Kunle Adelabu
Aside the annual Ikorodu – Oga Day Carnival and other known programmes that the Ikorodu – Oga Development Association (IKODASS) would be organising this year, two other new programmes are set to be introduced.
‘Ikorodu Through Your Lens’ and ‘Ikorodu Literary Initiative’, are the new initiatives of Mr Rotimi Erogbogbo-led IKODASS administration.
While the Literary Initiative was designed to promote intellectualism, especially in the aspect of writing, the other programme: Through Your Lens, is a photography competition aimed at showcasing the good images of lkorodu Division.
Another important initiative also coming up is Ikorodu Festival of Arts and Culture which was initiated to boost tourism in the Division.
The Chairman, IKODASS, Mr Erogbogbo, who spoke with THE IMPACT at the weekend said that he unveiled the three programmes to the stakeholders at the 2022 Annual General Meeting of the socio – economic and development association, which was held at the Ikorodu Town Hall, Ikorodu, last Sunday.
“This year, we are flagging off two major competitions that will radically change how the outside world sees us. One is, ‘Ikorodu Through Your Lens’. It is a photography competition that encourages people to take beautiful pictures of interesting places in Ikorodu”, Mr Erogbogbo said.
“The pictures will be domiciled online where people can vote for the best. The winners will receive good prize money among other things.
“The other competition is Ikorodu Literary Initiative. The goal here is to encourage intellectualism among our teeming young people.
“Our young writers would have the opportunity to win prize money and have their works published.
“To enter for the competition, your writing must be about Ikorodu.
“PR experts say these two Ikorodu centric competitions are masterstroke in putting our dear community in the global mix. They are products of our partnership with Promocom Ventures Limited”, Erogbogbo said.
The IKODASS Chairman, who also said that the socio – cultural body is also looking at the possibilities of becoming incumbation centre for small and medium scale businesses, also added that another initiative: Ikorodu Festival of Arts and Culture, is currently being fine-tuned and will debut soon.
“We are exploring possibilities of setting up a business incubation centre for small and medium scale enterprises here in Ikorodu to fast track route to market for small scale businesses”, he said.
“It will be a one stop shop to get all requisite registrations and certifications for SMEs because it shall house all relevant agencies of government. It will equally provide basic facilities for industries at minimal cost, thereby, reducing cost of production for our cottage industries.
“Also, we are thinking of a 3-day Ikorodu Festival of Arts and Culture to boost tourism within our shores. Tourism, if well harnessed, is a major booster of economies and sustainer of livelihood for millions of people across the world. Why this couldn’t be in Ikorodu?”.
Erogbogbo also revealed that plans are also ongoing to have a befitting Ikorodu – Oga Carnival this year.
“Planning for Oga Day 2022 is ongoing. Please, feel free to bring your good ideas forward as no single individual has the monopoly of knowledge. We want to hear from clubs and associations as we look forward to a better and richer Oga Day celebration this year. Step forward and take ownership. Step forward and find out the aspects you can sponsor as a club”, the IKODASS Chairman charged.
