By Precious Ireoluwa
The Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Stephen Adeoye Aribasoye has said Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas were created to replicate development at grassroot to make masses feel Government presence in their localities.
Rt Hon. Aribasoye, who commended the chairman of Ifeloju Local Council Development Area, Comrade Babatunde Ogunmilugba for laying a solid foundation for the permanent complex of Ifeloju LCDA and other projects that have direct impacts on the people of Ifeloju.
The speaker gave the commendation while laying the foundation of a multi million naira complex of the LCDA at Ilupeju Ekiti. He charged Ifeloju communities to give necessary support for the speedy completion of the complex without compromising standard.
According to Rt. Hon. Aribasoye” I commend the Chairman of Ifeloju LCDA, Comrade Babatunde Ogunmilugba for his exceptional leadership and initiatives to the welfares and aspirations of the people of Ifeloju LCDA which is evidenced by laying foundation for Ifeloju permanent site and several projects commissioned today”
He added that “foundation laying symbolises; strength, resilience and potentials for magnificent structures to be built upon. It’s our share responsibilities to ensure the foundation is solid, build on values of transparency, accountability and good governance. Together we can construct a vibrant LCDA that serves as a beacon of progress and prosperity for generations to come”
Rt. Hon Aribasoye who said the Development witnessed in Ifeloju LCDA wouldn’t have been possible if LCDAs were not created by the former Governor, Kayode Fayemi, he applauded his initiative and the unwavering support of Governor Biodun Oyebanji for giving necessary support for rapid development of Ekiti state. Affirming that the closest government to the people was Local government and LCDAs.
While soliciting the concerted efforts and commitment of stakeholders of the LCDA to work for the betterment of Ifeloju and Ekiti state.
Earlier, Rt Hon. Aribasoye accompanied by four House of Assembly members and party leaders had commissioned 3 lock up shops, Galaxy Bus- stop at Ilupeju Ekiti, inaugurated Ifeloju Lion Squad- A Security Outfit and 60 units of solar light across the LCDA.
Also, the Olosin of Osin Ekiti, HRM Oba Philip Eniayewu Oyediran commissioned 8 lock up shops and 6 stalls at Osin that was named after the late Olufunke Margaret Oyediran, the wife of the monarch.
Other projects were; Opening of new roads for more development across the LCDA, distribution of 60 leaves Exercise books to secondary and primary schools across the LCDA, courtesy the Councillors, distribution of food stuff, clothing materials and cash to 35 widows and 5 special beings across the LCDA courtesy the wife of the Chairman and several ongoing projects among others.
While given his opening speech, the Chairman of Ifeloju LCDA, Comrade Babatunde Ogunmilugba reiterated his commitement to the welfare of Ifeloju inhabitants and
good governance based on participatory democracy which occassioned the projects constructed in each of the communities.
Comrade Ogunmilugba said the permanent complex is 2.8 hecters of land given to the LCDA free by Ilupeju Ekiti. He said the complex would have Legislative Complex, Guest house, Canteen, field for various sporting activities, staff quarters among others.
He appreciated Ilupeju Ekiti and all the communities that makeup the LCDA for their unflinching support and cooperation. While promising to re-double his efforts to serve them better. He called on all sons and daughters of Ifeloju LCDA to support the construction of the complex for quick completion.
There were goodwill messages from the permanent Secrertary Local Government Civil Service Commission, E. B Jegede who applauded the leadership style of Comrade Ogunmilugba, Saying his dedication to duties, discipline and accountability were evidently noticed in the staff of Ifeloju LCDA was commendable.
Residents of Ifeloju Local Council Development Area, Ilupeju Ekiti defiled rain to witness the foundation laying, commissioning of several projects embarked upon by the Executive Chairman, Ifeloju Local Council Development Area, Ilupeju Ekiti, Comrade Babatunde Ogunmilugba.
Responding on behalf of the monarchs,The Owatapa of Itapa Ekiti, Oba David Makanjuola Ajaja PHD commended Comrade Ogunmilugba for his giant strides in the LCDA, saying he is a brilliant Administrator. He prayed God to prosper him in all spheres also commended Governor Biodun Oyebanji for rapidly transforming Ekiti State.
Dignitaries at the event includes: Apeju of Ilupeju Ekiti, HRM David Sunday Awe Akingbade, Owatapa of Itapa Ekiti, HRM David Makanjuola Ajaja Ph.D, Olosin of Osin, HRM Philip Eniayewu Oyediran, Owajumu HRM Ogundeyi Joseph, Hon Yemi Osatuyi, immediate past Assembly Rep. Oye Constituency 2, wife of the chairman, Hon. Odebunmi Idowu Oye Constituency 2, Hon. Femi Fatunla Ikole 1, Hon. Lateef Akanle, Ekiti East, Hon, Alhaja Maryam Abimbola Ogunlade, Emure, Chief Imam, Ilupeju Ekiti, E.B Jegede, PS LG Service Commission, chiefs, Oye and Ifedara Chairmen, APC leaders, Vice Chairman, Abimbola Ameobi, Ifeloju LCDA Secrertary Hon. Tunde Alonge, Ilupeju youths Development Area Association president, Engineer Femi Fagbemi and others.