The National Association of Ikorodu Division Students (NAIDS National) on Saturday inaugurated its 7th National Executive Council and Parliamentary Council during a colourful ceremony held at the Ikorodu North Legislative Hall, Isiwu, ushering in a new administration led by Comrade Awolesi Ekundayo Idowu as President and Senator Balogun Lateef as Senate President.

In his valedictory and handover address, the outgoing President of NAIDS National, Comrade Ogunbowale Olatayo Bodunrin, highlighted the major achievements of his administration under the New Vision Agenda, noting that the association recorded over 40 landmark achievements and executed 12 major programmes focused on student empowerment, educational advancement and leadership development.

He cited the facilitation of over 170 JAMB forms, a school outreach programme that reached more than 12,000 students, the maiden Ikorodu Division Students’ Fair and Summit, scholarship and bursary opportunities, medical outreaches, institutionalisation of NAIDS chapters in tertiary institutions, and strategic partnerships that enhanced the visibility and growth of the association.

He expressed appreciation to stakeholders and members for their support and urged the incoming administration to build on existing legacies.

Taking the oath of office as the new President of NAIDS National, Comrade Awolesi Ekundayo Idowu described his emergence as a historic milestone, noting that he is the first indigene of Isiwu and Ikorodu North to attain the office.

He commended past leaders of the association and unveiled a six-point agenda centred on unity and integration, academic excellence and student welfare, youth empowerment and skills development, civic engagement and good governance, transparency and accountability, as well as institutional strengthening.

He pledged to facilitate scholarship opportunities, capacity-building programmes, entrepreneurship initiatives and stronger engagement with government institutions and educational stakeholders.

Awolesi also called for reconciliation and unity among members, stressing that the election season was over and that all students must work together for the progress of the association.

He assured members of an open-door administration that would be inclusive, accountable and committed to ensuring that every chapter and member has a voice in the affairs of NAIDS National.

Also sworn in was the 7th National Parliamentary Council led by Senate President, Senator Balogun Lateef, who charged parliamentarians to embrace unity, commitment and collective responsibility in advancing the objectives of the association.

He urged members to place the interests of students above personal considerations and work together to strengthen the parliament’s role in promoting accountability, responsibility and effective governance within the association.

The Senate President further emphasized the need for a harmonious working relationship between the legislative and executive arms, noting that effective collaboration would enhance student representation and contribute to the continued growth and development of NAIDS National.

Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the Education Secretary of the Ikorodu Local Government Education Authority (LGEA), Alhaji Taiwo Odumbo, Comrade Samson Bisiriyu encouraged the newly inaugurated leaders to embrace purposeful leadership and engage relevant stakeholders in advancing educational opportunities for students.

He described student leadership as a vital platform for developing future leaders and urged them to make meaningful impacts during their tenure.

The Special Guest of Honour, Dr. Haruna Ishola Balogun, congratulated the newly inaugurated executives and parliamentarians, urging them to remain committed to academic excellence, discipline and service.

He emphasized the importance of education in societal development and encouraged the student leaders to use their positions to inspire positive change and create opportunities for students across Ikorodu Division.

Dignitaries at the event included the Executive Chairman of Ikorodu North LCDA, Mayor Ameen Ibrahim Apanishile, represented by his Special Adviser on Student Affairs, Comrade Alimi Lekan Idris; Omo’ba Hammed Olalekan Aroyewun, represented by Comr. Abdulsalam Tijani, Social Adviser on Student Matters, Igbogbo-Baiyeku LCDA; the Councillor representing Ward E1, former leaders of NAIDS National, students’ union representatives, stakeholders and other distinguished guests.