Oyo LG boss reaffirms commitment to grassroot development, PHCs

The Chairman of Oluyole local government, Akeem Olatunji, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the grassroot development and Primary Health Care (PHC) services.

Olatunji, while speaking at the commissioning of the multi-million naira newly reconstructed PHC, health workers’ residential lodge at Bare community, said the reconstruction of the abandoned health facilities is in line with the vision of the Governor Seyi Makinde-led administration for the health sector.

“We will not relent in our commitment to providing the best for our people, in line with the vision and sustainable development agenda of Governor Seyi Makinde,” he said.

He disclosed that the PHC had been abandoned since 2016, before his administration undertook its reconstruction and full supply of medical equipment.

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“This facility was moribund for years. I sincerely appreciate the governor for his unflinching support, which made the successful completion of this project possible,” Olatunji said.

According to him, the core objective of his administration is to ensure that residents genuinely feel the dividends of democracy.

“Our main concern is for the people to truly feel governance at work at the grassroots. This is the principle Governor Seyi Makinde has always emphasised, and we will continue to follow in his footsteps,” he noted.

He also urged the community to continue supporting his administration, noting that resistance often comes from those more interested in sharing public funds than delivering meaningful development.

Speaking earlier, the Matron of the facility, Dr Mrs. Emiade Olabisi, assured residents that the centre is now fully equipped and ready to deliver quality healthcare services.

“All the necessary equipment is already available in this PHC for public use. We now have facilities for family planning, medical checkups and other essential healthcare services.

“I want to encourage everyone in this community to take advantage of this opportunity and come here for your medical care,” She said.

Olabisi commended Governor Seyi Makinde and the Executive Chairman of Oluyole Local Government, Akeem Olatunji, for what she described as people-centred governance at both the state and local government levels.

“Their administrations are clearly focused on improving the quality of life of the people, especially at the grassroots,” she said. “We are grateful that Bare Community has finally been remembered after years of neglect.”

She also stressed the importance of community ownership of the facility, urging residents to patronise and protect it diligently.

In his remarks, a close ally of Governor Makinde and Peoples Democratic Party chieftain, Alhaji Babatunde Tijani, popularly known as Double T, offered prayers for the council chairman and called for sustained community support for his administration.

“Whenever a chairman is genuinely working for the progress of his people, there will always be those who want to distract him with what he calls dirty politics.

“That kind of politics is unacceptable, and we must not allow it to derail good governance, you have seen it yourself; this is the clear dividends of democracy at the grassroots. Please continue to support Engr. Akeem Olatunji and the government of Governor Seyi Makinde to enjoy more of this,” he stated.

He encouraged Olatunji to remain focused, noting that his leadership style reflects that of Governor Makinde.

“You are clearly following the example of Governor Seyi Makinde, and we are proud of you. Oyo State must continue on the path of Omituntun 3.0. We must never return to the era of unpaid salaries and neglected pensioners,” he added.

Also speaking, Abdulkarheem Abduljelyl Mogaji Adanla emphasised unity within the party and continued support for the current administration at both the state and local government.

“We must stand together and support the government of the day under Governor Seyi Makinde.

“Only those who have abandoned the commitment to serving the people would choose to follow anyone else in Oyo State today,” Adanla reaffirmed.

Highlighting the governor’s record on workers’ welfare, Adanla added, “The prompt and uninterrupted payment of salaries, pensions and gratuities shows that the governor has both the political will and the capacity to lead this state to its promised land.

“We’re committed to continue to follow him wherever he goes because he has shown the political will expected of a genuine leader to lead the state aright.”

The Baale of Bare Community, Chief Zakariyahu Ewebiyi, expressed deep appreciation to the council chairman, describing the project as a visible symbol of responsive leadership.

In his words, “This facility is another testament to the good work of Engr. Akeem Olatunji. We pray for him and urge our people to make proper and responsible use of this health centre.”

On behalf of the Orisunbare Community Development Forum, Comrade Akinyemi Ayo praised the chairman’s conduct in office.

“The chairman has demonstrated a very high level of Omoluabi ethos in the administration of Oluyole Local Government,” he said. “The grassroots will always rise to support him whenever the need arises.”

He also highlighted that the facility includes a residential lodge for health workers, noting that it would eliminate accommodation challenges and enhance effective service delivery.

The event was attended by the Head of Local Government Administration, Mrs. Oyewale Mosunmola, Leader of the Oluyole Local Government Legislative House; Hon. Taofeek Azeez; Director of Education, Mrs Omowumi Ishayinka; PDP Vice Chairman, Alhaji Wasiu Arewa; party leaders, supervisory councillors, special assistants, health workers, local government staff, community leaders and residents.