In response to the unrest and violence in parts of Ikorodu Division, the Coordinator of Ikorodu News Network (INN), Eromona Michael, convened a series of meetings with the six LCDA Chairmen in the division.
The initiative aimed to encourage the adoption of messaging as a strategic tool in the fight against cultism and violence, stressing that these challenges can only be tackled through collective effort.
With a population now exceeding 5 million, Ikorodu Division consists of six Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs): Igbogbo Baiyeku LCDA, Ijede LCDA, Imota LCDA, Ikorodu North LCDA, Ikorodu West LCDA, and Ikorodu Central LCDA.
The meetings, which spanned three weeks, provided a platform for the Chairmen to deliberate on the consistent use of messaging to address the growing menace while also implementing other essential security measures.
As part of the campaign, banners featuring the slogan “Be a Pride, Not a Problem” were presented to each LCDA Chairman.
The campaign was officially launched at the Igbogbo Baiyeku LCDA Secretariat, where the coordinator was warmly received by the executive chairman, Bldr. Sesan Daini.
Bldr. Daini, in applauding the initiative, quickly rolled out plans to mass-produce 20 banners, which were distributed to public schools as part of the campaign.
“To overcome this challenge, we must embrace every possible medium to address the problem head-on,” he stated.
Hon. Fatiu Salisu Jimoh, the Executive Chairman of Ijede LCDA, also endorsed the campaign, reaffirming his dedication to combating violence in his jurisdiction.
Mrs. Ademehin Olajumoke Jimbo, the Executive Chairman of Ikorodu West LCDA, praised the initiative, acknowledging its potential to complement ongoing efforts.
“We have been organizing prayer sessions to tackle this issue, but it is equally crucial to incorporate messaging as part of the solution, alongside consistent application of security measures. This approach will have a lasting impact,” she affirmed.
At Imota LCDA, Prince Wasiu Kunle Agoro, the Executive Chairman, expressed gratitude to the coordinator for championing such a positive movement.
Similarly, Hon. Wasiu Adesina, the Executive Chairman of Ikorodu Central LCDA, voiced his full support for the campaign.
The campaign concluded with the final banner presentation to Bldr. Adeola Adebisi Banjo, the Executive Chairman of Ikorodu North LCDA.
Media outlets such as Wave Media, OGTV, and Always Media were present to cover the event.
“Reminding ourselves to ‘Be a Pride, Not a Problem’ is a meaningful way to deter crime and violence while fostering good citizenship in Ikorodu Division. I commend this initiative,” remarked Bldr. Banjo.
In his closing remarks, Coordinator Eromona Michael underscored the importance of messaging as a practical tool for resolving community challenges.
“When leaders fully embrace this concept, it will strengthen the safety and well-being of our communities,” he emphasized.
“Similar to election campaigns, where banners and posters are widely used to promote candidates, the same intensity should be applied to tackling challenges like this, which directly affect our youth and communities in Ikorodu,” he concluded.
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