Jare Olukotun
-Unveils three core agenda
On Saturday, September 28, 2024, Comrade Ogunbowale Olatayo Bodunrin was inaugurated and stepped in as the 6th President of the National Association of Ikorodu Division Students (NAIDS).
He was inaugurated alongside other NAIDS executives and Senate President, Rt. Hon Sadiku Fawas Olorunkemi, by the Electoral Committee (IEC-Veracity Team) led by Comrade Ogunpeyin Oluwasegun.
After their inauguration, the Senate President then inaugurated the newly elected Senators and consequently desolved the IEC.
At the inauguration, which took place at the Admos Hotel and Suites, Imota, were royal fathers, esteemed dignitaries and stakeholders.
The new President, who, at the event, said that the inauguration marked a new dawn for NAIDS, unveiled a three – point agenda tagged, “A New Vision”.
Comrade Bodunrin, in his speech at the inauguration, thanked all stakeholders and charged the new officers and every student of Ikorodu, on the need for unity to achieve greatness.
“To torch-light the theme of our inauguration, and not take the responsibility of our keynote speaker, the theme for this inauguration, ‘Unity in Diversity: Empowering Students’ Leadership for a Brighter Future’, speaks volumes about the values we must uphold as a student body.
“It serves as a reminder that while we come from different backgrounds, schools, and areas within Ikorodu Division, it is our unity that will drive us forward. Our diversity—whether in thought, culture, or perspective—is our greatest strength, and by embracing it, we can build an inclusive environment where every student feels heard, represented, and valued.
“As leaders, we are entrusted with a unique opportunity to shape the future of students in Ikorodu Division. Leadership, however, is not defined by titles or positions, rather, it is defined by service, by the ability to uplift others, and by the courage to make difficult decisions that prioritize the greater good.
“We, as the newly elected executive and parliamentarians, are not here for ourselves but for the collective progress of every student under the banner of this association”, he said.
Unveiling his administration’s agenda, Comrade Bodunrin said that NAIDS, under his leadership, will focus on unity through collaboration, empowerment through education and skill development and brighter future through advocacy and representation.
“In the coming months and years, our administration will focus on three core areas and not limited to:
“Unity through Collaboration: We will strengthen partnerships between Royals fathers, LG/LCDA Chairmen, distinguished and personalities within the division, corporate organizations, schools within the division, to foster a spirit of camaraderie and teamwork. We are stronger together, and through active collaboration, we will achieve greater heights.
“The second of it will be, ‘Empowerment through Education and Skill Development’. It is said that education is the passport to the future, hence, we will work tirelessly to ensure that every student has access to not only academic resources, but also opportunities to develop skills that will empower them to lead and succeed beyond immediate walls of their academic institutions. Leadership begins with self-development, and we will provide platforms to nurture that.
“And to the third, ‘A Brighter Future through Advocacy and Representation’. We pledge to advocate for the needs of every student within Ikorodu Division. Your voice matters, and this administration will ensure that it is heard—whether through constructive dialogue with school authorities, the government, or community leaders”, he said.
He pledged to work together with the NAIDS parliaments in developing policies that would impacts positively on the students, while also charging Ikorodu students to see themselves as major stakeholders and contribute their own quota to the development of the association.
The keynote address at the inauguration was delivered by Mayor Muyideen Sanwoola, the Executive Assistant to the Governor of Lagos State on Park Management. He delivered a paper on the topic, ‘Unity in Diversity’.
He emphasized the importance of resilience, which resonated deeply with the audience.
The HRM Oba Mudashiru Ajibade Bakare Agoro, Oluworesete II, Ranodu of Imota, in his royal remarks, expressed his happiness about the occasion, noting that an event like the inauguration is taking place for the first time in Imota.
The royal father also shared a personal story to encourage the students on the importance of education and why they need to be focussed.
Other eminent guests at the historic occasion were: the Chairman Imota LCDA, Hon. (Prince) Wasiu Kunle Agoro, ably represented by the Secretary to the LCDA Hon. Muhammed Fagbesan, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Social Development, Chief Toye Legunse, Hon. Jimi Adejo, Hon. Gbenga Ojikutu, Mr. Olumide Adeleke Showofora,as well as past NAIDS Presidents, NAIDS Senate Presidents and other past NAIDS executives.
Also, NYCN Coordinators in Ikorodu Division (Ikorodu LG, Ikorodu West, Igbogbo/Bayeku and Imota LCDAs), Mr. Oluwakemi Keji, Coordinator, Ikorodu Division Youth Initiative, League of Imota Students’ Union Stakeholders, Mr. Abiodun Olusola, Mrs. Idera Ogunbowale, The President and members of the Students’ Union across Ikorodu Division (Ikorodu LG, Imota, Igbogbo/Bayeku, Ikorodu North, Ijede and Ikorodu West LCDAs), NAIDS LASU, LASUSTECH and UNILAG, NULASS UNILAG Chapter and others, were equally in attendance.
