The Rilwan Adesoji Akanbi Foundation (RAAF), through its Light-Up Department, has once again demonstrated its commitment to grassroots development with the successful installation of solar-powered streetlights at Oranyan Market, one of Ibadan’s major commercial hubs.
Oranyan Market, which comprises five distinct divisions that together form the Oranyan General Market, was recently illuminated with solar-powered streetlights, significantly improving safety, visibility, and commercial activities within the market.
During the light-up exercise, Engineer Lekan, who represented Senator Rilwan Adesoji Akanbi, engaged extensively with market leaders and stakeholders. While speaking with the Chairman of the Pepper Sellers Division, Alhaji Yinusa Adedokun, he emphasized that “it is only those who truly love the people that remember the people,” reaffirming RAAF’s people-centered approach to development.
He also met with the leadership of the Herbal Sellers Division, led by Alhaja Silifat Adeoye, who offered prayers for continued growth and prosperity, while also praying that the political ambition of Senator Rilwan Adesoji Akanbi would come to fulfillment.
Further interactions took place with the Babaloja of Oranyan Market, Alhaji Ramon Sunbayo, who described the intervention as timely and impactful, and prayed for the continued success and longevity of the Okanlomo of Ibadanland, a respected title associated with Senator Akanbi.
The Overall Chairman of the five Oranyan Market divisions, Mr. Ayobami Sanusi, revealed that he had personally communicated the market’s need for lighting to the Okanlomo of Ibadanland via a phone call. According to him, the swift response that led to the delivery of the solar streetlights clearly reflects responsive and people-focused leadership.
Beyond Oranyan Market, the RAAF Light-Up Department has recorded several achievements, including the installation of streetlights in various markets and neighbourhoods.
Senator Akanbi has also distributed and installed 500kVA transformers, which have the capacity to power up to 500 households, as well as deployed mini-grid power solutions that serve as mini power stations for villages that have never had access to electricity. These interventions are aimed at improving electricity access, security, and economic productivity. Notably, Senator Akanbi is the first individual philanthropist to undertake such initiatives in the state.
This latest intervention at Oranyan Market further reinforces RAAF’s reputation as a foundation committed to sustainable development, community empowerment, and practical solutions that directly touch the lives of the people.
