REPORT OF THE STEWARDSHIP OF CHIEF I. A. OGUNMOLA (JP) LED
NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL OF ILORO-EKITI PROGRESSIVE UNION
FROM 31ST DECEMBER 2009 TO 28th DECEMBER 2019
Chief I. A. Ogunmola’s led administration of the Iloro-Ekiti Progressive Union was voted into power on 26th December, 2009. Immediately on resumption of duty, the new EXCO took the bull by the horn and the following actions were embarked upon, which led to our catalogue of achievements within the period of Ten (10) Years. To God be the Glory!
- Stakeholders’ Forum: On assumption of office, the administration started with the constitution of a Stakeholders Forum. This Forum consists of notable, responsible and well respected members of the Community that are progressively minded. The Forum was saddled with the responsibility of brainstorming and serving as think-tank for the EXCO to enhance formulating of policies for the development of Iloro-Ekiti.
The Administration also constituted various Committees such as Project Committee, Finance Committee, Publicity/Awareness Committee, Education Committee, Security Committee, Health Committee, Iloro Day Restructuring Committee, Security Tactical Committee. All, for easy and smooth administration.
- Membership Mobilization: This Administration, immediately after the assumption of office, drew itinerary for visitation to various Branches of IPU across the Country. The essence of the visitation was to sensitize members of the Union about the programme and projects of the Union at home and also to foster genuine relationship and unity among the indigenes of the Community in all the Branches of the IPU.
- Appointments: To strengthen the EXCO, and for smooth administration, some appointments were made. These include:
Hon. (Chief) Ola Olofinlade – Patron
Otunba J. O. Ayorinde – Patron
Chief (Mrs.) Theresa Owoseeni – Matron
Chief (Hon) Mike Omoleye – Special Adviser
Chief S. A. Olulade (now late) – Patron
Chief E. A. Ogundele (now late) – Patron
Bishop J.T. Omoleye (now late) – Special Adviser
High Chief Jide Ogundipe (now late) – Special Adviser - Establishment of an IPU Office: This was the first of its kind in the history of IPU. The Office was furnished and a set of Computer was purchased and installed therein. All IPU records and albums are now being kept in the office for posterity.
- IPU Registration: We observed that IPU as a Union had not been registered with the Local Government. This was done and a certificate to that effect had been collected to ease our operations with Banks and other establishments.
- Coordination of Indigenes in the Diaspora: In our bid to ensure the participation of all Iloro-Ekiti indigenes in the Diaspora, we went all out to collect names and phone numbers of such people, including Women. We communicated with them to enable them contribute their quota to the progress of the Town. We thank God, the step yielded fruitful results as some of them responded positively.
- The Magistrate Court: This Administration completed the Magistrate Court Building Project which was handed over to us by the previous administration and the Court Building was commissioned by the then acting Chief Judge of the State on 23rd September, 2010.
- Chief Magistrate Court Building: This Administration took over the uncompleted Chief Magistrate Court Building and ensured its completion. The building was furnished and subsequently commissioned by the then Chief Judge of Ekiti State.
- Maintenance of Street Lights: During the tenure of this Administration, the street lights in the major roads within the Town were repaired and put into use, at least twice.
- The Pavilions: Vide the advice of this Administration, the IPU Ilorin, IPU Kainji, IPU Ikorodu Branches erected a Pavilion each at the Palace Square, to mark their hosting of Iloro Day for more convenience during subsequent Iloro Day Celebrations.
- Hospital Equipments: This Administration was instrumental to the approval and supply of some Hospital Equipments to our Maternity Health Centre at Oke-Owa by Ijero Local Government in Year 2010.
- Electrification of Police Station:- This Administration embarked on the electrification of the present Police Station. Ever since, the Police had been enjoying electricity supply in their offices.
- Building of Police Barracks: During the tenure of this Administration, a land was secured for the building of Police Barracks in Iloro-Ekiti. The Project started in earnest along Ayetoro road, but was eventually stalled as a result of the sudden death of Chief Rufus Kayode Adebo, a prominent figure in the town and, of course, the Contractor handling the job.
