The Paramount Ruler of Oro Kingdom in Kwara State, His Royal Majesty, Oba Joel Olaniyi Oyatoye Titiloye Olufayo II (JP), has called for stronger collaboration among governments, indigenes, corporate organisations, visitors and other stakeholders to accelerate infrastructural development across the ancient kingdom.
The Monarch made the call while commissioning a block of two modern toilet facilities constructed by a serving National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Bridget Onyinye, at Christian Comprehensive High School, Ijomu-Oro.
The Project, which was executed as part of Onyinye’s Personal Community Development Service (CDS), is aimed at improving sanitation and providing a more conducive learning environment for students of the school.
Onyinye is currently serving at Ayaki Secondary Grammar School, Okerimi-Oro.
Speaking after the commissioning, Oba Titiloye commended the corps member for demonstrating patriotism and a strong commitment to community development by undertaking the project despite being a visitor to the community.
The Oloro of Oro said the development of Oro Kingdom could not be left to government alone, stressing that the collective contributions of sons and daughters of the kingdom, residents, corporate bodies, friends of Oro and other well-meaning Nigerians were essential to addressing the infrastructural needs of the community.
He urged indigenes at home and in the diaspora to identify with development initiatives in the kingdom and contribute according to their capacity, noting that sustainable development could only be achieved when stakeholders took ownership of the growth and progress of their communities.
According to the monarch, the gesture by the NYSC corps member demonstrated that meaningful development does not always require huge resources, but commitment, initiative and a genuine desire to make a positive difference.
Oba Joel Olaniyi Oyatoye therefore encouraged other corps members serving in Oro Kingdom to continue to see their places of primary assignment as opportunities to contribute meaningfully to the communities where they find themselves.
The Oloro of Oro expressed appreciation to Onyinye for the laudable initiative and pledged to recommend her, alongside other corps members who distinguished themselves through dedicated service, to the Honourable Minister of Youth for possible national recognition.
He also presented her with an official letter of recommendation and a certificate of appreciation in recognition of her contribution to the development of the school and the community.
The Monarch further stressed the importance of supporting young Nigerians who demonstrate commitment to community service, saying that such acts of selflessness should be encouraged and rewarded as a way of promoting national unity and development.
In her remarks, the corps member, Bridget Onyinye expressed gratitude to the Oloro of Oro, Oba Joel Olaniyi Oyatoye, for his immense royal support, both in cash and kind, which she said contributed significantly to the successful completion of the project.
She also appreciated the Oloro-in-Council and the people of Oro Kingdom for their support and encouragement throughout the execution of the project.
Speaking at the event, the NYSC Local Government Inspector (LGI) for Irepodun Local Government Area, Mr. Nuhu Abdullateef Isa, who represented the Kwara State NYSC Coordinator, commended the Oloro of Oro for his visionary leadership and unwavering support for corps members and youths serving in the kingdom.
Isa also praised Onyinye for her exceptional dedication to community development, noting that she and another corps member had initiated similar projects in Oro and Omu-Aran respectively.
He appealed to the Oloro of Oro to assist the two corps members in securing career opportunities as a way of recognising and rewarding their selfless contributions to their host communities.
In their separate remarks, the school principals, Pastor Olatunji and Mrs. Babatunde, expressed appreciation to the Oloro of Oro Kingdom for his continuous fatherly role and support for the school and the community.
They also lauded Onyinye for her impactful contribution, describing the sanitation project as a valuable intervention that would benefit both present and future students of the school.
