Mariam Akinloye
-Urges Ikorodu youth to embrace SAIL Innovation Lab
The Senator representing the Lagos East Senatorial District, Sen. Tokunbo Abiru, FCA, has pledged N10million as part of his support for the Ikorodu – Oga Development Association (IKODASS), a socio – cultural and developmental group saddled with the responsibilities of organising the annual Ikorodu – Oga Day Celebration.
While N5million is meant for the renewal of his scholarship programme for the indigent but brilliant students on the IKODASS Education Support platform, the other N5milion was pledged towards the celebration of the 34th Ikorodu – Oga Day Celebration this year.
Abiru made the pledge when the IKODASS Chairman, Alhaji Kolawole Fatai led other executives on a courtesy visit to him at his Senatorial Constituency office in Ikorodu, with N5million as payment for the next edition. He also assured them of his support towards the forthcoming 34th Ikorodu – Oga Carnival.
The education support initiative of the socio – cultural organization was reorganised by the immediate past administration led by Asiwaju Rotimi Erogbogbo, bringing Sen. Abiru and other prominent individuals, families and groups on board to sponsor in their own names.
The meeting also afforded IKODASS the opportunity to present its programme of activities to the Ikorodu – born Senator.
Sen. Abiru acknowledging the impacts of the IKODASS administration, assured of the renewal of his scholarship.
“I want to thank you for all that you have been doing and this is my first meeting with the new leadership and I congratulate you and wish you well.
“Since our scholarship support is already exhausted, we don’t have a choice than to renew it. That is automatic. You’ll get that renewal of scholarship. I will support with additional N5 million.
“I don’t know your budget (for the 34th Ikorodu – Oga Day Celebration), but for the preparation and execution of the annual celebration, I will give you another N5million,” he pledged.
Senator Abiru also used the occasion to urge youths in Ikorodu between ages 18 and 35 years to embrace the SAIL innovation Lab.
As a chattered accountant and a former banker, Abiru charged the IKODASS team on the need to reform its revenue base, have investment and make the organisation self – sufficient.
Speaking earlier, the IKODASS Chairman, Alhaji Kolawole Fatai, thanked the Senator for sponsoring the group’s scholarship which are normally given out during the annual Ikorodu – Oga Day Celebration in November and requested for its continuity.
He also sought his support towards the annual celebration which he said have new innovations like Fanty Carnival, firecrackers among others.
Alhaji Fatai further explained that the fanty carnival is being introduced to make the annual event very colourful. He explained further that every part of Ikorodu Kingdom will be given sense of belonging. He added that costumes’ colours will be allocated to different areas to wear on the Woro/Fanty Carnival Day of the celebration.
Other new activities listed were white party, youth award among others.
“This year, we also want to have fireworks. This will take place at town hall in the night to signal the kick – off of the Ikorodu-Oga 34th edition. Apart from that, we want to do All White Party in partnership with some people.
While appreciating Odofin Adewunmi Ogunsanya, SAN, the Odofin of Ikorodu for his support for IKODASS especially the donation of a bus, Alhaji Fatai also sought Sen. Abiru’s support in the area of securing land for IKODASS permanent secretariat and maintenance of the vehicle.
Dr. Saheed Ibikunle, the Special Adviser to the Senator on Constituency Matters also speaking commended IKODASS its socio economic impact and charged them on the need to continue to propagate Ikorodu’s image.
He also called for unity and cooperation among them and in the entire Ikorodu Division.
Some of the IKODASS executives at the meeting were Olola Segun Iluyombo, Deputy Chairman, IKODASS, Mr Anifowoshe Olorunrinu, Vice Chairman, Prince Oba Dare Osikoya, Publicity Secretary, Olabisi Kolawole Esq, Legal Adviser, Mr Adio Rasheed, Auditor, Hon. Yomi Shoderu, Youth Representative and Princess Folake Shitta-Samuel, Special Adviser on Relationship Matters.
