NAIDS NATIONAL COMMENCES STRATEGIC TOUR ACROSS IKORODU DIVISION

Strengthening Ties with Stakeholders and engagement for Educational and students development_

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 Ikorodu, Lagos

In it's continued effort to foster stronger collaboration and deepen it's impact across Ikorodu Division, the National Association of Ikorodu Division Students (NAIDS-NATIONAL),under the leadership of its National President, Comrade Ogunbowale Olatayo Bodunrin, has officially commenced a strategic familiarisation and engagement tour across to key stakeholders - including local government authorities, traditional rulers and private organizations within the division. The initiative is part of the association’s broader mission to strengthen partnerships with local governments, royal institutions, and private sector organizations while promoting the educational and welfare interests of students from the division.

At the first stop of the tour was an Engagement with Ikorodu Division Peace Initiative Limited/GTE (IDPIL/GTE)a community-based initiative in Nigeria's Ikorodu Division, a private and NGO organization established to address rising crime and insecurity, particularly due to cult groups, land grappers, and other miscreants and of which part of her agenda is educational empowerment for students of Ikorodu Division both Indigenes and residences. It is widely known for its commitment to grassroots development in Ikorodu Division under the chairmanship of Odofin Adewunmi Adedeji Ogunsanya SAN. The delegation of Naids National was warmly received by the Administrative Secretary/The Director of Finance and Administration, Mr. Salami Awolaru as he shared the organization's Vision rooted in the SHEER Agenda — Security, Health, Education, Environment, and Road Infrastructure. He reiterated the purpose that leads to the formulation of the body, as propounded by the Royal Fathers and some eminent personalities of the Ikorodu Division. In his engagement, he made it known that the group adopted Jagun (idagiri Eku) as his symbol because the animal is a nocturnal as that reflect the security operations of their security team. 

He also spoke on several initiatives such as vocational training school, renal health projects, as a subsidiaries upcoming projects of the IDIPL/G.

Comrade Ogunbowale Olatayo Bodunrin, praised and appreciated IDPIL/GTE for the gap they have filled in the educational growth of the division and commend the effort of the organization in terms of bursary and scholarship initiatives, which has been a longstanding and lifesaving contributions to educational advancement across the division and sought a collaborative relationship that allows NAIDS NATIONAL to support the dissemination and coordination of their educational scholarship and bursary programs for both Ikorodu Division Indigenes and residences. Mr. Salami, welcomed the proposal and sought to inform the larger board. He charged the national body to push the publicity of the bursary and scholarship application to all students even beyond schools in Lagos State as new application will be commencing soon. 

He emphasized the need for a comprehensive student data system and urging the new leadership to dive into that area via students Indigenes verification, website creation as a blue print for the association in expanding it's scope. He concluded that as students leaders we should continue to serve as academic and moral role models.

 Next Stop: Ikorodu Local Government Secretariat

The NAIDS National Executive met with the Executive Chairman of Ikorodu Local Government. Comrade Ogunbowale expressed appreciation for the Chairman’s efforts in driving local development and called for increased student empowerment programs and educational support, including bursary disbursements.

He also raised the issue of the lack of a secondary school in Agura area, noting that the nearest available school is located in Ifelodun Oke Agbo—posing accessibility challenges for students in the area. While acknowledging that the construction of secondary schools falls under the purview of the state government, he urged the Chairman to leverage his office to advocate for a school project within the locality.

The Chairman, in his response, warmly welcomed the NAIDS executives and outlined his administration’s ongoing projects, including renovations within the council, provision of computer laboratories in local schools, and the construction of a vocational centre in Agura in partnership with prestigious institutions such as the University of Lagos and the University of Ibadan and promised that more of educational intervention projects are coming in not excluding students bursary.

 The stop for the day, was a Visit to Sekumade of Ipakodo Royal Palace

The NAIDS delegation was graciously received by His Royal Majesty, Oba (Engr.) Basiru Aremu Sotonwa, Sekumade of Ipakodo, at the palace. The monarch emphasized the importance of using student union platforms for constructive advocacy. He encouraged the leadership to develop both academic and technical skills and to be ambassadors of integrity, productivity, and responsibility. His Royal Majesty also called for continued collaboration with institutions that promote development and unity within the division.

This tour marks a significant milestone for NAIDS NATIONAL as it works to foster stronger alliances that enhance the educational landscape and empower students of Ikorodu Division. The association is set to continue these engagements in other LCDAs and institutions across the region in the coming weeks.

 Announcer: 🎙️

 Comr. Ogunyemi Olayinka Oladipupo

 _Public Relations Officer, NAIDS NATIONAL_