Popular Ibadan-based philanthropist and the Okanlomo Oodua, Chief Jubril Dotun Sanusi, has disclosed that he receives intervention requests from over 250 communities seeking assistance in the provision of electricity and potable water.
Chief Sanusi said he was working tirelessly to provide succour to the affected communities, noting that inadequate access to basic amenities remains a major challenge confronting residents at the grassroots.
He revealed that interventions have so far been successfully carried out in about 200 communities, while efforts are ongoing to reach the remaining 50 communities through his personal connections and resources.
The philanthropist explained that his interventions are driven by the need to complement government efforts and ease the suffering of people at the community level.
Chief Sanusi, who is the Chief Executive Officer of Ilaji Sports and Resorts, Akanran, made this known while playing host to the newly inaugurated executives of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, led by its Chairman, Comrade Akeem Abas, at the resort.
According to a statement issued by the Secretary of the Oyo NUJ, Dayo Adu, the Okanlomo Oodua, said the growing number of requests reflects the hardship being faced by many communities, thereby placing increasing responsibility on philanthropists.
He noted that intervention meetings are held with beneficiary communities on a quarterly basis to assess needs, monitor progress, and ensure the sustainability of completed projects.
Chief Sanusi added that government officials are deliberately invited to the commissioning of intervention projects to expose them to the realities on ground and encourage swift government action in addressing community challenges.
Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman of the NUJ, Oyo State Council, Comrade Akeem Abas, congratulated Chief Sanusi on his installation as the Okanlomo Oodua by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi.
Abas commended Chief Sanusi for his philanthropic gestures to the NUJ as a patron and his commitment to journalism through the establishment of Ilaji FM, while also seeking his continued support for the union and journalists in Oyo State.
