Oyo: Lawmaker donates 10 boreholes, classrooms, cash empowerment to 1,000 People in honor of Late Alaafin

In a series of impactful events held across Oyo Federal Constituency (OFC), Hon. (Prince) Akeem Adeniyi Adeyemi, the lawmaker representing the constituency at the National Assembly, marked the 86th posthumous birthday of the Late Alaafin, Oba (Dr.) Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, with notable contributions to the communities. These included the donation of 10 solar-powered boreholes, the commissioning of a block of six classrooms, the distribution of 600 bags of fertilizers to farmers, and an empowerment program that benefited 1,000 Market Men and Women, Artisan, Farmers, and Youths with N50,000 each.

The week-long celebrations kicked off with the commissioning of five (5) solar-powered boreholes across different communities on October 16, 2024, followed by another five (5) the next day. The communities that benefited from these boreholes include Boroboro, Lagunna, Ojo Oluwaye Bashorun, Kolobo, Bara, Durbar Stadium Shopping Complex, Agbogangan Muslim Community, Idi Igba Cow Slaughter, Ilora Ayefele, and Jobele community.

The grand finale, held on October 18, 2024, saw the commissioning of a block of six classrooms at Community Secondary School, Awumoro, and a cash empowerment program for 1,000 people at Oba Adeyemi Mini Stadium, Aremo, Oyo.

The finer celebrations of the three-day events brought together the traditional leaders in OFC, Oyo Mesi led by High Chief Yusuff Ayoola, Basorun of Oyo, religious figures, and community members to celebrate the legacy of the Late Alaafin while addressing critical needs in the Oyo community by Hon. Akeem.

Dr. Yunus Akintunde Abiodun, Senator representing Oyo Central Senatorial District, said the late Alaafin is not just a king but a father with a listening ear who always respects the wishes of his people and uses everything he has to fight for the good course that will benefit the people of his kingdom.

Sen. Akintunde, while expressing the relationship he had with the late king, said his book about the great Oba Lamidi Adeyemi would soon be completed, and the general public would see more great things about the great King. also noted that the role of Late Alaafin played in community development is second to none and gathering to celebrate his lovely memory is worthy.

The acting Chairman of the All Progressives Congress in Oyo State, Mr. Olayide Abas, while addressing pressmen, said he commends honorable Akeem Adeniyi Adeyemi for what he has been doing and the one he will still do.

Abas, a certified pharmacist turn politician who just took over as the APC acting Chairman to fill the vacuum created by the death of the late chairman, Isaac Omodewu, said: “It is a great move to giving palliatives to the people at this tough time, following the current hardship which is temporary because I believe the government of the day plans to prepare the incoming generations not to face the difficulties we are facing today.”

The Acting Chairman also appealed to Nigerians to be patient with the government, saying, “Things are so bad, and before things can be put in the best position, people have to sacrifice”.

Hon. (Prince) Akeem Adeniyi Adeyemi while addressing the pressmen at the event said the celebration of Late Alaafin, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, 86th posthumous birthday is an avenue to let people of Oyo Federal Constituency know “why and how we are representing them as we provide water for communities that lack water, we provide classrooms for the school that lack good classroom and also give 600 bags of fertilizer to the OFC farmers.”

The honorable while stating the measures put in place to make sure the 600 bags of fertilizers get to the farmers that will use it to achieve its main purpose of food security said “We have eradicated middlemen in distributing this fertilizer by setting up a committee that’s comprised of a representative from the communities, farmers, and NGO that will make sure the fertilizers get to the real farmers that will use it for food productions. It goes directly to the farmers that will make use of it, no one is allowed to stand in for anyone.”

Meanwhile, Dr. Sulaiman Adeniran during the commissioning of a block of six classrooms at Community Secondary School, Awumoro, praised the initiative. He said education is the foundation of any thriving society. With this classroom block, “we are not just building walls; we are building the future of Oyo. Hon. Akeem Adeyemi has shown that he cares about the long-term development of our youth, and for that, we are eternally grateful.”

Also, Imam Dahud Tijani Igi Ogun, in his address during the commissioning of the boreholes, emphasized the importance of community service and development. He stated, “These boreholes are more than just a source of water; they symbolize the unity and progress we can achieve when leaders listen to the needs of their people. Hon. Akeem has displayed true leadership by providing what is essential for the well-being of our communities in memory of our Late Father.”

Imam Dikirulahai Yaya also praised the collaborative efforts that made the projects possible. “This is a perfect example of how the government and communities can work together for development. Solar-powered boreholes are sustainable solutions to the challenges we face with water access, and I commend Hon. Akeem for his foresight.”

Community Reactions

Members of the communities who benefited from the 10 Solar-Power boreholes expressed their gratitude for the new water sources, sharing their opinions about how these projects would improve their daily lives.

A resident of Bara Community, Mrs. Iyabo Adebayo, said, “Access to clean water has been a challenge in our community for years. We often had to walk long distances just to fetch water, but this borehole has brought the solution right to our doorstep. It’s a relief for many families, especially the women and children.”

Similarly, Mr. Sulaiman Kolapo from Agbogangan Muslim Community added, “This project will drastically reduce the stress of looking for drinkable water here and there in our community. We are grateful for the lawmaker’s generosity, especially in ensuring that this borehole is solar-powered, which makes it sustainable.”

Mrs. Funmilayo Adekunle, from Idi Igba Cow Slaughter, also shared her thoughts: “Water is life, and now our lives will be easier with this borehole. It will help our businesses, especially for those of us involved in food-related work and cow slaughter business.”

Some of the beneficiaries of the N50,000 empowerment that talked with our correspondence expressed their appreciation for the financial support, which they said would make a significant difference in their lives.

Mr. Segun Ajani, a beneficiary, said, “This empowerment comes at a critical time. I have been struggling to keep my small business afloat because of the money we spend on food and transport every day, but with this money, I won’t touch my capital to feed my home, and also, part of it will be used to grow my business.”

Mrs. Halima Sanni shared her excitement: “This is more than I expected. I can finally settle some debts and even boost my venture. I am deeply thankful.”

Another beneficiary, Mr. Akeem Abdulraheem, added, “This empowerment is a blessing. It shows that our leaders are looking out for us, and it will help many of us to stand as a man at home again.”

Mrs. Kudirat Olayinka, a petty trader, said, “This financial support will enable me to expand my business and take care of my children’s school fees. It’s an act of kindness that I will never forget.”

Mr. Lateef Lawal, remarked, “This money will help me buy seeds and equipment for the new planting season. It will boost my farm’s productivity.”

Finally, Miss Aminat Bello, a young entrepreneur, expressed her gratitude: “I plan to use this money to improve my hairdressing business. I am so grateful for this support, and it will help me grow.”