Residents of Ototo Lukoye Community in Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State erupted in celebration as the long-awaited restoration of electricity finally became a reality following the commissioning of a 33KVA transformer facilitated by the Chairman of the council, Ambassador Adesina ‘Lanre’ Ogunsola, FCPA.
The historic development marked the end of over 12 years of darkness in the community, bringing renewed hope and economic prospects to residents who had endured years without public power supply.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Amb. Ogunsola described Obafemi Owode as one of the largest local governments in the South-West, noting that the enormity of governance in the area requires careful planning and equitable distribution of infrastructure across communities.
He urged residents of Ototo Lukoye to appreciate what he described as their “share of the dividends of democracy,” while reaffirming his administration’s commitment to grassroots development.
According to him, the council comprises 46 Community Development Committees (CDCs), over 2,000 Community Development Associations (CDAs), and 12 political wards, making balanced infrastructural development a major responsibility of government.
“Our administration inherited 161 public primary schools, while more than seven schools are currently benefiting from the construction of new classrooms,” Ogunsola said.
He disclosed that one of the major ongoing educational projects is at Maba, where two blocks of 10 classrooms, offices, and stores are under construction to address the increasing population of pupils in the area.
The council chairman also commended Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, for donating transformers to Obafemi Owode Local Government, promising that his administration would continue to complement the efforts of the state government in delivering development to rural communities.
Ogunsola further appreciated pupils of St. James Primary School for the warm reception accorded him during the event.
He, however, appealed to residents to continue supporting government through prompt payment of rates and levies, stressing that the administration would not relent in ensuring equitable development across sectors, wards, villages, and towns within the local government.
Earlier in his remarks, Chairman of Ototo Lukoye CDA, Chief Julius Ogundare, expressed profound gratitude to the local government chairman for facilitating the transformer project and supporting the energisation process both morally and financially.
He explained that the community had suffered prolonged blackout for more than a decade before the intervention of the council chairman brought relief to residents.
Similarly, Chief Olubori Ogundimu commended the government for responding positively to the community’s request, noting that the population of Ototo Lukoye had grown significantly over the years, thereby increasing the demand for improved infrastructure.
He assured the government of the continued support of the people.
In the same vein, the Baale of Oke-Mosan, Chief Saubana Ganiu, praised Amb. Ogunsola for what he described as his remarkable developmental strides across the local government area.
According to him, the council chairman had distinguished himself through impactful projects despite the enormous demands of governance.
He, however, appealed to the government to further assist the communities with the provision of a primary healthcare centre, portable water, and improved road networks.
Delivering the vote of thanks, Secretary to the Local Government, Hon. Kayode Dipeolu, lauded Amb. Ogunsola for prioritising the needs of the people of Egbeda Ward.
Dipeolu disclosed that the ward had benefited immensely from the state government’s intervention, revealing that three out of the five transformers officially distributed to the local government were allocated to communities within the ward alongside other infrastructural projects.
Other dignitaries present at the event included the Director of Administration, Ministry of Special Duties, Oke-Mosan Abeokuta, Mr. Bakare Bolaji, and several community leaders and stakeholders.
