Dear Council Chairmen,
Let me begin by reiterating my heartfelt congratulations to each one of you on your recent victories at the polls. Prior to the elections, I penned a goodwill article in which I wished you all a successful showing at the party primaries and, afterward, congratulated you on your emergence as flag bearers Today, I write again – this time, not just to celebrate your victory, but to offer a heartfelt and soul-searching memo as part of my modest contribution to the success of your respective administrations.
This won’t be the last time I’ll write to you. As one of many concerned citizens deeply invested in the progress of Ikorodu Division, I promise to engage with you from time to time – calling your attention to areas where expectations are not being met, and also acknowledging and applauding you whenever commendable strides are made. This, I believe, is the essence of true civic engagement: to hold leaders accountable in love and to celebrate their wins in truth.
That said, I write today to stress one essential component of good governance that is often overlooked at the local government level – the critical need for a structured, professional media team in each of your councils.
We have moved beyond the campaign season. Now is the time for strategic communication, not propaganda. The people of Ikorodu Division – young and old, home and abroad, hopeful and watchful – deserve to be intentionally informed about the goings-on within their respective councils. This includes policies, initiatives, challenges, community engagements, budgets, and opportunities.
It is, therefore, imperative that you set up a standard and competent media team as part of your administrative framework. A team that not only pushes your image but tells your story with integrity, clarity, and professionalism. A team that connects you to the grassroots and keeps you accountable to your promises.
Beyond that, doing this the right way opens a window of opportunity for our teeming youths. Setting up a vibrant media team is not only a governance tool – it is also a channel for youth empowerment and career development. Many young, passionate, and skilled individuals across Ikorodu Division are seeking real platforms to sharpen their teeth and build careers in media, journalism, public relations, content creation, and civic communication. Offering them that opportunity will go a long way in reducing idleness, stimulating productivity, and building a knowledge-driven community.
However, let me be clear: not everyone who runs a blog or makes social media commentaries is a media professional. Please avoid the temptation to staff your media team with individuals whose only qualification is online visibility. This is not the time for trial-and-error appointments. We need tested and experienced media professionals – people with a clear understanding of public relations, storytelling, crisis management, and media engagement across traditional and digital platforms.
Ikorodu Division is not lacking in this regard. We are blessed with numerous tested hands – publicists, journalists, content strategists, and communication consultants – who not only understand the terrain locally but are also well-networked beyond Ikorodu. These are the kind of people you should place at the helm of your media machinery.
Make this a priority. Get it right from the start.
The success of your administration will not only be measured by what you do but also by how well you communicate what you do. History has taught us that perception, when not well-managed, can overshadow even the best of intentions. In this digital age, silence is no longer golden, and communication is.
As I close, I urge you to wear your new offices with the humility of service, the boldness of purpose, and the clarity of vision. May your tenures usher in a new era of transparency, progress, and prosperity for the people of Ikorodu Division.
Until I write again, may wisdom guide your actions, and may posterity judge your leadership kindly.
Warm regards,
Princess (Mrs.) Aderoju Ladega-Akinjobi
Kìnìún Ikòròdú
