There are organizations and there are organizations. Some are traditional. Some are religious. Some are gender-sensitive. Some are political. Some are social. Some are peer-based. Some are professional organizations. Indeed there are a wide diversity of organizations and they are all here with us in Ikorodu. More than being here with us, some of us are members of some of them. And that is absolutely acceptable. There is nothing wrong with it.

Every organization exists for a reason. Some want power. Some want money. Some want relevance. Some want acceptance. Some exist to improve the life of their members. While some are just there for the sake of being there. There are as many reasons for organizations as there are organizations.

We are IKODASS, Ikorodu Oga Development Association. IKODASS. In our name is our identity. Our name is who we are. In our name is the reason we exist. The reason we exist is the development of our homeland, Ikorodu. We must live true to our name. Those before us have played their part. They have done their bit. I sincerely thank all of them, from the founding fathers to the immediate past regime led by Otunba Segun Abiru, for giving IKODASS a form and a comeliness. We come into office at a time like this for a definite purpose. We come into office to change the negative narratives about our homeland. We cannot afford to leave Ikorodu where we met it. We cannot afford to disappoint our teaming supporters who voted us into office. Their faith and belief must fuel a resurgent determination in us to excel. We must live true to his convictions.

Talking of conviction, what is our conviction in IKODASS? Why are we seated here today? Yes we have been duly elected; we are

however here because we believe. We are here because as true sons or daughters of Ikorodu we hear the call. The call of Ikorodu. That is why you are here. The call to develop Ikorodu; that is why you are here. That is why I am here; the development of Ikorodu. That is why we are called IKODASS, Ikorodu Oga Development Association. The reason we exist is Ikorodu because if there was no Ikorodu, there will be no IKODASS.

Yes, the reason we exist is Ikorodu. Ikorodu should therefore be our focus. For us, as members of Ikorodu Oga Development Association, Ikorodu should be first. The greater interest of Ikorodu should be paramount in what we do. We must rise beyond clannish parochial sentiments. We must rise above all religious, political and sectional fault lines to embrace a greater Ikorodu mindset. Ikorodu must be first for us because it is then and only then that our full potentials can be realised. It is then and only then that the negative narratives about our homeland can be reversed to usher in the mega-development Ikorodu deserves. It is then and only then that our youths can find meaningful expression. It is then and only then that, like our anthem says, Ikorodu can become headquarters. There is no other option for us. To do otherwise is to negate the ideals of our association. To do otherwise is to subvert what we stand for. To do otherwise is to deny our identity, nay, our destiny. We have chosen this path; the path of developing Ikorodu. Let us walk this path because it is the path to greater Ikorodu.

IKODASS, it is time to roll up our sleeves, redouble our efforts and walk our talk for the greater good of our land. A greater Ikorodu is possible.

Thank you.