Members of Ikorodu Children Parliament have urged the Ikorodu Division Peace Initiative (IDPIL) to assist the body by giving school children a safe and secured school environment across Ikorodu Division.
The parliamentarians made the demand on Thursday, 4th March during her special parliamentary visit to the IDPIL office in Ikorodu.
The special parliamentary session themed; Tackling Cultism, Bullying and Gangsterism in Secondary Schools in Ikorodu, which was held in the IDPIL, conference hall in Ikorodu was well attended by members of the parliament from various schools, located in different parts of Ikorodu Division.
In her opening remarks, President of Total Life Foundation and Project Coordinator of the Children Parliament, Mrs. Bunmi Fakeye stated that the parliament was established as a platform for amplifying the voices of voiceless Ikorodu children, many of whom she said are victims of abuse, domestic violence, addiction and bullying among many social vices.
Mrs. Fakeye explained that the parliamentary visit, which brought together community leaders and students, was meant to address the rising concerns of youth involvement in cultism, gangsterism, and substance abuse, with a view to educating young people and encourage them to make responsible life choices.
She added that the body hosts the parliamentary sessions as a platform for exposing the children to public speaking, while also using the medium to beam the searchlight on issues affecting children safety and general well-being in the community.
In her keynote address, Chairman of IDPIL Education Sub-Committee and a former member of Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. (Mrs) Adebimpe Akinsola stressed the need for parents to be alive to their God-given roles and responsibilities as protectors and providers of their children and wards.
The former Lagos State Commissioner for Housing also gave the parliamentarians a strong message against cultism, drug abuse, and bullying, noting that the vices are capable of causing them distraction from their academics, thus derailing their future.
Akinsola strongly warned students about the dangers of joining cult groups and gangs. She noted that many youths who become involved in criminal activities often end up facing severe consequences, including imprisonment and ruined futures. She encouraged the students to build themselves for the future by focusing on their education and developing positive values.
Answering questions from the curious parliamentarians, she urged them to cultivate the habit of speaking up whenever they witnessed bullying or harmful behavior in their schools. According to her, silence often allows such problems to grow, while courage and honesty can help stop them.
She also reeled out some of the efforts so far made by the IDPIL in addressing some of these issues, such as the War Against Drug Abuse and Cultism (WADAAC) and the collaboration with the Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) towards combating drug abuse in Ikorodu Divison.
Addressing the parliamentarians, teachers and other stakeholders at the event, the Executive Secretary of Ikorodu Division Peace Initiative (IDPIL), Otunba Ganiyu Olusegun Abiru stressed on the importance of parental responsibility and moral upbringing in shaping the future of young people.
He explained that many social problems affecting Nigerian society today were largely linked to parental negligence.
According to him, parents must play a more active role in guiding their children and instilling discipline and the fear of God.
Abiru also used the opportunity to give the parliamentarians an insight into some of the efforts of Ikorodu Division Peace Initiative in improving security within the community.
He recalled that in the past, residents lived in fear due to criminal activities; however, collaborative efforts between traditional rulers and community stakeholders have significantly improved safety in the area.
The IDPIL Executive Secretary also revealed that the organization has invested heavily in education by providing scholarships for students across the division. He disclosed that about ₦150 million has been spent on scholarships since 2022, helping many young people pursue their academic goals.
In the same vein, Chairman, IDPIL Information Sub-Committee and a former Commissioner for Information in Lagos State, Otunba Ayodele Eleso congratulated the organizers of the program and advised the students to take responsibility for their lives. He also counseled them against procrastination and lack of discipline, both of which he said was capable of prevent them from achieving their dreams.
Similarly, a community leader and IDPIL member, High ChiefJaiyesimi warned students on the dangers of hard drugs and bad peer group influence. He explained that many young people who engage in drug abuse often suffer serious mental health problems. He therefore encouraged the students to focus on their education and avoid activities that could jeopardize their future.
The event organized by the Total Life Foundation served as a powerful platform to educate and inspire school children in Ikorodu. Through the contributions of community leaders, government officials, and traditional authorities, students were reminded of the importance of education, discipline, and good character.
Therefore, the parliamentary visit reinforced a collective commitment to raising responsible youths and building a safer and more prosperous society for the future.
In addition, he explained that IDPIL operates under a developmental framework known as the SHEER Agenda, which focuses on Security, Health, Education, Environment, and Rehabilitation. Through this agenda, the organization has launched several developmental projects aimed at improving the lives of residents in the Ikorodu Division. One of such initiatives includes the construction of a critical care center at Ikorodu General Hospital, which he described as a major healthcare project that will benefit the community.
