By Dayo Johnson, Akure

Residents and indigenes of Ile-Oluji Kingdom in Ondo State have executed community-funded infrastructure projects valued at over N1.3 billion, as the kingdom marks the 10th coronation anniversary of the Jegun of Ile-Oluji, Oba Olufaderin Oluwole Adetimehin.

Speaking at a press briefing ahead of the celebration, the Lisa of Ile-Oluji Kingdom (Traditional Prime Minister), High Chief Johnson Fagbamiye, said the projects were financed entirely through communal contributions, donations, and direct labour by sons and daughters of the town.

He said there had been no government funding in the execution of the major projects.

“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,” he said.

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

Fagbamiye listed key projects to include a 10MVA transformer installed to boost electricity supply in the kingdom. He said the transformer, donated by an indigene and valued at about N200 million, rose to about N750 million after installation costs.

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

According to him, the transformer became necessary due to rising electricity demand driven by urban growth and expanding small businesses such as welding workshops and salons.

He also disclosed that ongoing road projects in the community were facilitated through collaboration involving the Presidency, Ondo State Government and the World Bank, adding that while progress had slowed, the projects were not abandoned.

Projects scheduled for commissioning during the anniversary include two-storey student hostels with 40 self-contained rooms at the Federal Polytechnic, Ile-Oluji; eight blocks of modern agricultural and livestock market stalls; and the community-funded transformer project.

Fagbamiye said the monarch has also sustained yearly scholarship awards to indigent and outstanding students across 14 public schools in the kingdom, with each beneficiary receiving at least N50,000.

He added that security arrangements had been strengthened in collaboration with security agencies ahead of the anniversary, due to the expected influx of guests.

The celebration will feature cultural displays, youth performances, traditional parades, awards, sporting activities, empowerment programmes, and a thanksgiving service to mark the end of the events.