Iroko, Oyo State. As Otunba Oniroko of Iroko Land who also double as Secretary Oniroko – in – Council marks his one-year anniversary in office, stakeholders, traditional leaders, youths, and residents have continued to applaud his people-centered leadership, describing his tenure as one characterized by development, empowerment, and community advancement.
Since his installation, Otunba Oniroko has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the socio-economic growth of Iroko and its environs through strategic interventions in education, infrastructure, youth development, agriculture, and social welfare.
One of his landmark achievements is the facilitation of a Higher Continuous Studies Center at Iroko Community Grammar School, in partnership with reputable institutions. This initiative has expanded access to ND, HND, and professional programs for indigenes and residents, reducing the need for distant travel in pursuit of higher education.
In a bid to stimulate economic activity and create a social hub for residents, he successfully facilitated the establishment of a modern lounge in Iroko, providing a recreational and business networking space for youths and entrepreneurs within the community.
Recognizing the importance of basic amenities, Otunba Oniroko spearheaded the provision of portable drinking water and a public toilet facility, addressing long-standing public health and sanitation concerns in the community.
In honor of the late revered monarch, Oba Olasunkanmi Abioye Ismaila Opeola (the late Oniroko of Iroko Land), he championed the facilitation and renaming of the community market, preserving his legacy while boosting commerce and trade for local traders.
Ahead of the electoral process, Otunba Oniroko led robust voter registration and civic sensitization campaigns, encouraging political participation and civic responsibility among youths and elders alike.
His commitment to youth development was further demonstrated through the organization of a Ramadan Football Tournament and Public Lecture, fostering unity, discipline, and intellectual engagement among young people.
Education remained a top priority, as he provided scholarships to indigent but brilliant youths, enabling them to continue their studies without financial hindrance.
In support of local agriculture, Otunba Oniroko rolled out farmers’ empowerment programs, including access to farm inputs, farm land support, and capacity-building initiatives aimed at improving productivity and food security.
To promote entrepreneurship and self-reliance, he facilitated vocational training empowerment programs for youths and women, equipping them with practical skills in various trades.
His compassion-driven initiatives also extended to vulnerable groups, particularly widows, who received cash support to cushion economic hardship.
Additionally, in a bid to encourage small businesses and grassroots entrepreneurship, Otunba Oniroko introduced a no-interest loan scheme, enabling traders and artisans to grow their enterprises without the burden of high-interest debt.
Community leaders and residents have described his first year as impactful, transparent, and development-oriented, urging him to sustain the momentum in the years ahead.
As he marks this milestone, Otunba Oniroko has reaffirmed his commitment to inclusive governance, pledging to continue working tirelessly for the progress and prosperity of Iroko Land and its people and meaning bodies. Using this opportunity to call on the federal, state, local government to see iroko centre of excellence that lacks many developmental project and governmental abandoned projects, like the federal housing estate, we have been in darkness for sometime time and it’s personal funds that we have been using to finance which is draining we call on government intervention to the growth and development of iroko.
