Kunle Adelabu
It was a day of recognition for seven young Ikorodu sons and daughters that have made their marks in leadership, community development and entrepreneurship as Ikorodu – Oga Development Association (IKODASS) acknowledged their contributions.
They were honoured during the Youth Activities Day of the ongoing Ikorodu – Oga Carnival being organised by the IKODASS, which held at the Ikorodu Town Hall on Wednesday. The event was attended by His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Kabir Adewale Shotobi, the Ayangbure of Ikorodu, his wife, Olori Kudirat Shotobi and other prominent guests and traditional chiefs.
Leading the list of honorees, Comrade Olalekan Biliamin Oba, the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor on Social Development who was honoured with an Exceptional Leadership Award for his roles in leading the youths, community development and impacts; Mr Rasheed Adedeji Fatuga, the Chief Administrator, The Ikorodu Ambassadors Group, honoured with Community Development Award and Samuel Adeshina Soyiga, a Prince of Ikorodu, received the Community Leadership Award.
While Barr. Mariam Makanjuola, a First Class, Lagos State University Law Graduate received the youth award in the Academics & Innovation, Mrs Basirat Adewunmi Babatunde, Entrepreneurship & Professional Achievement Award (female), Mr Adewale Zhikrullahi Kasali, Entrepreneurship & Professional Achievement Award (male) and Comrade Isaac Peju Akinyemi as the Next Rated Youth, for his community and professional engagement and promising future.
A special recognition award was also bestowed on the IKODASS Chairman, Alhaji Fatai Kolawole, for his massive support for the youth.
Oba Shotobi presenting the Exceptional Leadership Award to Lekan Oba commended him for his exemplary leadership and charged other youths in Ikorodu to emulate him.
The royal father, who also commended other awardees, appreciating a young girl who presented an art work to the royal family during the award programme, pledged to present it to the black museum in North Carolina, United States of America (USA) where his royal regalia that he wore during his coronation and other paraphernalia of office were kept.
Kabiyesi pledged to support the young artist’s university education and made a donation of N50, 000.
While Asiwaju Kaoli Olusanya, Asiwaju of Ibeshe Kingdom, also supported the young girl financially, Alhaji Monzor Olowoshago, CEO Oriwu Sun, pledged to give her work to do for him.
Alhaji Kolawole Fatai, IKODASS Chairman speaking earlier said that the award ceremony was an initiative dedicated to recognizing youth and vibrant Ikorodu sons and daughters for their contributions.
He assured the royal father, guest and the audience of IKODASS support for the youth.
Comrade Lekan Oba, in his acceptance speech at the ceremony thanked the Ayangbure of Ikorodu and the entire royal family, eminent guests present and IKODASS for the honour adding that it would spur him to do more.
“This award to me is to do more and it is a charge to every youth.”
Comrade Fatuga, in his own remarks, said that the award is a special one among other honours he has received.
Other guests at the award ceremony included Prince Adio Saka, APC leader, Prince Ganiy Awobajo, publisher, Ikorodu News, Mayor Muhydeen Sanwoola, Executive Assistant to the Lagos State Governor, Sen. Comfort Olafare, State NYCN Deputy Chairman, Councilor Wasiu Shotomiwa, Council leader, Ikorodu LG, Barr. Adeleke Aroyewun, State NYCN legal adviser, Mr Sesan Odueyigbo, former chairmanship aspirant, Ikorodu North LCDA and Engr. Hammed Idowu, chairman, Youth Activities Committee, IKODASS.