- Security: During the tenure of this administration, the security of the town was strengthened. When it became imperative to do so, Local Security men were employed to complement the efforts of the Police men in the town. Our efforts were later crowned with the establishment of the Civil Defence Office in the town.
- Electricity Feeder Pillar: This Administration applied for a feeder pillar from Government to replace the damaged one for one of our transformers. This was approved and released to the Community by the Government of Ekiti State.
- Visitations to Government: This Administration paid courtesy calls on the Ekiti State Governor and the Chairman of Ijero Local Government, during which the needs and problems of Iloro Community were discussed with them and encouraging responses were received from both ends. This actually contributed to the springing up of some projects in the town.
- Government Projects: Through the efforts of this Administration and some philanthropists in the town, the State Government embarked upon the following projects in the Community.
Rehabilitation of Iloro/Osun road – completed
Rehabilitation of Ayetoro/Iloro/Ipoti/Ijero road – completed
Tarring of 1km township road – completed
Installation of Transformer – completed
Building of a Skill Acquisition Centre – completed
Building and Commissioning of a Maternity Health Centre in Isalu Quarters (by Ijero Local Government Council). - EKCSDA Projects: This Administration initiated and supervised the following projects that were sponsored by Ekiti State Community and Social Development Agency, (EKCSDA).
Ultra Modern Lock-Up shops and Open Stalls at the new Adodo Market opposite Iloro Community High School, along Ayetoro road. The market is now being used.
A twin flat Doctors’ quarter at our Comprehensive Health Centre.
A block of Male and Female Medical Ward with Doctors’ and Nurses’ Offices.
Renovation of the Town Hall to taste.
Thanks to Hon. Dapo Kolawole for giving us the initial counterpart fund of N350,000 to access the funds from EKSDA for the projects. May your shadow never grow less. (Amen)
For all these projects on ground, we were opportuned to apply to Government for the upgrading of our Health Centre to a General Hospital. We hope this will materialize as soon as possible.
- Reception: This Administration organized a befitting and a memorable Reception in honour of Prof. Patrick Oladipo Aina on 08/01/2012, on his appointment as the Vice Chancellor of Ekiti State University. In the same vein, we hosted Chief Ibitoye Adeyiola who was appointed as Permanent Secretary in Ekiti State on 12/09/2015. We equally proposed to do same for Hon. Dapo Kolawole who was appointed as Ekiti-State Commissioner for Finance but he declined for reasons best known to him.
- Iloro Day: This Administration successfully organized nine (9) consecutive Iloro Days and the proceeds were judiciously spent on progressive Projects within the Town.
- Renovation of Town Hall: During the tenure of this Administration, a philanthropist, Capt. Caleb Olubolade (Rtd.), assisted the Community to re-roof the leaking roof of our Town Hall. The Hall was later renovated through the EKCSDA Projects.
- Construction of Palace Gate: This Administration successfully constructed a befitting modern Arc Gate that leads to the Oba’s Palace. The Gate has, in fact, made the entrance of the Palace very symbolic and attractive.
- Return of Bank to Iloro-Ekiti: This Administration made frantic efforts, to return the Polaris Bank to Iloro Ekiti, but all efforts proved abortive. However, the emergence of the FCMB in the town gave us a temporary relief. The hope is not yet lost, as a new National Microfinance Bank will soon emerge in the town through the assistance of one of us in the diaspora.
- Employment of Youths: This Administration assisted some sons and daughters of Iloro-Ekiti to secure gainful employments within the State and various attestation letters were written for many of our applicants to secure employment outside the State.
- Admission of Students: This Administration facilitated the admission of many of our sons and daughters into higher institutions within and outside the State. It behoves us here again to appreciate the assistance of Prof. P. O. Aina, former Vice Chancellor, Ekiti State University for his unique assistance when in office and other University/Tertiary Institution Staff of Iloro Ekiti indigene for assisting our qualified young ones into Ekiti State University and other Tertiary Institutions.
- Establishment of Iloro Community Primary School: This administration facilitated the establishment of Oro Primary School (now Iloro Community Primary School) by the Government of Ekiti State. We have again written to Government on the need to assist in building a block of at least six Classrooms at the permanent site of the School and this has been graciously approved by Government.
