Chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have lauded the commitment of the Governor of Oyo State, Engr Seyi Makinde, to grassroots development in the state.
The party chieftains, led by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Segun Olayiwola, gave commendation at the foundation laying ceremony of the Lagelu West Local Government at Olorunda Aba over the weekend.
Olayiwola said the governor has justified the confidence reposed in him by the people of the state through massive infrastructural development.
He added that the proposed headquarters of the LGA is in line with the vision of the governor.
The Commissioner stated that the new secretariat is a commitment to improving governance and efficiency within the council, noting that the move would not only provide a dedicated administrative hub for local LCDA officials but also signal a new era of progress and development within the community.
While also noting that the construction of the new secretariat indicates a precedence for grassroots development by the Sole Administrator and Political Head of the LCDA, the Commissioner added that the construction of the new secretariat would enhance coordination between various departments and create a conducive work environment for staff members.
It was gathered, however, that the construction of the new LCDA Secretariat was necessitated by the notice served on the management staff of Lagelu West to vacate the building housing them as it belongs to the federal government of Nigeria.
Speaking to journalists shortly after the foundation laying ceremony, the Commissioner said, “We came in here today to lay the foundation of Lagelu West LCDA, and I just want to thank God for the innovation by the Sole Administrator/Political Head, Alhaji Latinwo. It is not easy, but he has been able to bring something out of nothing, which is why I’m rejoicing with him and the people of Olorunda Abaa. They’ve been sent out of the federal government building they’re using, and there’s no place to go than to start something for themselves, and with what I’m seeing here today, I’m sure God will help them complete it because it’s a very good development.”
While fielding questions from journalists about the commitment of the state government towards the project, the commissioner noted that there are 34 other LCDAs across the state and that he could not make any statement of commitment but assured that the project would get support towards its completion.
Also, a political ally of the state Governor and a chieftain of the PDP in Lagelu, Alhaji Babatunde Tijani, accompanied by the party’s chairmanship candidate, Hon. Kamorudeen Mudashiru, told journalists that the new secretariat when completed would facilitate more development in the area.
While commending the Sole Administrator and Political Head of Lagelu West LCDA for his foresight and lofty idea, he assured that Governor Seyi Makinde, who is passionately committed to grassroots development, would do something to support and fast-track the completion of the project.
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Other notable dignitaries at the event who spoke include Ololounda of Ololounda, Oba Samuel Folarin; Baale Alegongo Akobo-ojurin; Chief Kunle Sanda, and Chief D. A. Lawal.
In their separate remarks, they noted that the project was long overdue and called on well-meaning sons and daughters of Olorunda Abaa, both home and abroad, to rise up to the clarion call to hasten the construction project for the management and members of staff of the LCDA not to be stranded without an office.
Earlier in his address, the Sole Administrator and Political Head of Lagelu West LCDA, Alhaji Lanre Latinwo, also known as ‘Lambash,’ who said he preferred material donations than cash, appealed for the supply of items such as cement, bricks, water, granite, sand, and other items that would hasten the completion of the new secretariat complex.
He noted, however, that the project, estimated to cost a little above 300 million naira, was too much for the LCDA to shoulder. Hence, the move for the construction of a few blocks of administrative offices so that management and members of staff would not be without operational offices.
Alhaji Latinwo, who commended Governor Makinde for the ongoing dualization of the 8.3km Akobo, Ojurin/Odogbo Barracks, Olorunda Abaa road and committing almost 10 billion naira to it, added that Lagelu has been very lucky and benefited immensely from the present government, while soliciting support towards the construction of the new secretariat.
“Now we have LCDA, but we don’t have an office. Where I met them using when His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde appointed me, was a building meant for a hospital by the federal government. What made matters worse for us is that about eight months ago, they just came one morning and said we should leave the place for the hospital it is meant for.
Moreover, before I came in, my predecessor spent about 17 million on its rehabilitation, but all efforts proved abortive, and here we are today. So, we urgently need all the support we can get for the completion of this legacy project,” Alhaji Latinwo stated.
Also present at the event are the vice to the executive chairman, Mr. Biodun Badmus, HLA, and other top officials of the LCDA, party stalwarts which include elder Ayobami Gold, Otunba Segun Bioku, Council of Chiefs of Ololounda of Ololounda Abaa, and other PDP chieftains.
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