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As Stakeholders affirm to prioritize community development above Political Party affiliations; call for communal interests and unity for a prosperous LCDA
Hon. Prophetess Atinuke M. Witherspoon has continue to show her effulgence and competence towards ensuring community development at all viable cost. The Honorable Member representing Owo Constituency 2 in the Ondo State House of Assembly hosts stakeholders Meeting to deliberate on the successes of the Owo East LCDA headquartered in Ipele that is to kick off in February, 2023.
It is salient to note that this is the first of its kind, a Stakeholders’ Meeting, held in Owo Local Government after the signing of the Local Council Development Area Bill into law by the Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Odunayo Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN, CON last month.
The Stakeholders’ meeting was widely attended by rays of distinguished Members of the community. In attendance were: a distinguished Senator in the 5th Assembly Red Chamber, Senator Titus Olajide Olupitan, former Minister of State for Education and a Chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Adewumi Abitoye, a former Member of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Hon. Tunji Dairo, the Traditional Leaders led by High Chief Raji Olujase and the Upele United Development Association (UDDA) ably represented by Dr Rahman Abubakir.
Others were Religious leaders, delegates of the APC and representatives of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). Igbo, Ebira, Idoma and Delta communities were also represented.
To ensure participation of Ipele indigenes in diaspora, a Zoom platform was put in place where some notable sons and daughters of the community joined the meeting. Some were: a Board Commissioner of OSOPADEC, Hon. Nuel Ola Elehinle (Lagos), former SSA to FCT Minister on Environment, Hon. Tunde Imolehin (Abuja), Mrs Taiwo Ojikutu (Canada), Mr Dairo Kayode (United Kingdom), Mr Sumonu Raheem (Ogun State), and lots more. This Zoom platform was anchored by the IPELE MEDIA PRODUCTION. In order to ensure public awareness of the Meeting, the Abeyagho Online TV was also present to deliver live coverage of the event
The programme was anchored by the former Caretaker Chairman, Owo Local Government, Hon. Chief Adebayo Oke Benjamin and Mr Isaac Atitebi while opening prayer was said by Ven. Dr Olatunde Abiodun, Vicar, St Stephens Ang. Church, Ipele.
In her opening address, Hon. Prophetess Atinuke M. Witherspoon sang songs of praise to Almighty God for making the creation of the LCDAs a reality and for making Ipele a beneficiary of the Owo East LCDA headquarter. She extended her appreciation to the Executive Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Odunayo Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN, CON. She also vehemently thanked Senator Titus Olajide Olupitan for been a leader who remain committed to the good course of Ipele. She recognized the hardwork of Chief Adewumi Abitoye in the struggle for the LCDA. She rounded off her vote of thanks by appreciating all the souls that had played vital roles since the struggle in the 1950s.
In furtherance, the Lawmaker stated that all hands must now be on deck to ensure growth and development of the Owo East LCDA which shall commence in February, 2024. She vehemently stated that it is only LCDA that are up and doing that shall attain full fledged Local Government status subsequent. She begged for the support of the people in making Owo East LCDA reached its desired peak. With this, Ipele needs to stand firm and explore all possibilities.
While speaking on the principal officers that shall kick off the Owo East LCDA, the Parliamentarian irrevocably stated that the ruling party, APC shall set up modalities and institute proficient individuals. Hon. Witherspoon assured the people that the Blueprint of the LCDA shall be presented in pronto so that they will all understand why they need to support this good course.
Hon. Prophetess Atinuke M Witherspoon therefore promised the people of Ipele that she shall always use her God given position to effect necessary changes that will facelift the community and enhance development.
The Stakeholders’ Meeting witnessed the Presentation of the Blueprint towards the take-off and growth of Owo East LCDA in Ipele.
The Blueprint was presented by a former Senior Special Assistant to Mr Governor on Environment and Asiwaju of Ipele Kingdom, Chief Barrister Olatubosun Aganun Esq.
The Blueprint explained the purpose for the creation of the LCDA which as its centrepiece as grassroot development and bringing the government closer to the people. Others include delivery of social services and statutory functions.
Thus, the Blueprint highlighted the prospect of the Owo East LCDA. They are: evaluation and stabilities of properties, long term projections, rural and urban road network, industrialization, cosmopolitan drive and education.
Others include health, Agriculture, employment, trailer park and mechanic village, recreation and internal general revenue.
