NEWS UPDATE: ADEBARE OPENS DOORS TO NON-INDIGENES, EXTENDS EMPOWERMENT TO LOCAL FOOTBALL TEAM

ADEBARE OPENS DOORS TO NON-INDIGENES, EXTENDS EMPOWERMENT TO LOCAL FOOTBALL TEAM

The Executive Chairman of Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo Local Government, Hon. Adebare Adeboye, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to inclusive governance, peaceful coexistence and equal participation in government programmes, assuring non-indigene residents of greater opportunities within the council area.

Adebare gave the assurance on Monday, September 28, 2026, during a strategic engagement with leaders of non-indigene communities in Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo, where he described residents from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds as important stakeholders in the development of the local government.

The meeting brought together representatives of the Hausa, Igbo and Calabar communities, alongside the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the local government, Hon. Olorunyolemi, and his Vice Chairman, Hon. Martins Akinniyi.

Addressing the community leaders, Adebare thanked them for honouring his invitation and said the meeting was aimed at strengthening communication and cooperation between the local government administration and non-indigene residents.

He stressed that governance should accommodate residents irrespective of their ethnic or cultural backgrounds, adding that the development of Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo required the contribution of everyone living and doing business in the area.

“I address you today not just as Chairman, but as a fellow stakeholder in our community. Our government is for everyone, and we must continue to work together to sustain the peace we enjoy in Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo,” he said.

The Chairman highlighted some of the interventions of his administration, including road rehabilitation, improvements in schools, healthcare initiatives and empowerment programmes targeted at residents, particularly youths and women.

He explained that the administration’s vocational and empowerment initiatives were intended to provide residents with practical skills and opportunities that could support their economic independence.

According to him, non-indigene communities would also be carried along in the distribution of available opportunities, urging their leaders to assist in identifying genuine beneficiaries and encouraging members of their communities to participate in government programmes.

“It is now time to ensure these opportunities reach you, your families and your communities,” Adebare said.

He also called on the community leaders to support efforts to maintain peace and security in the local government by encouraging their members to obey the law, cooperate with security agencies and promote peaceful relations among residents.

Adebare said the preservation of peace should be regarded as a collective responsibility, noting that sustainable development could be difficult to achieve in an atmosphere of insecurity or conflict.

“Let us be our brother’s keeper. We all have a responsibility to protect the peace in this local government. The existing peace must continue, because without peace, there can be no meaningful development,” he said.

The Chairman further emphasised the importance of dialogue and mutual understanding, noting that many non-indigene residents had lived in Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo for several years and had contributed to the economic and social activities of the area.

“Our strength lies in unity. We are all stakeholders in this project. Let us not allow our differences to divide us; let them enrich our dialogue,” he added.

As part of his efforts to strengthen communication and representation, Adebare announced his intention to appoint a Personal Assistant from among the non-indigene communities.

He also appealed to the community leaders to support the APC in the forthcoming general election, while encouraging them to remain actively involved in the political and developmental affairs of the local government.

Responding on behalf of the non-indigene communities, one of the leaders expressed appreciation to Adebare for creating an opportunity for direct engagement with the administration.

Another speaker recalled what he described as years of limited attention to non-indigene communities and welcomed the engagement with the present administration, while appealing for projects and initiatives that would have lasting benefits for residents.

A representative of the Hausa community also thanked the Chairman for the invitation, describing the meeting as an important opportunity for direct dialogue between the community and the local government leadership.

“We are happy that you invited us. We appreciate this gesture and the opportunity to have this kind of dialogue with the local government,” he said.

The Chairman later received members and representatives of the Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo Football Team, which represented the local government at the recently concluded Abegunade–Tinubu Football Competition.

The delegation, led by Ogbeni Oluwaseun Bamigbola, expressed appreciation to Adebare for the financial support provided to the team towards its participation in the competition.

Bamigbola explained that the visit was primarily to personally appreciate the Chairman for his support and encouragement, while also appealing for further assistance towards improving the condition of the local government stadium.

Responding, Adebare commended the team for representing Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo and for engaging in sporting activities.

“Your efforts are commendable. I appreciate you for using your time for something meaningful and for representing our local government,” he said.

On the request concerning the stadium, Adebare said he would engage the Chairman of the Ondo State Sports Council on the concerns raised by the team, with a view to discussing possible steps towards improving the sporting facility.

He also assured the team that their concerns would receive attention as part of broader efforts to support sporting activities and youth development within the local government.

The Chairman further announced that members of the football team would be included in the forthcoming empowerment programmes.

Adebare also disclosed that construction work had commenced on a new parliamentary building for the local government, describing the project as part of efforts to improve council infrastructure and its institutional working environment.

The two engagements formed part of the administration’s broader stakeholder engagement efforts, with emphasis on inclusive governance, peaceful coexistence, empowerment, youth development and community participation.

Adebare reiterated that the development of Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo required the collective contribution of residents and stakeholders, irrespective of ethnic, religious or political differences.