In a departure from the usual pomp, ceremony and from traditional political celebrations, the Executive Chairman of Ifelodun Local Government Area, Hadji Abdulrasheed Femi Yusuf, marked his first anniversary in office with a special prayer session.
The solemn gathering, held at the Idofian Town Hall on Tuesday was dedicated to seeking divine intervention for the progress, prosperity, and improved security of the Local Government Area.
During his address, Chairman Yusuf explained his decision to forgo a lavish celebration, stating, “While some other chairmen are dedicating this day to mere celebrations, we strategically dedicated it for this spiritual gathering against insecurity in our communities.”
He recounted a challenging but impactful first year, highlighting a firm commitment to complementing the project-driven agenda of Governor Mallam Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq.
The Chairman presented a comprehensive scorecard of his administration’s achievements, which he said had touched all 18 wards of the local government. His report detailed a wide range of projects and initiatives across various sectors:
In the Health Sector:
* A primary healthcare cente was completed in the Oreke community.
*The primary healthcare centers at Labaka Oja, Adanla, Ofarese, Iyana Share, Apata Aje, and Yaru were renovated, many through the IMPACT program.
*The drug revolving scheme was reactivated to ensure a steady supply of essential medicines.
* The administration sponsored 43 students to study health-related courses, with plans to absorb them upon graduation.
On Infrastructure and Utilities:
* Water: Solar-powered motorized boreholes were constructed in communities such as Olohuntele, Atanda, Gaa Eleyele, Atiran, Alo, Gaa Ori-Oke, and Arola. Hand-pump boreholes were also constructed in Gaa Kishi, Apata Aiki, and Famonle Market. Existing boreholes were converted to solar power in Amodu Asungbolu, Adanla, and Alakuko.
* Roads: The administration embarked on extensive road grading and expansion projects, including the Isanlu Isin-Owa Kajola-Oke-Oyan road, the Alabe-Oreke road, the Oke-Oyan Oro-Ago road, Omupo-Obaloyan road, and the 12.5 km Idofian-Igbaja road.
* Electricity: A transformer was installed in the Dabu community, providing power to 62 communities in the Oke-Ode district. Two RMU units were also repaired at the Abayan Power Station, restoring electricity to over 20 communities.
* Other Projects: A motor park was institutionalized at Kara Market in Iyana Share to ease traffic. In Idofian, work began on a new Kara Market and the construction of 50 shops at Afon Junction in Ganmo.
On Security:
* The local government procured 20 motorcycles and 50 bulletproof vests to support local security outfits.
* One hundred forest guards were employed, trained, and enrolled in the state health insurance scheme.
* The Ifelodun Road Traffic Marshals (IRTM) were created to manage traffic, particularly on market days.
* A non-indigenous registration drive was institutionalized to improve data collection.
* The chairman also immortalized the late Balogun Lukman Jagun, who fought against non-state actors, by naming a road after him.
In the Agricultural Sector:
* Four abandoned tractors were refurbished and added to the existing fleet, along with five ridgers, to boost mechanized farming.
* A step-down training was organized for 500 livestock farmers, who were then empowered with machinery and goats.
Chairman Yusuf concluded his address by urging all stakeholders to set politics aside and unite in prayer for stability and prosperity, particularly in light of recent security challenges.
He thanked all who had supported his administration and prayed for continued strength to serve the people of Ifelodun.
The event was attended by a host of dignitaries, including the Chief Press Secretary to the Kwara State Governor, Mallam Rafiu Ajakaye.
The gathering also featured religious leaders from the Christian, Muslim, and traditional faiths where they held a joint prayer session for lasting peace in the local government and the state.
Speaking at the event, AGF Salahuddeen, the representative for Omupo Constituency at the Kwara State House of Assembly, in his goodwill messages praised the chairman’s achievements while acknowledging that more work remains.
He assured the people of Ifelodun that with God’s support and their cooperation, the Chairman has started and he’s poised to delivering more dividends of democracy in years ahead.
Dr. Babatunde Salami, a former Chairman of the Local Government, hailed the prayer session as a very thoughtful and people-oriented approach to leadership while commending the Chairman on his achievements.
The Elese of Igbaja, HRM Oba Alhaji (Dr.) Ahmed Babalola Awuni Arepo III, in his goodwill message, speaking on behalf of other traditional rulers also commended the chairman’s focus on security. He prayed to God to grant the Local Government total peace and tranquility against external forces who find joy in committing evil.
More pictures from the event;
