Kunle Adelabu & Mariam Akinloye
-Ikorodu Rep pledges a storey building, classrooms
It was a grand exit for the outgoing Chairman of the Ikorodu – Oga Development Association (IKODASS), Mr Rotimi Erogbogbo, as a block of six classrooms, 12 toilet facilities and long-abandoned administrative building at the Jamatul Islamiyyah Primary School, Ikorodu, which have been fully rehabilitated and upgraded by association were commissioned on Friday.
At the commissioning by the representative of Ikorodu Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives, Rep. Babajimi Benson, commendation was accorded IKODASS for its impacts. He pledged to construct a storey – building of classrooms for the school to complement the existing structures.
His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Kabiru Adewale Shotobi, the Ayangbure of Ikorodu, Dr. Hakeem Babatunde Shittu, Chairman, Lagos State Universal Basic Primary Education Board (LSUBEB) and Alhaji Afolabi Amusa, Executive Secretary, Local Government Education Authority (LGEA), Aremo Adeniyi Ogunsanya, the Aremo of Ikorodu Kingdom and Alhaji Monzor Olowoshago, Publisher, Oriwu Sun, Prince Jamiu Adio Saka, former President, Oriwu Club, Mr Bolaji Osinowo, President, The Exclusives Club, Alhaji Fatai Kolawole Ogunfodunrin, the IKODASS Chairman in – waiting, and Alhaji Wale Hamzat, CEO HOMAT among others graced the occasion.
The outgoing IKODASS Chairman, Asiwaju Rotimi Erogbogbo, who initiated the project, while stating that the project is part of the association’s School Rescue and Sanitation Initiative, added that it is a support for the future of Ikorodu.
“Today, we are not just commissioning buildings — we are commissioning hope. We are inaugurating possibility. We are declaring, boldly, that the future of our children matters, and we will not look away.
“This occasion is a celebration of the IKODASS 2025 School Rescue and Sanitation Initiative, a vision borne out of the urgent need to restore dignity to our public primary schools. It is a response to years of neglect, and a rallying cry for a new culture of community-driven transformation.”
He listed the projects embarked upon by his administration and the extent of work done on them:
“At Jamaitul Islamiya Primary School, Ikorodu, we have delivered: A fully renovated block of six classrooms, with brand new iron doors and windows, repaired walls, upgraded ceilings, and a fresh coat of paint that breathes new life into this learning environment.
“A 12-room modern toilet facility for pupils, with proper water supply, plumbing, and a large, functional soakaway.
“The rehabilitation of an existing toilet block, upgraded with four additional W.C. toilets for teachers, ensuring they too enjoy a clean and dignified workspace.
“And, perhaps most importantly, we have rescued a long-abandoned administrative building, restoring it to a state of functionality and pride, worthy of the noble educators who shape our children’s minds.”
He emphasised that the rehabilitated project is an investment on the future of Ikorodu. Erogbogbo thanked Rep. Benson, Oba Shotobi and donors and volunteers.
“These are not just projects; they are investments in human dignity, in community pride, and in the future of Ikorodu.
“Let me specially acknowledge and appreciate our own ‘James Bond’ — Hon. Babajimi Benson, MFR. Your generous contribution to our project fund in 2023 has played a vital role in making today possible. You embody what it means to give back, and we thank you sincerely.
“To His Royal Majesty, Oba Shotobi, your unwavering support and sacrifice —canceling official commitments to be here — speaks volumes. You have again demonstrated that your heart beats for Ikorodu. May your reign continue to bring prosperity to our land.
“To all our volunteers, donors, and the passionate team at IKODASS: you are the quiet heroes of this success. Let today serve as a reminder that when we come together as a people, there is no limit to what we can achieve.
“As we commission these projects today, let it be a symbol —not of finality — but of momentum. There is more to do. More schools to rescue. More futures to protect. More communities to uplift.”
Rep. Benson at the commissioning described IKODASS as an impactful organization that has touched many.
“If I am not in the House of Reps, I would have been challenging that man for the position of IKODASS chairman to take over from you because the association has been very impactful. I like any association that touches the lives of people.
“Thank you very much. It is an honour to be here. I am so happy to see people giving back to the community. It’s always good to give back to the community. I know the state of this edifice that I am seeing before its renovation. We can see the pictures and as we are looking at its pictures before now, there is a remarkable difference.
“This also shows that IKODASS has utilised the trust expended on it diligently.”
Before he dropped the microphone, Rep. Benson in his usual character added to the joy of the staff and pupils in the school.
“I looked at this place and there is no one -storey block of classrooms. In addition to a bungalow edifice, we will construct a storey building”, he pledged.
The LSUBEB Chairman who was represented by Hon. Jimoh Babatunde, also commended IKODASS for the intervention.
The Head teacher of the school, Mrs Ogunsusi M. C, in her remarks also thanked IKODASS for the gesture while describing the project as a product of collaboration, compassion and shared purpose.
“This project represent more than just infrastructure or innovation it is a testament to the power of collaboration, compassion and shared purpose it speaks volume about what we can achieve together toward education and community at large.
“As the head teacher, I am immensely proud to witness this milestone. I am confident that this initiative will not only enrich our school environment but will also leave a lasting legacy for years to come
She also pleaded for further needs of the school which includes furniture, playing ground, security, prepaid meter, computers, lawn mower machine, and completion of the school fence.