- Medical Check-up: At the inception of this Administration, we introduced medical check-ups during our Annual General Meetings to ensure the fitness of our people. We brought Health workers that did the job to satisfaction, but for poor response of our people, this idea was dropped.
- Proposal for Street Naming:- This Administration observed that some of our adjourning lanes, roads and streets need to be identified in line with civilization and to immortalize some of our heroes (dead or alive). The Committee in charge made suggestions to the Oluloro-in-Council. We hope the in-coming Administration will make the necessary follow-up.
- Demarcation of our Comprehensive health Centre Boundaries: When it was noticed that people were encroaching the Health Centre land, we resolved that the land be demarcated. This was done immediately by the Works Committee.
- Tarring of one-kilometer Road in the Town: This Administration, vide the assistance of Government, facilitated the tarring of a one-kilometer Road in the town by the Fayemi’s Administration and we ensured its completion through close monitoring.
- Commissioning of Eyiyato Enterprise Development Centre: We equally facilitated the commissioning of the Eyiyato Enterprise Development Centre built by Fayemi Government to the benefit of our people.
- Erection of Bumps: When we noticed that accidents were becoming rampant on the rehabilitated major road, we erected some bumps on the major road within the town to serve as speed breakers.
- Palace Furniture: This Administration purchased a complete set of Upholstery Chairs with a Glass Centre Table and Stools for the Palace.
- Creation of Irewolede Local Council Development Area: Through the efforts of this Administration, we were able to secure the Headquarter of Irewolede LCDA under Governor Fayemi’s first Regime. The Council was in operation until Governor Fayose scrapped it. However, it is our hope that when the Government decides to re-visit the issue, Iloro-Ekiti will retain her position as the Headquarter.
- Establishment of Iloro Mutual Health Hospital: For our people to enjoy the National Health Insurance Scheme, we, through the assistance of Dr. Akolawole Abayomi and Mr. Femi Adebo, established the Hospital in Year 2015. The Hospital had been stocked with modern equipments donated by some philanthropists. The Hospital is presently being manned by a qualified NYSC Medical Doctor and a fleet of qualified Medical Personnel.
- Upgrading of Oluloro’s Status: We thank God that our 4-Year struggle through contacts, letters and Memoranda, and recently coupled with Hon. Dapo Kolawole’s input have yielded the expected result, as the Oluloro has now been placed on ‘Grade One’ by Ekiti State Government. Glory be to God Almighty and Congratulations to Kabiyesi and the entire People of Iloro-Ekiti Community for this great attainment.
- Iloro Ambassadors Awards: For encouragement and in appreciation of their progressive contributions, a number of notable Sons and Daughters of Iloro-Ekiti who had contributed immensely to the progress of the Town were conferred with the prestigious Iloro Ambassadors Awards during Iloro Day Celebrations.
- Iloro Cultural Troupe: The seat of the IPU Cultural Troupe was relocated from Ikare-Akoko to Iloro-Ekiti, with High Chief Agbaje (The Aro of Iloro) and Chief (Mrs.) Aladeokin (Gbajumo) as Coordinators. All our Costumes which include white cow tails (Irukere) and Beads were handed over to them.
- Completion of Blue Health Centre: We wrote to Government on many occasions, complaining about the abandoned Blue Health Centre renovation Project. But up till now, the Government is yet to respond to our calls.
- Request for a General Hospital: This Administration also wrote severally to Government, seeking approval for the upgrading of our Comprehensive Health Centre at Igbo-Ata to a General Hospital. Up till now, we have not gotten any cheering news.
- Involvement of Women in IPU Activities: This Administration was of the opinion that the Women folk in the Town must be carried along in the scheme of things. We compiled the list of notable women of integrity and started inviting them to IPU Meetings. The response was impressive, but further efforts will be required.
- Renovation of Oba’s Palace: It was our intention to commence the renovation of the Palace. The Architectural Design has been completed, but for the paucity of fund, we were yet to start the project. However, we sincerely appreciate the Egbegun Traditional Age Group (Age 55-69) that donated a number of 9” Blocks for the commencement of the project.
- Facilitation and funding of progressive Projects: These include:
(a) Assisting to finance the maintenance, including purchase of drugs and payment of salaries of the Iloro Mutual Health Hospital Staff.
