IKORODU DIVISION SET TO STABILIZE LOCAL ECONOMY AS 2018 SUMMIT BEGINS. | Shakiru Seidu. "The strategy is an inclusive and participatory process towards building a resilient community through a model of community economic development", Otunba Ganiu Abiru revealed.

The Advocacy for Community Economic Development (A-CED) founded by Hassan Bashir Oluwakemi (Bashexy) & Oke Olaoluwa Godwin in conjunction with Ikorodu Oga Development Association  (IKODASS) under the able Chairmanship of Otunba Ganiyu Abiru, is holding the first Ikorodu Economic Summit 2018, themed, Stabilizing the Local Economy, which has scheduled to take place at Origin Garden & Zoo on Thursday, 22nd of February, 2018, by 12noon.

When Shakiru Seidu of MegaXpression Magazine speaking with one of the organisers, he explained that the exodus of businessmen, youths and those in active labour force from the suburban area to city center in search of green pastures has over time imposed devastating effects on economy of the State. Basically this has caused uneven distribution of basic infrastructural facilities. While amenities in the sub urban and rural areas are below adequate level, the pressure on infrastructures in urban areas are such that; it has resulted in overcrowding, hence fast decay in their state of condition. The resultant effect of this mass migration has resulted in increase crime rate, increase unemployment, Below capacity functioning level of business activities, increased cost of living, low standard of living and improved poverty rate.

To control this effect, there is an impending need for community building through stimulating economic activities within each locality. This can be achieved by identifying economic potentials of each community, understudy and seek ways to improve business activities within the community and adjoining rural areas so as to create local jobs.

The IKODASS Chairman, Otunba Ganiu Abiru said the strategy is an inclusive and participatory process towards building a resilient community through a model of community economic development aimed at generating a tailored multiple bottom-line solutions to the community’s economic problem.

To this extent, we are holding an economic summit that will seek to develop an all inclusive and comprehensive market based approach to fighting poverty. The program is aimed to leverage private capital with public resources and community based know-how to meet basic needs, to stimulate economic growth and development, Otunba Abiru added.

The focus of the Summit was said to include, how to stabilize the local economy, Identifying the asset based of the community, means of creating long-term employment opportunities, building on local resources and capacities; establishing trade link that benefits all businesses within the community, Community control utilizing a grass roots bottom up process, among others.

According to Mr Hassan Bashir, the participants will be members of the public in professional practice, corporate bodies, business men, information technology experts, community associations, government authorities, security agencies and politicians drawn from within and outside the community.

While the topic to be treated include Identifying business opportunities around Information technology (software development, coding, tech hubs e.t.c), Sourcing for finance
Investment opportunities, civic engagement creating employment opportunities, Agricultural development and Tourism Potentials

Consequently, this program will birth a business hub in Ikorodu division, one of organisers, Oke Olaoluwa revealed.

SHAKIRU SEIDU
Publisher, MegaXpression Magazine.
The genuine VOICE of Ikorodu Division.