Ecstatic indigenes and residents of Ogbomosho trooped out in large numbers to participate in and witness the commencement of the coronation of Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye as the 21st Soun of Ogbomoso today.
The week-long ceremony kicked off with an empowerment programme for the less-privileged at the town’s palace with a total of 102 indigenes as beneficiaries of the N150m empowerment project.
The co-chairman of the Central Coronation Planning Committee, Air Vice-Marshal Bolaji Adigun (rtd) commended indigenes for coming out in large numbers, saying their attendance corroborated Olaoye’s approval by Governor Seyi Makinde.
Judging by the monarch’s vision for Ogbomosho, he said the people should expect rapid development, urging them to support the new king.
Adigun advised beneficiaries to utilize the equipment well, warning them against selling the items.
The empowerment programme was undertaken by the Ogbomosho First Community Initiative (O 1st Group) in conjunction with the Special Project Unit of the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing.
Items distributed included industrial sewing machines, deep freezers, electric generators, motorcycles and hairdryers.
The Federal Controller of Housing (Oyo State Field Office), Engr. Gbolahan Adesola, said the equipment was a palliative for the less privileged in Ogbomosho.
He explained that government’s intention was to assist people by equipping them with tools they needed to create wealth.
He disclosed that a monitoring team would be deployed to ensure that the tools were well used, adding that if well utilized, more would be provided.
The President, O First Group, Olusegun Adekunle, explained that the group was proactive with the aim of elevating socio-economic development of Ogbomosho.
He stressed that the group always made Ogbomosho’s interest first in everything and worked hard to empower indigenes.
Adekunle expressed the group’s gladness in being part of the coronation programme, assuring the monarch of the its support.
He, however, highlighted the destructive impact of drug abuse among youths in the town as being witnessed in other communities.
To address this, Adekunle revealed that the group had established a rehabilitation centre in the town as a positive move in addressing the challenge.
He also revealed that the beneficiaries had been trained on the best way to manage and utilize the items.
The beneficiaries were drawn from across the five local government areas in the town.
Speaking at the occasion, Oba Olaoye said since his confirmation and installation as the Soun, he had emphasized the comprehensive development of Ogbomosho as his vision.
He stressed that his reign would bring just that, stressing that he would collaborate with NGOs and other stakeholders in the country.
“We commenced this ceremony with today’s empowerment to help people economically. This is just the beginning.” The monarch declared.
Oba Olaoye expressed satisfaction with the spirit of unity in Ogbomosho, pointing out that the initiative was a testament of the love and commitment of the group.
“I call on other groups to emulate their initiative”, he admonished.
The monarch also thanked the Federal Government for supporting the project, promising that Ogbomoso people would continue to work with the government to bring development.
He warned beneficiaries not to sell the items, promising that anyone found to have sold them would be prosecuted as a thief.
The new Soun explained that the empowerment was aimed at provoking wealth and job creation as beneficiaries put the items to maximal use in ways that would make them multiply and create employment for others.
“As the Soun and father of All, I pledge my unwavering support to you and all aspiring entrepreneurs in Ogbomosholand. My doors will always be open to your concerns, aspirations and suggestions. Together, we shall build a thriving community where everyone has the opportunity to achieve his or her dreams and contribute to the collective good.
