By Sunday Olatunji
Residents of Ajebamidele, Ogbon Ado and Oke Oniyo communities have been urged to take full ownership of newly commissioned multi-million-naira solar-powered borehole projects aimed at addressing persistent water scarcity in the areas.
The Chairman of Ado-Central Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Engr. Toyin Ojo, FNSE, made the call during the commissioning ceremonies held at the various project sites within the council.
Engr. Ojo expressed appreciation to residents for their support and cooperation, while listing several communities that benefited from motorised and solar-powered boreholes during the year. These include Agric Olope, Ekute, Ijigbo, Oja Oba and Ereguru, among others.
He explained that all projects executed by his administration were based on the needs and requests of the people, stressing the importance of protecting public facilities against vandalism and theft of vital components.
“Every year, before the budget is prepared, I invite you to a town hall meeting where your inputs are sought and captured. This has been my practice since I assumed office. These projects are initiated based on your requests to bring direct benefits to your communities. I therefore appeal to you to take full ownership of them and protect them from destruction so the government can attend to other pressing needs,” Ojo said.
The council chairman also commended the Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, for his continuous support for grassroots development. He urged residents to demonstrate their appreciation by massively supporting the governor’s re-election bid in the 2026 gubernatorial election.
Speaking at the event, Olori Bosede Adejugbe, the Eyesorun of Ado-Ekiti, and Sheikh (Dr.) Jamiu Kewulere Bello, President-General of the League of Imams and Alfas of the South-West, Edo and Delta States, praised Engr. Ojo for his people-centred leadership. They urged beneficiaries to ensure proper maintenance and protection of the projects.
In separate goodwill messages, Chief Adekunmola Kayode, the Elegbira of Ado-Ekiti; Alhaji Kazem of Oke-Oniyo community; and Mr. M. K. Ajiki, Chairman of the Landlords Association of Bolorunduro community, applauded the chairman for projects that have improved living standards. They appealed for road grading, provision of transformers and enhanced security across their communities.
Also speaking, the Ado Local Government APC Chairman, Hon. Michael Akinleye, described Engr. Ojo as a worthy ambassador of the party, noting that his programmes and projects have positively projected the APC at the grassroots.
“Engr. Ojo has consistently placed the welfare of the people above all else, and his performance reflects positively on the APC,” Akinleye said, urging residents to protect the projects and continue supporting the party at all levels of government.
Responding to the requests raised, Engr. Ojo assured residents that road grading would commence soon, while the provision of transformers would be considered in the 2026 budget. He also reaffirmed the council’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property.
The event attracted top council officials, including the Vice Chairman, Alhaji Babatunde Onipede; Secretary, Princess Adenike Adeleye; Leader of the House, Hon. Babatunde Arogundade; councillors, supervisors, APC leaders, directors and other stakeholders.