Governor Seyi Makinde
By Debo Adeoye
A paramount traditional ruler in Oyo State, who also is the Vice Chairman of the state Council of Obas and Chiefs, Oba Khalid Oyeniyi Olabisi, Oyedepo lll, the Okere of Sakiland, has described the administration of Engr Seyi Makinde as the project of Sakiland, which must be given priority by all the indigenes of Sakiland.
The monarch made the statement when the Coalition of Grassroots Volunteers Against Covid-19 (COGVAC-19) paid homage to him at his palace. The COGVAC-19 team led by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Mrs. Funmilayo Orisadeyi was at the palace for the kick-off t of the campaign against the novel Coronavirus pandemic at Oke-Ogun 2.
The royal father in his response shortly after the campaign programme, commended governor Seyi Makinde for adopting good approach to tackle the spread of Covid-19 in the state. He also praised the humility of the Honourable Commissioner and shower encomium on the COGVAC-19 team for a brilliant job.
“It’s an opportunity for us to benefit from this great project, it’s quite different from others programme brought here on Covid-19 by various groups. We are really appreciative of government concern for our people,” Oba Olabisi stated
“We say a big thank you to the people’s governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde for all his efforts to protect our people from contacting this horrible virus. The governor has also sited isolation center here in Saki and work is ongoing. The centre is 100 beds capacity hospital, owned by the state government.
Kabiyesi confirmed the receipt of palliatives from the state government and described it has a good gesture towards the masses. He commended government on it.
“The governor had sent palliatives here, in actual fact, I chaired one of the occasion where it was shared. It was fair enough for each family, so, on palliative the government has tried. Like Oliver Twist, we are expecting more of it,” Kabiyesi confirmed
Before the arrival of government palliatives in Sakiland, Oba Olabisi had personally funded the purchase of food items, other domestic needs and preventive materials including, branded face masks, soap and sanitisers. All the purchased items were distributed to the people through Saki Parliament, formed by about 174 quarters. Each Quarter has two representative through which parliament reach out to every members of each Quarter. No one was left out in the sharing, it was effectively shared.
“Your visit to Saki today is very timely, celebration of his Excellency’s one year in office is on going and the people of Saki are part of it. Engineer Seyi Makinde is our project and the success of his administration is a topmost priority for the Indigenes of Sakiland. We believe in this government and will give all to support it.
“Like I said, it’s our government, we have suffered in the past, most of the projects you see around were carried out by sons and daughters of Saki. Saki is a self-developed town, we lack social amenities, it’s quite unfortunate. Our roads are bad, though some already awarded, we have given our needs and bill of demand to the government. Now that we have people’s governor in charge of the state, we believe great things will start coming our ways.
“There’s a road from here to border, it’s about 94 kilometres, but terribly bad. It could take a whole day to get there. It’s the only road that linked Saki to Benin Republic. We pray our governor consider it among the road to be rehabilitated, it will surely increase the state IGR and grow the economy. We also asked the governor to site an eye clinic here in Saki because there is non in Oke-Ogun and as a result, our people have to travel out of the country for eye treatment or visit Ibadan.
“The Honourable Commissioner, you are an outstanding ambassador to the administration of Engr. Seyi Makinde. Many top government have visited us in Saki, your humility is exceptional and great, no wonder the local government councils chairmen and ALGIO are revolving round you. Truly, you are a mother. We thank you so much for the visit,” Kabiyesi commended the Commissioner.
The Commissioner, in her speech, commended the royal father for playing a great role in providing for the needs of the people in his domain. She also assured the royal father of Makinde commitment to make great changes in Saki and its environs.
“Kabiyesi, you have proved to the people of Sakiland that they have a worthy King and to the great people of Oyo State in general that the role of a royal father is beyond playing a mediator role or collecting royalty. You have distinguished yourself as a true father, a ruler born with milk of human kindness.
“With what we met on ground you have really helped the government at both levels in the state. Your personal palliatives to the people of the state as well as materials to prevent people from contacting the stubborn virus are highly commendable and worthy of trumpeting around the four corners of the state.
“Kabiyesi, I want to assure you sir, that his Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde will do great projects here in Saki to boost the economy of this area and make it enviable one. Welfare of the people in Saki as well as infrastructure will equally be considered. Our administration needs more support from our people here and we promise to reciprocate.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner, commended the efforts of the ALGIO in setting up the Coalition and moving from one local government to another to safe lives.
“This is excellent, in my first outing with this group I can say I’m convinced that this actually is the real information dissemination. Coming down to the level of the people and being able to apply different approach to the campaign exercise based on the level of people they are addressing. They are truly professionals and best to reach out to the people in the rural, interior and suburb areas.
“Talking about civil matter, you can’t compare the approach of well trained policemen with that of soldiers who are trained for war. Same thing apply here, the ALGIO members understand nook and crannies of each local government councils and LCDAs and they are using the same opportunity to take the sensitisation campaign to their people in those areas.
The Commissioner advised the people in Saki and its environs to adhere strictly to the information as contained in the campaign. She also promised to communicate the activities of the group to governor Makinde.
“My appeal goes to the people of Saki and other towns and villages around to keep observing every precautionary measures as listed to them today. I have listened and can assure you, this is the best and current update on prevention and protection against Covid-19.
“To my people, it’s a great privilege to be in your team today, in fact it’s an eye opener, the Lord will continue to strengthen and bless you as you’re spending from your limited income to cater for other people. I will give your message to his excellency and I’m sure he will surely support you.
Those in the Coalition of Grassroots Volunteers Against Covid-19 (COGVAC-19) team are the state NLC Chairman, Comrade Bayo Titilola-Sodo, the Chairman of ALGIO in the state, Comrade Kunle Kareem, the consultant, Comrade Adebowale Adeoye, a member of Advisory Council, Comrade (Alhaji) Khalid Ajibade, State Asst. Sec. NUJ Comrade Dauda Aderogba, ALGIO State Secretary, Comrade Ramat Alade.
Others include Comrade Mutair Adeyemo, Comrade Ademola Bello, Comrade Akinwumi Adedoja, and Comrade Gafar Adisa.
