The Federal Government of Nigeria on Monday flagged off road improvement and erosion control projects in Ogbomoso, Oyo State.

Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary of the Office of Ecological Projects, Dr Habiba Lawal, who was represented by the Director of Media and Publicity, Dr Joel Oruche said the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare played a prominent role in attracting Government’s intervention to Ogbomoso.

Dr Lawal also enjoined the people of Ogbomoso to cooperate with the contractor and engineers handling the projects for efficient and a timely service delivery.

The roads to be worked on are;
Adebayose Idowu-Dare Street, off Ado Alaamo; Olusegun Obasanjo Way; 1004 Theater Road; R.Bello Road and Muneer Ibrahim Crescent. All in Ogbomoso.

Over 200 youths and adults most of them from Ogbomosoland will be directly employed by the contractors involved in the projects and a lot more would benefit indirectly through the provision of ancillary and other support services.

In his remarks, the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Chief Sunday Dare thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for approving the projects that he had proposed and facilitated to Oyo State over three years ago.

Dare said facilitating the projects is the privilege of a lifetime and a dream come true.

His words: “I am thankful to God for this and to President Muhammadu Buhari. Contributing to the social well being of my people, leaving a legacy that transcends my time as a Minister and extends to generations yet unborn is priceless.”

The Minister promised to ensure that the youth of Ogbomosoland are not left out in the schemes of developmental programmes and are also fully integrated in all the initiatives of the Federal Government.

The Soun of Ogbomoso, who was represented by High Chief Otolorin Sobaloju, praised the Minister for being a worthy son and a proud representative of the people.

The High Chief said, “the people of Ogbomosoland and indeed Oyo State are lucky to have a son like Sunday Dare as Minister, his interest in the welfare of his people and commitment to bringing developmental projects to them stands him heads and shoulders above his contemporaries.”

Former Senator Ayo Adeseun also showered encomiums on Chief Sunday Dare for facilitating the building of the Pakiotan 80 bed capacity hospital, the youth vocational training centre in Ogbomoso, the renovation and equipping of the Okelerin Primary Health Centre and using his personal fund to roofing of the Sọun Township Stadium and serving as the co-facilitator of the Federal Polytechnic Ayeede.

Some of the other dignitaries present at the flag off include the former Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Honourable Olagunju Ojo, Representative of Soun of Ogbomoso, High Chief Aare Ago, Chairman of NSS, Ogbomoso Branch, Prof A.A Agboola, Chairman Ogbomoso Parapo and Alhaji Saka Bello Aremole.

Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Chief Sunday Dare has felicitated with the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Oladunni Oyewumi Ajagungbade 111 on the occasion of his 95th birthday anniversary.
Describing the renowned monarch as a selfless  and patriotic leader, whose contributions to nation nation building are commendable and worthy of emulation, the Minister noted that Oba Oyewumi is a living legend.
Applauding the outstanding leadership attributes of the first-class monarch, Dare who is also Agbaakin of Ogbomosoland, stressed that the reign of Oba Oyewumi, has been beneficial to the people of Ogbomosoland, Oyo state and Nigeria.
Acknowledging the rapid development of Ogbomoso and environs under Oba Oyewumi’s watch , the Minister emphasized that the revered monarch has continually deployed his resources to advance the cause of the people.
In his congratulatory message, Dare prayed to God to strengthen the royal father in the service to mankind , adding that Oba Oyewumi is a rallying point for the people of Ogbomosoland and beyond.
He said, “I join other Ogbomoso sons and daughters in celebrating the 95th birthday of the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Oladunni Oyewumi Ajagungbade III.
“Before ascending the throne of his forefathers, he had built a robust business empire in far away Jos and other parts of the country.
“His sojourn to the throne was borne out of his passion to serve his people and as such, he has continued to serve his community beyond expectations.
‘The people of Ogbomosoland are blessed to have a monarch who places the collective interests of the people above personal interest.
“Kabiyesi’s words of advice and counsel on national issues have always been objective and unbiased.
“Personally, I will continue to tap from the monarch’s reservoir of knowledge.
“Kabiyesi remains a role model to many, including my goodself”.
The Minsiter prayed to God to grant Kabiyesi more rewarding years ahead in good health.

It was all pump and pageantry on Thursday March 11th in the historic city of Ogbomosho land as the Minister of Youth and Sports Development Mr. Sunday Dare was installed as the Agbaakin of Ogbomosholand by the Soun of Ogbomosho Oba Jimoh Oyedunni Oyewumi Ajagungbade III

The honour is in recognition of Dare’s giant strides in the development Ogbomosoland and the country at large which has seen him renovate the Soun Stadium, Trainned 40 coaches, facilitated the Building of the hospital at Pakiotan, facilitate the release of take off grant for the Federal Polytechnic Ayede and donation of an 18 seater bus to the newly established Federal institution, vocational training for more than 200 youths, rehabilitation of the Taki roundabout, donation of laptops to Lautec among others.

The title was bestowed on the Minister by the Soun of Ogbomosho land on November 20th 2020, but the official coronation was delayed due to the Minister’s busy schedule.

Speaking during the ceremony, the Monarch said “The title of Agbaakin is one of the highest title confered on any courageous, hardworking, dedicated and prominent son of Ogbomosho that has done alot to the development of our town. The important role of Dare in Ogbomosoland and Nigeria in general canot be undermined. His giant strides in Youth Empowerment, provision of infrastructure, sports Development canot be be over emphasized. He is a true son of the soil and a worthy Nigerian in whom we are all pleased. I hereby confer this title on you for your outstanding performance”.

Dare said he was humbled by the title, assuring that it would spur him to do more.

Meanwhile, members of the Ogbomosho Descendants Development Association have congratulated the Minister on his well deserved honour
A statement by the Chairman of the Association Rtd. Air Commodore Jacob Adigun said,” On behalf of all Ogbomosho Descendants home and abroad, we congratulate our Minister on this well deserved honour. We believe this would encourage you to serve our great town, Oyo State and Nigeria better”

Signed

Media office of the Honorable Minister of Youth and sports Development.