Kunle Adelabu
-IKODASS also presents cheque for restoration of electricity to Muslim, Etunrenren Pry Schs, Ikorodu
A 400 – capacity hall at the Methodist Primary School, Ikorodu which was fully rehabilitated by the Ikorodu -Oga Development Association (IKODASS) in conjunction with Olori Kudirat Abosede Shotobi, wife of the Ayangbure of Ikorodu Kingdom, has been commissioned for use.
The hall was commissioned by His Royal Majesty, Oba (Engr.) Kabir Adewale Shotobi, the Ayangbure of Ikorodu, who attended the school for his primary education decades ago.
During the commissioning, the royal father also on behalf of IKODASS, presented a cheque of over N157, 000 each to the Muslim Primary School, and Etunrenren Primary Schools, Ikorodu for the refurbishment and payment for the installation of a pre -paid metre.
The scope of rehabilitation achieved by IKODASS and Olori Shotobi, through direct labour and diligent supervision to ensure cost efficiency and quality delivery are complete replacement of the hall’s ceiling, including woodwork repairs; Electricity wiring, fittings, and lighting installations; purchase and installation of 8 large ceiling fans for better ventilation and repair and block setting where necessary to enhance structural integrity.
The renovation included the interior and exterior painting to rejuvenate the hall’s aesthetics and the replacement of the two entrance doors and repairs/replacement of windows to ensure security and functionality.
Speaking at the commissioning, Asiwaju Rotimi Erogbogbo, Chairman, IKODASS, said that the renovation is an attempt to continue to sow the seed of excellence which will turn out to be beneficial to the society.
“The Methodist Primary School hall, which we are commissioning today, represents a seed planted for the betterment of our community. It is a place where knowledge values, and aspirations have been nurtured for decades.
“In fact, it may interest you all to know that his Royal Majesty Oba Kabir Adewale Shotobi, the Ayangbure of Ikorodu, the paramount ruler of Ikorodu Kingdom, the Permanent Vice Chairman of the Lagos State Council of Obas, and the Chairman of all the Ijebu Obas in Lagos State, is himself a proud product of the school.
“The legacy of excellence nurtured within these walls continues to shine through illustrious leaders like our Kabiyesi, who stands as a testament to the transformative power of education
“In the light of the foregoing, it is with immense joy and gratitude that I welcome you all to this auspicious occasion of the commissioning of the renovated Methodist Primary School Hall. This milestone represents the strength of community collaboration and our collective commitment to the growth and development of our beloved Ikorodu”, he said.
While appealing to the members of the public to assist for the donation of plastic chairs for the hall, Erogbogbo, also reminded the community that investment in education is paramount to development of any community.
At the ceremony, N157, 000 cheque each was also presented to the managers of Muslim Primary School and Etunrenren Primary Schools, by the IKODASS Chairman as a fulfilment of his pledge to restore electricity power to the schools.
“This renovation hall is now a befitting space for academic use, accommodating up to 400 people. However, to make it fully functional, we are making an appeal to well-meaning individuals, corporate organisations, and community stakeholders to assist with the donations of plastic chairs to furnish this hall.
“Your support will complete the vision of creating a space that is truly ready to serve the school and the broader Ikorodu community
‘Today’s event is part of the 2024 Children’s Day, a symbolic reminder of why investments in education and community infrastructure are so critical. By supporting initiatives like these, we are laying the foundations for a brighter future for our children.
“Today’s event is a 2 in 1 event as IKODASS will also be presenting cheques to the tune of N157, 000 each to two schools for refurbishment and installation of their pre – paid maters” the IKODASS chairman said.
He seized the occasion to thank all supporters of the community development works: “On behalf of IKODASS, I extend my heartfelt appreciation to his Royal Majesty, Oba Kabir Adewale Shotobi, and our gracious Olori for their unwavering support and leadership. My gratitude also goes to everyone who contributed to the success of this project in any capacity.
“As we unveil this hall today, let it serve as a beacon of hope, unity, and progress for Ikorodu. Together, we can achieve even greater milestones. Thank you all for your presence and support. May Ikorodu continue to thrive.”
His Royal Majesty, Oba (Engr.) Kabir Adewale Shotobi, the Ayangbure of Ikorodu who commended the IKODASS and his wife for their investment in education and nurturing the young ones for the future of Ikorodu, Lagos and Nigeria as a whole, pledged to donate the required plastic chairs for the renovated hall.
The highly revered traditional ruler who stated that he was a member of the cultural group while studying for his primary education in the school charged pupils of the school to take their studies seriously.
He revealed that he would be hosting a powerful delegation from the Presidency this week while interacting with the selected pupils of the school at the commissioning, adding that it is only through good education that they can wine and dine with kings and eminent personalities.
Oba Shotobi said that education is not just part of what that earned him his status, but also made his stool a highly revered one.
“This morning, I receive a letter from the Presidency informing that they are coming to Ikorodu.”
Ayangbure Shotobi explained that the visit is for the delegation to pay him a visit and also, “identify the needs of the people and ways to provide support”.
In his own remarks, Mr Afolabi Amusa, the Education Secretary, Local Government Education Authority (LGEA), thanked the royal family and IKODASS for their support and investment in education.
He also pledged to donate chairs, tables and canopy for the use of the hall.
“Let me inform the guests here that the LGEA will dedicate this Hall for the use of all the 65 public primary schools in Ikorodu Division and to the use by the community.
“It will interesting to know that the LGEA is dedicated to support the Hall with 13 dozens of chairs, 6 plastic tables and 1 big canopy,” he said.
He too appealed to the public to further support with more chairs, tables, wall fans, public address system and generating sets.
Among other dignitaries at the commissioning were Comrade Oluwafemi Fakolade, Chairman, NUT Ikorodu, Baales and IKODASS executives.
