……You Epitomize Gov Makinde’s Vision–Commissioner For LG, ‘Ijaya’ Tells Akeem Olatunji
As a show of recognition for dedication and commitment to public service, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters in Oyo state, Otunba Ademola Ojo ‘Ijaya’ has commended the executive chairman of Oluyole LG for his transformative policies and programs at the grassroots.
The Commissioner described Olatunji as a visionary politician who epitomizes the Sustainable Development Agenda of Governor Seyi Makinde with his laudable projects and life changing programs with direct positive impacts on grassroots development.
The Commissioner stated this on Wednesday, September 11, at the official commemoration of his first 100 days in office and commissioning of already completed projects in Oluyole local government.
Olatunji’s tenure was said to have been marked by several notable projects that reflect his commitment to improving the quality of life for residents which include reconstruction of a building for a Grade A Customary Court of Appeal, infrastructural upgrades, improved security architecture.
Others include enhanced educational initiatives in selected public schools such as holiday coaching for junior and senior secondary school students, and community health initiatives, improved workers welfare package and work environment, restoration of electricity supply to the LG Secretariat and its environs after many years of neglected blackout, among others.
According to the Commissioner, Olatunji’s approach to governance has been characterized by a hands-on, participatory style which ensured that voices of the people at the grassroots are heard and needs are met.
Otunba Ojo, impressed by Olatunji’s performance within just 100 days in office said, the council boss has clearly exemplified the governor’s commitment to building a legacy of sustainable government institutions that can drive local economy effectively.
The Ibarapa born former ALGON chairman in Oyo state disclosed further that he was an ex Council boss and fully understood what level of determination and commitment it took Olatunji to have achieved such impressive accomplishments within only 100 days into his administration.
“Akeem Olatunji epitomizes the values and goals of Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration, his grassroots initiatives have been instrumental in driving forward our collective vision for community based development and local empowerment.
Similarly, the Special Adviser on Security Matters to Governor Seyi Makinde, retired Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, in his brief remarks lauded Olatunji for doing what was described as a yeoman’s job in Oluyole by prioritizing needs of his people and promoting inclusive governance at the grassroots as evident in the testaments that continued to trail his achievements within such short period of time.
Earlier in his welcome address, the executive chairman of the Council, Akeem Olatunji, appreciated Governor Seyi Makinde for the opportunity given him to serve his people in the LG, assuring that he could not afford to fail and would therefore, continue to work tirelessly within available resources to impact lives positively in line with the Sustainable Development Agenda of the state governor.
While highlighting some of his achievements within the first 100 days in office to include perimeter fencing, establishment of new markets, refurbishment of 150KVA and smaller power generators and vehicles, enhanced security architecture, reconstruction of dilapidated building to an ultra modern multipurpose administrative complex to serve Nigerian Immigration Service, National Population Commission, OYSIEC, National Council of Women Society (NCWS), and free holiday coaching for students across six selected schools among others, Olatunji said he remains committed to fulfilling his electoral promises.
Olatunji equally highlighted construction of culverts at Ago area for ease of inter community pedestrian commuting, provision of 300 Watts Solar light for the entire 10 political wards in Oluyole, securing 100 hectares of land from the federal government for the council at Odo-ona Kekere, financial supports to Ayetoro joint community for completion of security post project, also for the completion of PCRC Hall at challenge area, and
He also listed several completed, ongoing, and upcoming projects and programs targeted at further enhancing social amenities at the grassroots, improve quality of life of residents, as well as address community based needs, assuring that his administration is committed to replicating Governor Seyi Makinde’s vision of good governance in Oluyole.
Construction of new Amotekun base at Ayegun in conjunction with Ayegun General, renovation of Youth Center at Onila, refurbishment of a grounded pickup Van for Works Department,
- Refurbishment of Low Bed Truck (which has been grounded for many years) to move government’s heavy duty machine to project sites for infrastructural development purposes.
Also speaking on his commitment to workers welfare and better working condition, he highlighted among others, one million naira (₦1,000,000) food bank for staff which he said would be increased to ₦5,000,000 if well managed, payment of staff imprest which had been abandoned for a long time, provision of a lodge to house NYSC members posted to the Council, provision of food bank for over 500 persons in collaboration with Fidelity Bank.
“Let me say here that in my bid to make the people of this Local Governnment self-reliant 100 (One hundred) persons drawn across the 10 wards will benefit from financial empowerment of #20,000 (twenty thousand naira) each today.” Olatunji said.
Others including the party leader, Dr Gbola Adetunji and Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party in Oluyole, Alhaji Mukaila Adegbola as well as the Babaloja General of Oluyole, traditional, religious, and community leaders, LG chairperson of Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) among others praised the council chairman for his visionary leadership saying the local government has never had it so good since the return of democracy in 1999.
Highlights of the event were the official commissioning of the various projects including the foundation laying of the distribution of food bank containing different items such as semovita, packed garri, noodles, and seasoning provided by Fidelity Bank to 500 persons and the disbursement of 2 million naira cash empowerment to 100 persons drawn from across the 10 wards as well as cutting of a birthday cake to commemorate the Commissioner, Otunba Ademola Ojo’s birthday anniversary celebration.
Some of the notable dignitaries who graced the event were the lawmaker representing Oluyole state constituency at the House of Assembly, Hon. Waheed Akintayo, President of Customary Court of Appeal, Justice T. M. Abdulganiyu represented, PDP chieftain, Chief Babatunde Ologburo, the Director General of Oyo State Mobilization Agency for Socio-Economic Development (OMASED) Dr Morounkola Thomas, Alhaji Abdulkarheem Abduljelyl Mogaji Adanla, Heads of Security Agencies in the Council, the council’s vice chairman and administrative head of Akorede LCDA, Hon. Niyi Akorede, the LG HLGA, Alhaja Qudirat Noibi and others.
