The Chairman of Ikorodu Development Peace Initiative Ltd. (IDPL), Mr Adewunmi Ogunsanya, on Saturday laid the foundation of a N200 million modern Ipakodo Palace, in Ibeshe area of Ikorodu Division.
Performing the ceremony, Ogunsanya said it was another step in infrastructure development in the town.
He commended the Ipakodo monarch, Oba Bashiru Shotonwa, (Sekumade of Ipakodo), for his contributions toward stability and development in the community.
Ogunsanya promised that the IDPL would build a renal centre and instal solar street light to illuminate some streets to curtail criminal activities in the area.
“IDPL is just like an NGO, saddled with responsibility of not only security but in different sectors like education, health and infrastructural development.
“The traditional ruler of Ipakodo has changed the face of the community and attracted lots of business, both foreign and local investment.
“If you consider the historical features of Ipakodo, you will know that the community is long overdue for a befitting palace.
“Ipakodo is not just having a palace today, but a N200m worth world class fortress which the indigenes can be proud of.
“We are going to build a renal centre as part of our social responsibility to reduce challenge of proximity and bed space that have claimed many lives in Ikorodu,” Ogunsanya, who is also Chairman, Multichoice Nig. Ltd. said.
In his welcome remarks, the traditional ruler expressed joy over the initiatives and commended the effort of IDPL for the construction of the new palace as part of their plan.
The monarch promised to work for the exploration of the community’s unharnessed potential and see that it evolves into a great city in Lagos State.
He said that the reconstruction of the palace was born out of the necessity to enhance the status of Ipakodo and its environs.
“Today, I am very happy for this new palace and I commend the initiator, Ogunsanya and members of IDPL, for their kind gesture.
I have contacted the five ruling houses in Ipakodo and they gave their endorsement because the palace belongs to the entire community,” he said.
Also speaking, Mr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, Chairman of Ikorodu West Local Council Development Area (LCDA), urged stakeholders in Ikorodu to collaborate for economic development of the community.
Olanrewaju promised to deploy some of the local vigilante officers from the council to enhance the security architect.
He said the fortress would attract tourists when completed.
Ipakodo is a fast growing community in Ikorodu division, with presence of Dangote Group of Companies and government agencies like the Nigeria Customs Service.
It also hosts the Lagos State Ferry Terminal among others.