Residents of Ifeloju Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Ilupeju Ekiti, were on Tuesday treated to a carnival-like atmosphere as the Chairman, Hon. Olusola Michael Oniyelu, distributed foodstuffs and cash gifts to members of the five communities in the spirit of the Christmas season.
The event, held at Ilupeju town hall, attracted traditional rulers, community and religious leaders, market women, okada and tricycle riders, party leaders, security personnel, and other stakeholders across the LCDA.
Addressing the gathering, Hon. Oniyelu urged residents to imbibe the virtues of love, sacrifice and sharing with the less privileged, describing them as the core lessons of the birth of Jesus Christ. He emphasized that governance must reflect compassion and inclusiveness, especially during festive periods.
The chairman expressed deep appreciation to Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO) for his encouragement and leadership, as well as to party leaders, community and religious leaders, monarchs, and security agencies for their unwavering support. According to him, such collective backing has been instrumental to the modest achievements recorded by his administration.
Hon. Oniyelu also called on residents and party members to support the re-election of Governor Oyebanji, stressing that “all hands must be on deck” to actualise the aspiration of elevating Ifeloju LCDA to a full-fledged local government.
Commending market women for their prompt payment of tenement rates, the chairman noted that their civic responsibility had enabled his administration to deliver dividends of democracy. He disclosed that rice was distributed across the LCDA, with eight bags allocated to each ward, in addition to allocations for party and community leaders.
The chairman further lauded the traditional rulers for their commitment to maintaining peace and security, assuring that his administration would continue to collaborate with them to safeguard lives and property. He reiterated his commitment to serving the masses, appreciating the staff of the LCDA for their loyalty and support, and pledged to expand existing structures while setting an agenda to fence the LCDA and embark on additional building projects.
In their goodwill messages, Chief Samuel Alonge prophesied that Ifeloju LCDA would soon attain local government status, while commending Hon. Oniyelu’s leadership style. Hon. Olumide Adeyanju praised the chairman and eulogised Governor Oyebanji for his giant developmental strides across Ekiti State.
Also speaking, the Apeju of Ilupeju Ekiti, HRM Oba Sunday David Awe Akingbade, described Hon. Oniyelu as a man of honour, peace and the fear of God, commending his service to humanity. The monarch prayed for the chairman’s continued success, urged residents to offer constructive criticism rather than gossip, and charged them to support the LCDA leadership, particularly on security matters. He also warned against criminality and encouraged residents to report suspicious activities to security authorities.
Dignitaries present at the event included the Owajumu, the Regent of Itapa, representatives of the Elejelu and Olosin stools, Hon. Falade Joseph, Hon. Folorunso Ogunleye, Hon. Amagedor, former Vice Chairman Hon. Ameobi Abimbola, ward councillors, supervisors, the Secretary of the LCDA, Mrs. Babalola Titilayo (Vice Chairman), Chief Ayo Arawobarin, Olawumi Jacob (HLA), Mrs. Fisayo Samuel (DA), Mr. Tunde Adekunle (DF), directors, and other stakeholders.