Ikorodu’s commitment to community development, active citizenship and cultural preservation took centre stage as the 2026 IKODASS Walk for Fitness brought together traditional and political leaders, residents and other stakeholders in a show of unity and collective responsibility.
The event featured the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba (Dr.) Kabir Adewale Shotobi; the Executive Chairman of Ikorodu Local Government, Hon. Adedayo Ladega; and the Chairman of the Ikorodu-Oga Development Association (IKODASS), Alhaji Kolawole Fatai, who used the occasion to highlight the importance of grassroots engagement, democratic participation and the preservation of Ikorodu’s rich cultural identity.
Beyond its fitness objective, the walk served as a platform for community interaction, political mobilisation and renewed calls for sustainable development across Ikorodu, Lagos State.
Speaking with journalists during the event, Oba Shotobi expressed satisfaction with the peaceful conduct and impressive turnout, describing residents’ participation as evidence of their willingness to contribute to the growth and advancement of their community.
The monarch noted that the exercise provided an opportunity to connect with residents from different parts of Ikorodu, strengthen relationships and encourage a shared commitment to community progress.
On political participation, Oba Shotobi disclosed that Ikorodu had pledged to deliver at least 250,000 votes in support of the ruling party in Lagos State. He called on eligible residents to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and actively participate in the electoral process.
He explained that achieving the target would require sustained grassroots mobilisation, revealing that door-to-door campaigns and other engagement strategies had already commenced to encourage residents to participate in the forthcoming elections.
The traditional ruler also acknowledged the empowerment initiatives facilitated by Rep. Babajimi Benson, who represents Ikorodu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, noting that the constituency had benefited from various interventions.
While expressing optimism about the prospects of further development, Oba Shotobi urged political representatives to sustain their engagement with the people and reciprocate their support by addressing the needs and aspirations of the community.
He maintained that effective collaboration between residents and their elected representatives remained essential to attracting more development projects and improving the quality of life in Ikorodu.
Also speaking at the event, the Executive Chairman of Ikorodu Local Government, Hon. Adedayo Ladega, commended residents for their impressive participation in the fitness walk.
Ladega used the opportunity to encourage eligible voters to exercise their democratic rights and support candidates of their choice, stressing that responsible civic participation remained a vital component of a thriving democracy.
His message reinforced the need for residents to move beyond expressing their expectations of government and actively engage in the processes through which public leadership is determined.
The local government chairman’s remarks added a civic dimension to the event, underscoring the connection between community involvement, democratic responsibility and sustainable grassroots development.
For the Chairman of IKODASS, Alhaji Kolawole Fatai, the 2026 Walk for Fitness represented more than a physical exercise; it was an awareness initiative designed to bring residents together and encourage collective responsibility for the community’s wellbeing.
Fatai expressed satisfaction with the turnout, noting that the participation of residents demonstrated their interest in activities that promote unity, healthy living and community development.
He also emphasised the need to protect and promote Ikorodu’s cultural heritage, urging residents and visitors to participate in the forthcoming Ikorodu-Oga Festival.
According to him, cultural celebrations provide an important platform for preserving the community’s history, traditions and values while passing them on to younger generations.
His call highlighted the role of IKODASS in promoting Ikorodu’s identity and ensuring that its longstanding cultural practices remain relevant in a rapidly changing society.
Looking beyond the fitness walk, attention is already turning to two important cultural celebrations expected to place Ikorodu’s heritage in the spotlight.
Oba Shotobi invited residents and visitors to the Fanti Carnival scheduled for **November 14, 2026**, describing it as an opportunity to showcase the community’s rich traditions and cultural expressions.
Preparations for the Ikorodu-Oga Festival are also expected to provide another avenue for celebrating the community’s identity, strengthening cultural bonds and promoting Ikorodu as a destination for cultural tourism.
Together, these celebrations underscore the importance of cultural preservation not only as a link to the past but also as a means of strengthening community pride and creating opportunities for social and economic engagement.
The 2026 IKODASS Walk for Fitness demonstrated how community events can serve multiple purposes, bringing people together around physical wellbeing while creating opportunities for dialogue on development, civic participation and cultural preservation.
The messages delivered by Oba Shotobi, Hon. Ladega and Alhaji Fatai reflected a shared emphasis on the need for residents, traditional institutions, political leaders and community organisations to work together towards a stronger Ikorodu.
As the community looks forward to the Fanti Carnival on November 14 and the forthcoming Ikorodu-Oga Festival, the challenge remains to translate the spirit of unity displayed during the walk into sustained community engagement, meaningful development and a renewed commitment to preserving Ikorodu’s rich heritage.
Ultimately, the success of Ikorodu’s development journey will depend not only on the promises made by its leaders but also on the collective participation, responsibility and support of its people.
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