The Executive Chairman of Oluyole local government, Engr. Akeem Olatunji yesterday commissioned a new borehole and power generating set donated by a Peoples Democratic Party stalwart in the state, Chief Benedict Akika to artisans the council area under the aegis of Nigerian Beauticians/Hairdressers Association (NBHA) Oyo State.
The gesture, according to Olatunji formed part of the trickle down effect of Governor Seyi Makinde’s ideology to his political disciples in commitments to community development and provision of social amenities to the people.
Speaking at the commissioning which held yesterday June 13the state headquarters of the Association located at Opeere, Podo in Ibadan, Olatunji lauded the donor, Chief Akika as a man of high integrity who always matches his words with action as well as high reputation in philanthropy.
Chief Akika holds several notable awards of recognition and chieftaincy titles including the Agba-Akin Ataiyse Omoluabi Oodua Agbaye among numerous others.
Olatunji noted that presence of eminent personalities predent at the event was a clear testament to the laudable philanthropic works Chief Akika has committed himself to do across various local government areas of the state while calling on others to emulate such kindness towards building an equitable society.
He however, promised to complement such effort as part of his administration’s socio-economic development drive by supporting the artisans through their Association.
“I must confess that this gesture by my brother and friend, Chief Benedict Akika is not only laudable but also worthy of emulation by all genuine lovers of a society built on the principles of equitable social justice, fairness and equal access to opportunities.
“This is part of grassroots development projects other privileged individuals are encouraged to emulate because this will go along way in complementing efforts of the local government at the Council.” Olatunji said.
Others who spoke at event include the national president of the association, Chief Mrs Toyin Oladapo and some invited guests.
In her short remark, founder of the association, Chief (Mrs.) Olubunmi Adesanya expressed her excitement noting that Chief Akika as a politician with a large and kind heart whose legacies would continue to precede him wherever he goes.
“As usual, I thought that Agba-Akin was like some politicians who make promises and fail to fulfill them but that of I’ve been proved otherwise. He is a generous man with a very large heart, one that others should emulate in term of commitment to grassroots development.
“I thank God for being alive today and I also appreciate God for bringing Agba-Akin to us in our Association as dependable father.” she said.
In his remarks, Chief Akika expresses his happiness and joy for the ability to bring the promise he made to association into fruition. He lauded the team spirit in the association which has culminated into unity within the group.
He noted that the borehole was majorly a support to the community as a complimentary effort to the sustainable development agenda of Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State at the grassroots.
The event featured highlights such as fashion parade, presentation of award to Chief Akika by the Association, and pep talks to boost the moral of the artisans.
Present at the event are the immediate past executive chairman of Oluyole LG, Hon. Olaide Settle, Chief of Staff to Engr. Akeem Olatunji, Azeez Babalola, Leader and members of the LG Legislative House, community leaders, and others.