Oyo State Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Barrister Seun Ashamu, has commended the Executive Chairman of Oluyole Local Government, Asiwaju Akeem Olatunji, for his consistent delivery of people-oriented projects and grassroots development initiatives across the council area.
Barrister Ashamu gave the commendation on Thursday while commissioning a solar-powered borehole donated to Ifelodun Muslim Community, Ibadan, by the British American Tobacco Foundation (BAT Foundation).
The Commissioner commended Olatunji for being pragmatic and futuristic to leverage on the strength of the Council’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) of business establishments operating in the LG to facilitate such laudable project for his people.
Also describing Engr. Olatunji as a proactive and purpose-driven leader, the commissioner said the chairman’s achievements have become visible across all corners of the local government.
“When we go here, you’re already there.
When we go there, you’re there again.
Your achievements shine both far and near.
“I’m not surprised, because you came into office well prepared for the job” Ashamu declared during his address, drawing applause from the crowd.
He also commended the BAT Foundation, the charity and corporate social responsibility arm of British American Tobacco, for its contribution to community development through sustainable water projects.
Ashamu’s commendation follows similar praises by Commissioners for LG and Chieftaincy Matters; Otunba Ademola Ojo as well as his Youth and Sports Development counterpart, Alhaja Wasilat Adegoke who recently visited the Council for project commissioning and recently held Youth Summit.
Speaking on behalf of the Foundation, Odiri Erewa, said the donation aligns with BAT Foundation’s mission of impacting underserved communities by providing access to clean and safe water through solar-powered solutions.
“We are proud to support this community with a sustainable water source that will improve public health and enhance quality of life,” Erewa stated.
She subsequently handed over the water project to the Commissioner who equally handed it to the LG Chairman, who in turn handed it to the community.
The well-attended commissioning ceremony brought together key government functionaries, party leaders, and community stakeholders.
Engr. Olatunji, in his remarks, appreciated BAT Foundation for the gesture and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to inclusive governance and infrastructural development at the grassroots.
He stressed the need for the community to imbibe a good maintenance culture in order for the facility to serve them for a long time.
He said the facility will address the long-standing water supply challenges with a sustainable and eco-friendly solution that has been provided.
He reaffirmed his commitment to sustaining his grassroots development drive stressing that it aligns with the Sustainable Development Agenda of Governor Seyi Makinde.
He maintained that the borehole will serve hundreds of residents in the Ifelodun community and neighboring areas, thereby bringing to an end, the challenge of access to clean and potable water within the community.
Among those present were Hon. Niyi Akorede, Vice Chairman, Oluyole LG, Hon. Taofeek Azeez, Leader, Oluyole LG Legislative Council, Azeez Babalola, Chief of Staff to the Council Chairman,
Alhaji Babalola Afobaje, Chairman, Oyo RUWASA, Com. Ganiyu Waheed, Education Secretary, Oluyole LG, and Alhaji Mukaila Adegbala, PDP Chairman, Oluyole LG.
Also in attendance include Alhaji Taofeek Ogunride, PDP Vice Chairman, Traditional rulers, community leaders, supervisory councilors, and special assistants to the council chairman among others.