By Dayo Johnson Akure

Residents and indigenes of Ile-Oluji Kingdom, Ondo State, have financed and executed community infrastructure projects worth over N1.3 billion.
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High Chief Johnson Fagbamiye, Lisa (Traditional Prime Minister) of Ile-Oluji Kingdom, said this during a press briefing ahead of the 10th coronation anniversary of the Jegun of Ile-Oluji, Oba Olufaderin Oluwole Adetimehin.

He said all major projects in recent years were funded through communal contributions, direct labour, and donations from sons and daughters of the community.

“These projects have been funded by direct labour, and the source was from the community.

“There is no government intervention in all the projects I have mentioned,” Fagbamiye said.

“Funds were raised by the community, execution was done by the community, and provision was done by the community. Altogether, about N1.3 billion has been spent,” he added.

“A key project is the installation of a 10MVA transformer to boost electricity supply. The transformer was donated by an indigene and valued at about N200 million, but installation costs pushed total expenditure to N750 million.

He said the land for the project was donated by the Roman Catholic Church through the Catholic Diocese of Akure.

The transformer became necessary due to urban growth and rising power demand from homes and businesses.

The Prime Minister added that the 10MVA transformer will boost power supply to support activities like salons, welding workshops, and other small-scale enterprises.

Fagbamiye also cited ongoing road projects facilitated through the presidency and in partnership with the Ondo State Government and World Bank.

“Work is ongoing. Though progress has slowed, the projects have not been abandoned,” he said.

Projects to be commissioned during the anniversary include two blocks of two-story student hostels with 40 self-contained rooms for Federal Polytechnic, Ile-Oluji; eight blocks of modern agricultural and livestock market stalls; and the community-funded 10MVA transformer.

He said the projects show the kingdom’s commitment to self-help and sustainable development.

On security, Fagbamiye assured that adequate measures were in place with security agencies, plus independent arrangements by the community due to expected visitors.

He added that Oba Olufadero awards scholarships yearly to outstanding and indigent students across 14 public schools in the kingdom. Each awardee gets not less than N50,000, with about five students per school benefiting.

Other highlights of the celebration include youth and secondary school cultural performances, socio-economic activities, traditional and contemporary costume parades, Islamic prayers, cultural displays, honorary title conferments, awards presentations, a grand reception for dignitaries from across Nigeria and the diaspora, and a thanksgiving service to conclude the celebrations.

The 10th coronation anniversary will also feature a carnival procession, student rallies, youth empowerment programmes, cultural exhibitions, traditional dance competitions, sports, community auctions, raffle draws, heritage displays, and distribution of cocoa seedlings to farmers.