The Aare Alawo Ekun of Ofiki Land, Alayeluwa Oba Gbenga Adigun Adeoye Oyetunji Oyinlola II, has urged sons and daughters of Ofiki Land, both at home and in the diaspora, to remain united and committed to the collective development of the community as he unveiled a sector-driven agenda ahead of 2026.
In a New Year message made available to newsmen, the monarch expressed deep gratitude to God and appreciation to the people for their resilience and support over the past year.
“As we enter the New Year, I extend warm greetings and heartfelt appreciation to the sons and daughters of Ofiki Land at home and in the diaspora. I thank Almighty God for His protection throughout the past year and for granting us the grace to witness a new beginning filled with hope and opportunity,” he said.
He commended the spirit of unity and dedication displayed by various stakeholders across the land, stressing that their efforts have remained critical to peace and progress.
“I commend the resilience, unity, and commitment of our people, and I appreciate the efforts of our elders, traditional chiefs, youths, community leaders, and partners whose contributions continue to promote peace and progress in Ofiki Land,” he stated.
Outlining his development vision, Oba Oyinlola II noted that the agenda of the palace would remain people-centred and sector-driven, with agriculture identified as a key pillar of the local economy.
“Looking ahead, our development focus remains people-centred and sector-driven. Agriculture continues to serve as a major pillar of our local economy,” the monarch said.
To strengthen the sector, he announced the appointment of the Otun Baale Agbe of Ofiki Land, Oloye Stephen Popoola, founder of Agro Optimizer Ltd, to coordinate and provide leadership for agricultural development.
According to him, the agricultural roadmap will focus on the development of a comprehensive farmers and farmland database, promotion of affordable farm mechanisation, adoption of climate-smart farming practices, and the strengthening of agro-processing, storage, and market access to improve productivity and farmers’ incomes.
The monarch reaffirmed his commitment to leveraging Ofiki Land’s cultural heritage for unity and economic growth. He disclosed that the Founder of Mary Joe Foundation, who also serves as the Alawo Ekun Ambassador for Culture and Tourism, has been tasked with driving partnerships toward the establishment of a Culture and Tourism Centre at the Obatala Alawo Ekun Festival venue, with a view to positioning Ofiki Land as a destination of cultural significance.
On education, Oba Oyinlola II welcomed institutional and developmental support, particularly in digital learning. He acknowledged the expression of interest by Wale University to support digital learning initiatives in Ofiki Land and called on national and international non-governmental organisations to present education-focused support proposals, assuring that the palace remains open to dialogue and collaboration.
Speaking on health, the traditional ruler stressed the need for sustained interventions to improve access to quality healthcare, noting that the palace would continue to encourage initiatives that enhance community wellbeing.
The monarch also appreciated the Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Seyi Makinde, for his giant strides in infrastructural and socio-economic development across the state, while reminding him of his campaign promises to the people of Ofiki and the wider ATISBO axis. He specifically appealed for the construction of key roads linking Owotoro to Irawọ, Owotoro to Ofiki (about 13 kilometres), and Ago-Are to Ofiki (approximately five kilometres), noting that the completion of these roads would significantly ease transportation, stimulate economic activities, and improve the quality of life of residents.
He further commended the Chairman of ATISBO Local Government Area, Hon. Alhaji Bashir Olumuyiwa Alade, for his support and commitment to grassroots development, while calling for deeper collaboration between the local government, the state government, and community stakeholders to accelerate sustainable development in Ofiki Land.
Oba Oyinlola II concluded by calling on all sons and daughters of Ofiki Land to remain united and supportive of the outlined agenda, stressing that meaningful and sustainable development can only be achieved through collective effort, shared vision, and purposeful leadership.