(b) Funding of National Census Registration Exercise in the Town.
(c) Financial Assistance for Students Union Projects in the Town.
(d) Funding of National Identity Card Registration Exercise in the Town.
(e) Funding of Voters Card Registration Exercise in the Town.
(f) General administration, welfare and charities. - The Union’s Finances: I thank God for the crop of EXCO Members elected into this Administration. The finances of the Union were handled with all sense of transparency and records were kept for verification.
OUR CHALLENGES/OBSERVATIONS:
Attendance at Annual General Meetings (AGM): It is unfortunate that most Branches of our great Union have not always been adequately represented at the Union’s AGM. It usually saddens us to see very scanty members from Branches present at our AGMs or Bi-Annual General Meetings. We plead that we should turn a new leaf to this as Annual General Meetings are always celebrated in other towns.
IPU Levies: It is unfortunate that we have made the proceeds from Iloro Days the only source of finance for the Union. Levies such as: Annual Development Levy; Special Levies; Security Levy; Iloro Day Levy, are not forthcoming. We should pay adequate attention to these levies very urgently so that the IPU can bank on the necessary fund to run the affairs of the Community.
(c) Mobility: We observed that this Union was old enough to have a Bus of its own for journeys outside the Community. We made frantic efforts, but could not achieve our aim owing to the poor response of our people to our clarion calls for donation. However, the total of N1,070.000 realized had been diverted to the establishment of Iloro Mutual Hospital, to save lives.
(d) IPU Election: It is our intention to obey the Constitution of the IPU in this respect. Having spent two consecutive terms, we are to vacate our positions. However, some people were of the opinion that our tenure should still be elongated until a new King is put in place. We have obeyed your instructions by spending addition two years. Now that His Royal Majesty the new Oluloro is in place, we want to plead with all sincerity that we should be allowed to step aside and a new election should take place. It is our hope that the Electoral Committee will conduct a smooth and fair election.
OUR REGRET:
We regret to announce the death of some illustrious sons and daughters during the period under review. They include: Late Chief Bayo Balogun, Late Chief R. K. Adebo, Late Chief I. S. Babalola, Late Mr. Tunde Alex, Late Mr. Sola Adaralegbe (the immediate past IPU Secretary), Late Chief E. A. Ogundele (Jaleyemi), Late Bishop J. T. Omoleye, Late Mrs. Abike (Alaso), Late Mrs. Felicia Ayorinde, Late Barr. (Chief) Olakunle Dada (Balogun of Iloro-Ekiti), and of course, our revered Kabiyesi, Late Oba (Dr.) Ayoola Arowolo II, who joined his Ancestors on Saturday, the 16th of May, 2015. While we pray for their souls to rest in perfect peace, it is our fervent prayer that may we never record such casualties in this Town in Jesus’ Name. (Amen)
OUR APPRECIATION:
This Administration is no doubt indebted in form of appreciation to some notable and progressive persons for their support, cooperation and positive input towards the success of this Administration. We appreciate all Iloro Sons and Daughters, especially the Chiefs, all our Patrons, Matrons, Special Advisers, the Youths, the Students’ Union and everybody that contributed to our success story. We appreciate all the Chairmen and Members of our various Committees through which most of the targets were achieved. We say, thank you all and pray that you will all be successful in life. (Amen).
At this juncture, I personally appreciate the solid and unshaken cooperation of all the members of my Executive, especially the National Secretary, the Treasurer, the Financial Secretary, the Public Relations Officers, the Auditor and, of course, the IDC Chairman who had been a pillar behind this administration. I fervently pray that it shall be well with you all. No weapon formed against you shall prosper in Jesus’ precious Name.
Above all, I sincerely thank The Almighty God for seeing us thus far.
While I sincerely wish the incoming Administration better successes and a peaceful administration for the progress of our Cradle – Iloro-Ekiti, please allow me to apologize to those we have unknowingly stepped on their toes and for any of our mistakes during our Ten-Year administration. Once again, I say Thank you and God bless.
Long live, Iloro Progressive Union!
Long live, Iloro Kingdom!
Chief I. A. Ogunmola (JP) CES, MIESA, GCCF
IPU National President
Dec. 2009 – Dec. 2019