What were your challenges when the government appointed you first as the caretaker chairman of Wewe LCDA?
Wewe LCDA is one of the two LCDAs created by our visionary governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi on January 16, 2018, from Saki West Local Government Area, the other Asabari Local Council Development Area. The council area is known for its heavy reliance on agriculture, though we still have other economic activities going on within the territory. This includes iron pots, shea butter, bakery, table water factories and modern day businesses like filling stations and tourist sites, which became more prevalent because of booming movement in and out of the terrain.
The LCDA covers about 60 kilometres terrain around a water-logged area with many rivers adjoining Wewe River which the LCDA was named after. With the task of covering so much developmental landmark in a very short time, the smooth take off of the LCDA demands a great effort in order to comply with the vision of our governor. With this in mind, as the first caretaker chairman, on assuming duty, I left no stone unturned in our focus to lay the foundation upon which further development of the LCDA would be laid.
What are those features you put in place to reflect this?
Because the LCDA was just created, we were faced with the challenge of even taking off from a befitting operational centre- headquarters. So between January till the time we left for local government election, and with the support of our leader, Governor Ajimobi, we were able to put up a moderate, but functional headquarters situated at idi-Araba, Saki, Oyo State. A visit to the headquarters will further confirm that.
Aside the secretariat, what other areas have you been able to touch?
When we got there, we understood that aside operating from a conducive environment, other things that will justify the reason the LCDAs were created must be given consideration. So, we embarked on massive agricultural, natural resources, environment, health, education and social services, primary health care, road construction among others. In all, in Wewe LCDA, we were able to embark and complete over 31 projects.
Also, we were able to make marks on various construction works like- markets, rehabilitation and grading of access roads; Irewole, Baptist area, yam market area, Abokede Irewole area, Kewulere, Omirinde of the LCDA, Agoro Challenge Central Mosque, Apinnite Saki, Challenge road, Erunfn-Mountain of Fire Priase Ministry road, Saki, Sunday Ishola road Saki, Arowoselu Road, Akomolesin road, Tiwadayo Road, Munas Road among others.
As pioneer chairman of Wewe LCDA, can you say Governor Ajimobi was right in creating LCDAs in the state despite criticisms?
We have been able to confirm that some communities which were formerly in the old local government areas have not benefited much development like other areas. The level of development since the creation of LCDAs in the state has improved and has penetrated deeper into the grassroots than when there were no LCDAs. By the time we’re privileged to execute our mission for the LCDA, without mincing words, it would be clear to everyone, even the critics of Governor Ajimobi that the creation of LCDAs is primarily for the good of our people at the grassroots.
When I came on board, it was evident to me that we had a lot to do to key into the vision of the governor in ensuring development across the length and breadth of Oyo State. You will recall vividly that his administration is championing rural and urban development. The urban cities have been enjoying massive development, so creation of LCDAs will ensure commensurate rural development.
Now that you have been re-elected, what is your vision for your LCDA?
At Wewe LCDA, we came on board with lots of hope and great expectations riding on our shoulder, hence our resolve to set the area on the road of development. In conjunction with the staff, we have been able to prove that the LCDA will in truth serve as a spring board for eventual development and as a platform to get our people’s view and come up with ways of meeting their needs. This we had demonstrated while we had the opportunity to serve in caretaker capacity. Now, we are poised to do more for our people to reduce rural-urban migration as envisioned by Governor Abiola Ajimobi. Let me assure our people that the APC-led administration will not relent in its pursuit of people-oriented projects throughout our administration. Having being elected to manage the affairs of Wewe LCDA for the next three years, we promise to ensure continuity of the good work we started early in the year.
and then