In his remark, a former Member of the Nigerian Senate and a Chieftain of the All Progressive Congress, Senator Titus Olajide Olupitan appreciated the hands that made the Owo East LCDA a reality. He expressed gratitude to the Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Odunayo Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN, CON for fulfilling his cardinal promises to Ipele: the construction of the Ipele-Iyere road and the consideration of Ipele as a LCDA headquarter.
Pa Titus Olajide Olupitan eulogized Hon Prophetess Atinuke M Witherspoon for her leadership skills. He described Hon. Witherspoon as a virtuous woman of substance for conceiving this idea of Stakeholders’Meeting. He said Hon. Witherspoon is a political leader that should be emulate for her astuteness. He stated that she is a foremost political leader who holds the highest political office in Ipele at the moment.
He thereby stated that LCDA is not a piecemeal and as such, the government expect more from the communities that are beneficiaries. He emphasized on finance and the need to start sourcing for funds. Pa Olupitan advised that it is time the community stopped all impasse and bury the hatchet in order to ensure growth and development.
A former Minister of State for Education and a Chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Adewumi Abitoye expressed his happiness and optimism. He stated that Hon. Witherspoon is indeed a political leader who understands the nitty gritty of politics. The Olugemo of Igemo quarter advised Hon. Witherspoon to look away from criticism as they shall surely come. He thereby advised everybody to come out of his or her political cocoons and support the Owo East LCDA. He said that it is a normalcy for the ruling party, APC to set the template rolling in deciding the nominations for the newly created LCDA.
He begged the Member representing Owo Constituency 2 in the House of Assembly to always prioritize Ipele at all time, been a daughter of the soil.
A former Lawmaker of Ondo State House of Assembly and another Chieftain of the PDP, Hon Tunji Dairo also lauded the Meeting and so worthy. She ascertain that Hon Prophetess Atinuke Morenike Witherspoon is the first female lawmaker to emerge from Owo Local Government in the State House of Assembly, hence, the people must rally support around her.
The former Lawmaker advised Hon Witherspoon to work on a Bill in the House of Assembly to ascertain the boundary lines of these newly created LCDA in order to avoid rift amongst communities in the future. He recommended that the legislative arm of the state should laise with the Surveyor General of the State.
Hon. Tunji Dairo appealed to the people to shun violence as everyone is in one way or the other a kinsman to one another.
Dr Rahman Abubakir and Chief Oladapo Abitoye both emphasized on the need to also prioritize security. Chief Oladapo Abitoye expressed the need for oneness and unity. He stated that the world is too civilized for the community to breed resentment. He advised that the people should avoid sentiment in their dealings for a better and prosperous Owo East LCDA.
Princess Taiwo Olomotagba spoke of the Women. She said the role of women in governance cannot be relegated in the community. She called on her co women to stand up and contribute to the development of Ipele.
The Archdeacon of Saint Stephens Anglican Church, Ven Dr Abiodun Olatunde recognized the fact that Ipele is the first community to hold a Stakeholders’Meeting and as such lauded Hon Prophetess Atinuke M Witherspoon. He said Ipele is so fortunate to parade rays of astute people and he savours the human resources of Ipele.
Ven Abiodun Olatunde expressed that Ipele is a political edifice that is a pathway for other communities. He called on the people to learn from the mistakes of other communities and stand firm to uphold mechanism for development. He sighted Psalms 103 from the Holy Bible to buttress why the people must leave in harmony.
Honorables Nuel Ola Elehinle, Tunde Imolehin and Mr Kayode Dairo also added their voices to the Meeting through the online platform. While Hon. Nuel Ola Elehinle and Hon. Tunde Imolehin complimented the meeting, appreciated Hon Witherspoon for setting the ball rolling for a viable LCDA and applauded the Blueprint presentation delivered by Chief Barrister Olatubosun Aganun Esq, Mr Kayode Dairo expressed his concern on how the LCDA shall be Funded.
Subsequently, nominations were made for an Eleven-Man Committee that will handle sourcing for Funds for the LCDA before its take off in February. The nomination was made across the members of the Community, APC, PDP, Muslim Community, Christian Association and Youths.
In the closing remark, Mr Olotu Olalekan (FCA) popularly known as Oba stated that the meeting is a gateway for making History, as Hon. Prophetess Atinuke M Witherspoon has crested her name with gold. This is a meeting that shall resonate in the hearts and minds of the people for years to come. Owo East Local Council Development Area has come to stay and Ipele shall surely amass her desired growth and development.
Ogunleye Busuyi Kehinde,
Aide on Media and Publicity.
Peoplesmind
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