bags and Jewelries Association, the Iyaloja General of Ikorodu Division, Deaconess Busola Isikalu (BUSIQ), has, again, increased membership and strength of the market associations under her jurisdiction.
The association, which was inaugurated last Wednesday, came after the Iyaloja General inaugurated the Ikorodu Textiles Association earlier this month.
At the inauguration event at the office of the Iyaloja General on the First Floor of the Ikorodu Plaza, Ita – Elewa, Ikorodu, Mrs Mariam Adekanye from the Ladega market, was also inaugurated as the President of the association after the election that took place.
Other officers elected and inaugurated were Mrs Mosunmola Ogunfile, Iyalaje (Afowoji market), Mrs Rasheedat Lateef, Treasurer (Afowoji market), Mrs Anikky, Secretary (Ike – Oluwa market), Mrs Ajetunmobi, Social Secretary (Sabo market) and Alhaja Rukayat Adekoya, Majeobaje (Owolowo Amuludun).
Also elected were Adegbuyi, Financial Secretary (Ladega market), Mrs Fatop, Balogun (Ladega), Mrs Onibudo, Iyalode (Ladega), Alhaja Onile-Iyan, Assistant Secretary (Ladega), Mrs Afowobi, Olopa (Ladega), Mrs Arike Olabinjo Welfare, (Afowoji) and Alhaja Sanni, Chief Whip (Ladega).
Alhaja (Chief) Adepeju Arowojobe, the Iyaloja of Ogijo, was appointed as the matron of the association.
Deaconess Busola Isikalu, who was full of prayers in her remarks, also paid homage to the Ayangbure of Ikorodu, Oba Kabir Shotobi, Iyaloja General of Nigeria, Chief (Mrs) Folashade Tinubu – Ojo and other leaders whom she said have given their blessings and support.
She said that the emergence of the association is part of achieving the bigger dream of elevating Ikorodu market as a reference point.
“This is an important event and it is the first time in the history of market associations in Ikorodu Division, that we will be having the association for bags and jewelries”, she said.
“This is part of the vision of our revered Kabiyesi to make Ikorodu number one and a city that controls trade in Nigeria, which we also shared and supporting Kabiyesi in achieving. The inauguration of this association will bring more quality people into the trade associations and expand the markets in Ikorodu”, added.
Chief (Mrs) Adewunmi Lamidi, General Secretary, Ikorodu Division Market Association, speaking earlier, charged members of the new association to give their commitment and dedication to its development, while also commending them for deciding to come together.
“It is not an easy task bringing people together under an association, but there are always benefits in coming together”, she said.
“The association of Bags and Jewelries in Ikorodu Division, will grow from strength to strength and after today’s inauguration by the Iya Oloja General, the association will be known beyond Ikorodu.
“In association, there are gains, collectiveness and prospects for greater rewards.
“I commend you all for your consistencies and efforts in bringing this association together despite challenges and discouragement”, she said.
She, however, charged the new officers of the association to be ready to serve.
“I enjoin the President and other members of the executive, to be accommodating and ready to serve others. Your positions are not for you but for members and it calls for resourcefulness, humility and commitment to others”.
After the inauguration, the President led other executives and members on a rally to the shop of Chief (Mrs) Adepeju Arowojobe who was appointed matron of the association.
Chief (Mrs) Arowojobe, speaking during the visits to her shop opposite the Ayangbure palace, thanked members of the bags and jewelries association for the trust placed in her and assured them of her support.
She said that members of the association play important roles in beauty and social engagements.
She charged members to see themselves as good examples within the social circles, while also assuring them that Ikorodu in the next few years will be the economic nerve centre of not only Lagos State but also that of Nigeria, where every other person will be coming to trade.
“As traders, we must play our roles in developing the Ikorodu market and prevent our people from going outside. It is our duty to ensure that others come to Ikorodu as we used to go out to Lagos Island to patronize them. We have the population and resources”, she added.
She also enjoined members to always get their children involved in their businesses no matter their education and exposure.
Many Iyalojas and Babalojas from different markets attended the inauguration.
