Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, has applauded the Ikorodu-Oga Development Association (IKODASS) for its impactful gesture of awarding educational scholarships to 79 indigent and non-indigent students within the Ikorodu community.
The commendation was delivered on Saturday during the Grand Finale of the 2024 Ikorodu Oga Day Celebration, held at the Ayangburen Palace Grounds in Ikorodu.
“I must commend the Ikorodu Oga Development Association for coming together to award scholarships to 79 indigent and non-indigent students of the Ikorodu community. I am very happy that Ikorodu Oga came together to do this. For me, this is most important to the future of our children. I want you to please expand it because this is our children and they are our future,” Dr. Hamzat remarked.
Emphasizing the significance of education, the Deputy Governor described it as a cornerstone for national development, equipping young minds with essential life skills, critical thinking abilities, and curiosity-driven learning. He urged for the scholarship program to be expanded, ensuring that more children across Lagos have access to quality education.
“So, whatever you need to do, please call all of us to assist in doing it. Let us enlarge the scholarship programme because it is not just for Ikorodu indigenes, but everybody. So we continue to be with you to assist our children,” he added.
The Deputy Governor also acknowledged the remarkable growth and development Ikorodu has experienced over the years. He praised the community’s welcoming nature and its commitment to progress, stating, “Ikorodu as a kingdom takes a special place in the heart of the state government.”
In his remarks, the Ayangburen of Ikorodu Land, Oba Kabiru Adewale Shotobi, highlighted the festival as a testament to the community’s dedication to preserving and promoting its rich cultural heritage. He called on the state government to support the area with additional infrastructure development to sustain its growth.
Earlier, Mr. Rotimi Akeem Erogbogbo, Chairman of IKODASS, described the Ikorodu Oga Festival as a celebration of the town’s heritage, values, and progress. “This festival celebrates more than our culture. It honours our heritage, values, and commitment to making Ikorodu a centre for selfless service and hard work,” he stated.
Erogbogbo also emphasized the need for financial support to execute developmental projects, urging all sons, daughters, and well-wishers of Ikorodu to contribute generously. “The Ikorodu community does not lack ideas but lacks money to execute laudable projects for the growth of the people and the community,” he concluded.
The celebration, a mix of cultural pride and developmental advocacy, highlighted Ikorodu’s rich traditions and its aspirations for a prosperous future.
