BY LAW IBITOYE
For grassroots governance in Ekiti State, the Executive Chairman of Ifesowapo Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Isan Ekiti, Hon. MUYIWA AJIBOLA on Friday commissioned permanent secretariat of the council, provided boreholes to two communities and Empowered over three hundred residents.
The newly commissioned bungalow permanent secretariat, located opposite Isan Grammar School and close to Command Army School, Isan -Ekiti has thirty two offices to serve as the central hub for all government activities and civic engagement within the LCDA. The structure has offices, conference rooms, and administrative facilities to improve service delivery.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Hon. Muyiwa expressed gratitude to the Executive Governor of Ekiti state, Biodun Oyebanji,and other stakeholders who contributed to the successful completion of the project. He emphasized that the development is a testament to his administration’s commitment to infrastructural growth, good governance, and service to the people.
“This edifice is not just a building; it represents a symbol of our collective resolve to bring governance closer to our people. It is a home for progress, policy implementation, and a rallying point for the socio-economic development of Ifesowapo LCDA,” he stated.
Explaining the importance of the permanent secretariat, Hon Muyiwa said it would not only improve the internally generated revenue of the council but safe for effective operations of staff and residents who need to consult the council for either payment of rate or collection of local government attestations compared to the former place they were using at the outskirt of the town, saying residents were always afraid of visiting there for security reasons.
The Chairman who stressed that the wellbeing of his people was paramount to him, necessitated the provision of two boreholes at Ikua Quarters Itaji Ekiti and Oloje Ekiti. Hon Muyiwa urged them to take proper care of the boreholes.
To promote agricultural productivity and ensure food security across the council Area, Hon. Ajibola also used the occasion to empower over three hundred local farmers with essential farming tools and resources. Beneficiaries were selected from the six towns and villages: comprising, Imojo, Oloje, Ilafon, Isan ,Ilemeso Ekiti, Orisunbare and Omoga settlements received modern spray pumps, cutlasses, agrochemicals, and other vital equipment aimed at enhancing agricultural activities and boosting local food production.
The empowerment initiative is part of the council’s broader agricultural revitalization programme, designed to reduce rural poverty, create jobs, and encourage youth participation in farming.
“I strongly believe that agriculture remains the backbone of our economy, especially in Ifesowapo LCDA, Isan Ekiti where virtually every resident is now a farmer, practicing in small or large scales with these tools and inputs, our farmers are better equipped to cultivate more efficiently and profitably. This is a step towards making Ifesowapo a food basket in Ekiti State,” the Chairman declared.
Reiterating his commitment to serving the people of Ifesowapo, Hon Muyiwa Highlighted some of his achievements in the first year to include:Complete renovation of Imojo Maternity Center with modern equipment, grading of several roads at Isan, Ilafon, Itaji, adequate security in the LCDA and provision of solar powered street lights from Ilemeso, Isan, Itaji, Imojo, including empowerment .
The event was graced by all the traditional rulers of the communities in the LCDA, led by HRM Oba Gabriel Ayodele Adejuwon,The Onisan of Isan Ekiti and Attah of Ayede Ekiti, Oba Orisagbemi who turned out in full regalia to lend their royal support.
In their separate remarks, the royal fathers commended the Executive Chairman for his visionary leadership and dedication to the welfare of the people. They described the commissioning of the secretariat and the empowerment initiative as “unprecedented” and assured continued collaboration in achieving lasting peace and prosperity in the LCDA.
The ceremony was attended by Local government chairmen, council officials, political leaders, community stakeholders, youth groups, women associations, and members of the general public who lauded the Chairman for his people-focused agenda.