Ikorodu Fanti Carnival: IKODASS Presents ₦6m Seed Fund to Three Quarters | ClipTV Online

In preparation for the 2026 Ikorodu Fanti-Carnival, the Ikorodu-Oga Development Association (IKODASS) has presented a total of ₦6 million as seed funding to Aga-Parapo, Ijomu-Parapo and Isele-Parapo. The fund is to support preparations for the 2026 Ikorodu Fanti Carnival scheduled for November 14 through 21.

Each of the three quarters received a cheque of ₦2 million to strengthen planning and expand participation in the cultural event, following the success of the previous edition.

The cheques were presented the IKODASS Chairman, Alhaji Kolawole Fatai Olayiwola Ogunfodunrin, during the gathering of the organizing committee at the IKODASS office.

Speaking on the initiative, Ahaji Kolawole Fatai Olayiwola Ogunfodunrin said the previous edition demonstrated the carnival’s potential to promote Ikorodu’s cultural heritage and stimulate economic activities, despite limited funding.

He described the grant as a seed fund and a demonstration of IKODASS’s recognition of the organisers’ contributions to the community.

“What we are giving them is not enough, but at least to show our appreciation, that we recognise them, we know their impact in Ikorodu,” he said.

Ogunfodunrin added that IKODASS depended largely on contributions from Ikorodu sons and daughters to organise its activities, expressing optimism that the 35th edition of the Ikorodu-Oga celebration would be bigger and more impactful.

2026 Carnival to Feature Expanded Participation

The initiator and coordinator of the carnival, Comrade Pelumi Olalekan, popularly known as Rado, said the financial support would accelerate preparations and help deliver a bigger and more organised celebration this year.

Olalekan disclosed that the 2026 carnival would feature a more structured programme, with invitations extended to dignitaries, commissioners and other prominent personalities.

He also said the Chairman of Ikorodu Local Government, Hon. Adedayo Ladega, had adopted the carnival as a local government programme, with plans for annual funding.

According to him, the organisers have expanded community participation through the creation of zones within the three participating quarters.

Isele-Parapo has established 10 zones, Ijomu-Parapo has eight, while Aga-Parapo has seven, an arrangement expected to broaden participation compared with last year’s edition.

Olalekan said the expanded structure and financial support had placed preparations on a stronger footing.

Carnival Boosts Local Businesses

The coordinator noted that the previous carnival generated economic opportunities for traders, food vendors, chair renters and other small business operators.

He said some traders reportedly made enough money to pay school fees and house rent from proceeds generated during the event.

The high turnout at the grand finale also created significant demand for event facilities, with some participating quarters reportedly sourcing chairs from outside Ikorodu after local rental supplies were exhausted.

Olalekan said the experience demonstrated that the carnival could serve not only as a cultural showcase but also as a platform for local economic empowerment and tourism promotion.

He added that the organisers had engaged relevant tourism, arts and culture authorities in seeking support, including assistance with securing a suitable venue.

Organisers Strengthen Security Arrangements

Olalekan said security planning had been intensified ahead of this year’s celebration, noting that the previous edition ended without reported fights or hooliganism.

He disclosed that the carnival’s security committee was working alongside the local government chairman, who was also making separate security arrangements in anticipation of the dignitaries expected at the event.

According to him, relevant security agencies and traffic management authorities, including the Federal Road Safety Corps and the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), were expected to support the event.

He expressed confidence that the strengthened arrangements would help ensure a peaceful celebration.

Carnival Declared Non-Political

The coordinator stressed that the Fanti Carnival was a cultural and entertainment event open to residents and visitors regardless of political affiliation.

He explained that a bylaw had been established to protect the carnival’s identity and ensure its continuity, adding that politicians could attend but should not use the platform for political party activities.

“This is not political. If you are APC, PDP, everyone is allowed to attend the Fanti Carnival,” he said.

Olalekan clarified that the event was not a traditional religious festival but a community carnival designed to promote Ikorodu’s culture and heritage while bringing people together for entertainment.

IKODASS Targets More Scholarship Beneficiaries

Beyond the carnival, Ogunfodunrin highlighted IKODASS’s scholarship programme, which he said was expected to benefit more than 200 students during the 2026 celebration.

He attributed part of the planned support to Senator Abdulaziz Yari, whose contribution supported 100 students in the previous year. Other contributors include Senator Tokunbo Abiru, Hon. Babajimi Benson, Sir David Sunmoni, Seriki Erogbogbo and other individuals, associations and families.

He said the association was committed to supporting brilliant students from indigent backgrounds and hoped to increase its scholarship and bursary beneficiaries to between 600 and 700 before the end of his tenure.

The 2026 Ikorodu-Oga celebration is scheduled to run from November 14 to November 21, according to the announcement, with Ankara fabric for the celebration reportedly available at ₦9,000 for six yards.

The organisers also announced that attendees would be required to wear the designated Ankara fabric to gain entry.

The 2026 Fanti Carnival is expected to build on the previous edition by combining cultural promotion, tourism, community participation and economic opportunities for residents of Ikorodu.