The Chairman of Oluyole Local Government, Hon. Akeem Olatunji, has assured the Orisumibare community that the road leading to Bare will receive urgent attention after the rainy season, which he estimated will be around November or December.
He made this commitment during the Inaugural Development Summit and award ceremony organized by the Orisumibare Community Development Forum at Ebenezer Primary School, located off the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Ibadan.
During his address, Olatunji acknowledged the current deplorable condition of the road and stated that even if only temporary palliative measures are implemented initially, the road’s improvement remains a priority.
“That will be around November/December at least, even if it is going to be a palliative measure for now pending when we would be able to have it constructed,” he said.
In addition to road repairs, Olatunji addressed the pressing issue of health care in the community, specifically the shortage of personnel at the Bare Health Center.
He revealed that the last recruitment by the Primary Health Care Board occurred in 2007, highlighting the significant gap in health staffing over the past 17 years.
“Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration is the first to embark on the employment of health workers, and as soon as we finish with those processes, we will ensure the staffing of Bare Health Center,” he assured attendees.
Olatunji also emphasized the importance of security in the community, stating that the local government has made strides in providing adequate safety measures for residents.
“That’s why you are no longer hearing about kidnapping or insecurity in Oluyole Local Government,” he noted, expressing gratitude for the community’s support and encouraging a partnership with the Orisumibare Development Association, which he commended for their proactive approach.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Education in the state, Prof. Soliu Adelabu, urged the community members to speak in unison on decision-making process.
He further charged them to establish clear accountability mechanisms and transparency communication channels to track progress.
The education commissioner, equally called on youths in the community to remain focused on rendering selfless service to the community, adding that youths are vanguard of development in any virile community.
In her speech, a member of the House of Representatives, representing Oluyole Federal Constituency, Hon. Tolu Sadipe, described the initiatives by the Orisumibare Development Association as commendable.
She pledged to collaborate with the association in bringing democratic dividends to the community.
Sadipe, who was represented by Hon. Kehinde Oladeji, assured attendees that the challenges faced by the community would be addressed over time.
“I will play my part for the welfare of my people, but we must note that local and state governments are the first stop for infrastructure development,” she stated.
The summit also featured discussions on the role of youths in community development.
Comrade Biodun Bamgboye, Secretary of the Joint Action Front, Oyo State chapter, underscored the vital role of young people in societal progress.
He urged them to seek guidance from elders and set positive examples for future generations, attributing the current issues of unemployment and criminality among youth to government failures, calling for informed decision-making when choosing leaders.
In a lecture presented earlier by Barrister Yomi Ogunlade, titled, “The Role of Community Development Associations in Community Development,” attendees were encouraged to take initiative in improving their living standards rather than relying solely on government intervention.
Ogunlade pointed out the historical significance of community development associations in facilitating progress and urged local residents to harness their collective resources for the betterment of the community.
Barr. Rotimi Daramola also delivered a keynote address on “Orisumibare Community Development: Challenges and Solutions,” where he lamented the deteriorating state of infrastructure in the area.
He criticised the political class and entrepreneurs for neglecting developmental agendas and called on residents to foster a positive mindset and strive for meaningful change.
In their goodwill messages, various stakeholders, including Hon. Waheed Akintayo, representing Oluyole State Constituency in the Oyo State House of Assembly, promised to work diligently towards rehabilitating the community’s roads.
Business mogul Otunba Olabanji, CEO of Olabanji Farms, urged the government to provide necessary facilities to attract development.
In his address, Mr. Ayo Akinyemi, the Coordinator of the forum, stated that the event was organized to engage community members, leaders, and government officials in discussions about the development and challenges facing the Orisumibare community.