The second edition of the Ikorodu School Summit & Awards has brought together education stakeholders, security agencies, government officials, religious leaders, parents and students to address the growing challenge of poor orientation and moral decadence among young people.
Organised by Bottomline Media, the summit was held at the Homat Megalite Event Centre along Igbogbo Road, Ikorodu, under the theme: “Combating the Menace of Poor Orientation and Moral Decadence in Society.”
Supported by Education District II and the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LASUBEB), the event served as a platform for discussions on character development, education, security and community responsibility.
Representing the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Fatai Taiwo, the Area Commander, Area N, Ijede, commended the organisers for promoting moral values among young people. He stressed the need to instill discipline and integrity from an early age, warning that intelligence without character could become a dangerous tool.
According to him, society must begin to celebrate integrity and positive values instead of glorifying criminal success if it hopes to build a safer nation.
The Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Ikorodu Area Command, led by Area Commander DCN Jonax David, also delivered a lecture highlighting the dangers of drug abuse and its connection to rising crime and moral decline.
The agency urged parents, teachers, schools and religious institutions to strengthen preventive measures through continuous awareness and early intervention programmes. The presentation sparked an interactive session, with students and teachers seeking additional sensitisation initiatives in schools.
Delivering the keynote address, Pastor Lanre Temenu of Chapel of Transfiguration (COT) Solution Centre, LASUTECH, spoke extensively on discipline, purpose and responsible living, encouraging students to develop strong moral values alongside academic excellence.
The programme was anchored by Dr. Henry Obidi, while the Proprietor of Homat Schools, Alhaji Olawale Amusa, hosted the event at the Homat Megalite Event Centre.
A major highlight of the summit was the presentation of awards to distinguished individuals and institutions for their contributions to education, leadership, security and community development.
Recipients of the 60-Second Standing Ovation Awards included Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Fatai Taiwo; the Lagos State Ministry of Education; the Lagos State Ministry of Information and Strategy; legal practitioner Femi Falana (SAN); member representing Ikorodu Federal Constituency, Hon. Jimi Benson; Senator Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru; and the Ikorodu Division Peace and Security Initiative.
The summit also recognised individuals with the Champion of Moral Excellence and Societal Values Award, including Lawrence Obilana, proprietor of Meaning Resources School; Owenaze Blessing Ella, Managing Director of Unique Prella Schools; Pastor Lanre Temenu; and Princess Mulikat Fehintola Sanni, Chief Executive Officer of Mulifelong Motors.
Several personalities also received Excellence Recognition Awards, among them Hon. Deen Sanwola, Mrs. Eyitayo Mojisola Olawunmi, Alhaji Taiwo Abiodun Odumbo, Dr. Henry Obidi and Alhaji Olawale Amusa.
Other award recipients included Dr. Hakeem Babatunde Shittu, Executive Chairman of LASUBEB; Mr. Adesegun Ogundeji, Director of Public Affairs at the Lagos State Ministry of Information and Strategy; Dr. Bishop Joseph Edoro; Mr. Omotayo Layemo Sanni, Tutor-General and Permanent Secretary, Education District II; Hon. Mobolaji Abubakre Ogunlende; DCN Jonax David; and Engr. Mukadas Opeodu.
Outstanding schools and education professionals were equally honoured for excellence in teaching, administration and learning environment. Among the recipients were Miss Oyebode Sekinat Kofoworola of Lagos State Civil Service Senior Model College, Igbogbo, who emerged as Outstanding Teacher of the Year; Government Senior Model College, Owutu, recognised for outstanding academic output; Miss Alabi Taiwo Patience of Ikorodu Junior Grammar School; Lagos State Girls Junior Model College, Agunfoye; and Mrs. Bolanle Moronkola Esho of Lagos State Civil Service Junior Model College, Igbogbo.
Speaking at the event, the Convener of the Ikorodu School Summit & Awards and Chief Executive Officer of Bottomline Media, Arthur Igbolaju Richard, said the initiative is aimed at creating a sustained movement that promotes positive values among young people.
He noted that bringing together security agencies, educators, legal practitioners, religious leaders and parents on one platform sends a powerful message that society remains committed to nurturing responsible future leaders.
According to him, the organisers intend to make the summit an annual event that will continue to inspire students while strengthening collaboration among key stakeholders in education, security and community development.
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