The Ikorodu Division Peace Initiative Limited (IDPIL) has once again demonstrated its strong commitment to education and youth development, disbursing scholarships and bursaries worth millions of naira at its 4th Annual Awards ceremony held on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at N.S Sho Event Centre, Ebute-Ajebo Road, in Imota Local Council Development Area (LCDA).
The program, which has grown steadily since its inception in 2021, has become a lifeline for hundreds of students across the six councils of Ikorodu Division.
This year’s edition provided both tuition relief and academic support to secondary and tertiary school students, underscoring IDPIL’s vision of empowering the next generation while fostering peace in the community.
SHEER Agenda Driving Transformation
IDPIL, established in response to rising insecurity in Ikorodu, operates on its SHEER development blueprint — Security, Health, Education, Environment, and Road Rehabilitation.
Since its founding, the initiative has funded interventions ranging from installation of solar-powered streetlights and provision of security patrol vehicles to the rehabilitation of palaces and construction of healthcare facilities.
Projects currently underway include a multi-million-naira Renal Centre scheduled for commissioning in early 2026 and plans for a state-of-the-art Orthopaedic Centre in Ikorodu.
These, alongside scholarships and bursary awards, place education and healthcare at the forefront of the group’s development priorities.
The 2025 ceremony was graced by traditional rulers, including HRM Oba Ajibade Mudashiru Bakare-Agoro, Ranodu of Imota, and HRM Oba Semiudeen Orimadegun Kasali, Adeboruwa of Igbogbo, who both urged students to prioritize discipline and academic excellence.
Political leaders present included Hon. Benson Sunday Ayodele, Executive Chairman of Imota LCDA, and Hon. Ahmed Olalekan Aroyewun, Executive Chairman of Igbogbo-Baiyeku LCDA.
Both pledged continued partnership with IDPIL to expand youth development programs.
Chairman of the day, Prince Adesegun Ogunlewe, former Lagos State Head of Service, described the initiative as a “gold standard for grassroots development,” praising its holistic approach to solving social problems.
Leadership Reaffirms Commitment
In his address, Otunba Ganiyu Olusegun Abiru, Executive Secretary of IDPIL, declared education to be the strongest tool for community emancipation.
“From our first year till now, IDPIL has touched virtually every sector of Ikorodu Division. But we consider education the backbone of our mission because it is the most sustainable way to empower our youths and guarantee peace in society,” Abiru said.
He further appreciated the monarchs, council leaders, and parents for their steadfast support, emphasizing that IDPIL remains a community-owned project inspired by the foresight of visionary royal fathers who established it four years ago.
Transparent Selection and Parental Support
Committee Chairperson, Hon. Mrs. Adebimpe Akinsola explained that students were selected through a competitive process that included a qualifying test, ensuring that only the most deserving benefited.
She urged parents to continue instilling discipline, resilience, and values of service in their children, describing these as “the true foundations of greatness.”
Beneficiaries hailed the program as life-changing. Shittu Oluwatumishe, a medical student at Lagos State University College of Medicine, shared his story:
“IDPIL began as a solution to insecurity, but it has grown into a platform that gives youths opportunities to thrive. This award has not only eased my financial burden but also given me a sense of responsibility to give back to my community,” he said.
Several other awardees expressed similar gratitude, noting that the bursaries would cover essential academic expenses like tuition fees, textbooks, and laboratory materials.
The Chairman, Board of Trustees, Chief Adewunmi Ogunsanya, SAN (Odofin of Ikorodu), speaking virtually, assured stakeholders that IDPIL will remain unwavering in executing its SHEER agenda.
He stressed that collaboration among monarchs, political leaders, and residents was key to sustaining the initiative’s success.
Building Peace through Human Capital.
The consistent theme across all speeches was that education is central to peace and progress.
By keeping youths engaged through scholarships and bursaries, IDPIL not only reduces financial pressure on families but also prevents social vices linked to lack of opportunity.
The 4th edition of the program has further entrenched IDPIL’s reputation as a cornerstone of grassroots progress in Ikorodu Division.
With millions of naira invested annually in human and infrastructural capital, the initiative is positioning education as the anchor of peace, empowerment, and sustainable development.
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