Focuses on Education, Technology, and Culture for a Sustainable Future
Ikorodu, Lagos — November 27, 2025
The National Association of Ikorodu Division Students (NAIDS National) on Thursday hosted the 2025 edition of the Ikorodu Division Students’ Fair & Summit, a major intellectual and cultural gathering aimed at empowering students across the division.
This year’s summit, held under the leadership of the National President, Comr. Ogunbowale Olatayo Bodunrin, carried the theme: “Harnessing Knowledge for a Sustainable Future: Exploring Education, Technology & Culture.”
The event brought together students, young innovators, community leaders, and stakeholders for a full-day experience designed to inspire growth, collaboration, and knowledge sharing.
The summit featured a rich lineup of activities, including a panel session, a keynote address, cultural displays, a business pitch competition, and an award presentation segment that recognized outstanding student achievers and contributors to educational development.
The event attracted notable dignitaries from across Ikorodu Division, among them Dr. Olumide Olushola Metiletu, Mayor Muyideen Sanwoola, Otunba Niyi Banjoko, Mrs. Odumbo Monsurat, Comr. Shofowora Olumide, and Comr. Hassan Basiru. Students’ leaders, including presidents from various institutions under ISU’s and other associations across the division, were also in attendance.
The President of the National Association of Ikorodu Division Students (NAIDS National), Comr. Ogunbowale Olatayo Bodunrin, described the event as a historic gathering and a significant milestone in the pursuit of youth development across the division.
“It is my honour and privilege, as the President of the Association, to welcome you all to this historic Students’ Fair and Summit,” he began, setting the tone for a day dedicated to learning, innovation, and collaboration.
Comr. Ogunbowale emphasized that the day marked a defining moment in the journey towards strengthening youth capacity and intellectual empowerment within Ikorodu Division.
He noted that the summit was designed to broaden perspectives and expose young people to the transformative power of Education, Technology, and Cultural Heritage Promotion.
Speaking further, he explained that the summit’s theme — “Harnessing Knowledge for a Sustainable Future: Exploring Education, Technology and Culture” — goes beyond being a mere topic. According to him, it represents a call to action.
“It pushes us to see technology as a bridge to global relevance,” he said, “and to treat our culture not as history to be archived, but as heritage to be preserved, celebrated, and passed on.”
The NAIDS President urged students from various institutions, organizations, and communities across the division to take advantage of the summit’s opportunities to learn, collaborate, network, and expand their possibilities.
He highlighted the importance of collective engagement in shaping a progressive future for Ikorodu Division.
Comr. Ogunbowale also expressed gratitude to the summit’s partners, sponsors, guest speakers, and panelists for supporting the vision and believing in the potential of young people.
“Your investment in the youth is an investment in the future of Ikorodu Division,” he noted, assuring them that their contributions would leave lasting impacts on the students and the entire community.
Mayor Muyideen Sanwoola, who spoke on the topic: “21st Century Emerging Trends in Technology for Undergraduates.” underscored the critical importance of Education, Technology, and Economics as the three pillars shaping modern development and youth empowerment.
He explained that for young people to compete and thrive in a rapidly evolving world, they must understand how these areas intersect and influence their future.
He noted that while technology has opened countless doors of opportunity, it must not replace human capacity or become the final destination of learning.
According to him, technology offers tremendous advantages, including improved problem-solving tools, global collaboration, and increased efficiency, but it should be seen as a support system rather than a substitute for human reasoning and creativity.
“Technology provides solutions, but we must still refine it,” he cautioned, urging students to maintain a balance between embracing innovation and building personal competence.
He stressed that discipline, critical thinking, and continuous learning remain essential in navigating today’s digital world.
Mayor Sanwoola highlighted the growing influence of Artificial Intelligence and emerging digital tools, describing their role in transforming industries and empowering young people.
However, he reminded the audience that these tools must be guided by human direction and purpose.
“A.I is not an end; it is a means to an end,” he said, emphasizing the need for students to stay grounded, purposeful, and intentional in their use of technology.
Dr. Olumide Olusola Metiletu, who spoke on the theme: “21st Century Emerging Trends in Education for Undergraduates.”
urged students to adopt a proactive and opportunity-driven mindset in navigating the rapidly evolving educational landscape.
He emphasized that in the 21st century, knowledge is expanding faster than ever, and undergraduates must learn to position themselves strategically.
He highlighted the need for students to look beyond the surface of every trend, insisting that intellectuals must see trends as opportunities rather than mere advantages.
“As intellectuals, every trend must be an opportunity, not just an advantage,” he said. “We must continue to engage and look for opportunities.”
Dr. Metiletu explained that emerging trends in global education—including digital learning, interdisciplinary studies, skill-based programs, and experiential learning—offer students numerous pathways to success if they remain curious, adaptable, and intentional in their growth.
He encouraged undergraduates to take advantage of new tools, evolving teaching methods, and the increasing accessibility of global knowledge.
According to him, students who cultivate resilience, creativity, and a continuous learning habit will excel in the modern academic environment.
Panel session was held titled “Preserving Our Roots: The Legacy & Heritage of Ikorodu Division.” The session, moderated by Mr. Waliu Adeyeri, featured distinguished panelists Mrs. Odumbo Monsurat Olabisi and Otunba Olaniyi O. Banjoko, the Bobakeye of Ikorodu.
Otunba Olaniyi Banjoko emphasized the critical role of cultural identity in shaping community pride and continuity.
He stressed that Ikorodu’s roots must remain a visible and celebrated heritage in every aspect of life.
“Our root must be our heritage everywhere,” he declared. “There are many people who cannot even speak their language.”
Otunba Banjoko urged students to take deliberate steps in preserving the customs and values of the division.
He highlighted language, culture, and traditional practices as foundational pillars of identity, encouraging young people to reconnect with their origins and uphold the legacy passed down through generations.
Mrs. Odumbo Monsurat Olabisi, speaking in the same vein, shared how embracing her Ikorodu heritage has opened doors of opportunity for her.
She noted that knowing one’s roots strengthens confidence and fosters meaningful connections within society.
“Knowing our roots does not make us fetish,” she said. “It gives us knowledge.”
Mrs. Odumbo urged students not to shy away from their cultural identity but to see it as an asset that enriches personal and communal development.
The panel session sparked deep reflections among participants, reinforcing the importance of culture as a driving force for unity, purpose, and long-term societal growth.
Award Presentation Ceremony, where key dignitaries were honoured for their contributions to youth development, education, culture, and community advancement within the division.
Among the award recipients was Dr. Nurudeen Yekinni Agbaje, the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Rural Development, Otunba Olaniyi O. Banjoko, the Bobakeye of Ikorodu, Mrs. Odumbo Monsurat, Mr. Waliu Olalekan,
Engr. Tokunbo Oyenuga, Mr. Obafemi Ogunlana, ESV. (Dr.) Kunle Awolaja, Hon. (Dr.) Aro Moshood Abiodun, Dr. Oladega Caleb Adebogun, Hon. Gbolahan Ogunleye, Mr. Taiwo Salami (Collecting for IDPIL), Mr. Waheed Kasali, Hon. Motunrayo Gbadebo-Alogba
The award presentation rounded off the summit on a celebratory note, highlighting NAIDS National’s commitment to appreciating leaders whose influence helps shape a stronger, more empowered generation of students.
Participants praised the summit for its impactful conversations, youth-centered focus, and platform for showcasing student talent and ideas.
INN-HOUSE☆ 