Stakeholders across Ona-Ara Local Government Area of Oyo State have emphatically reaffirmed their unflinching loyalty and political support for Governor Seyi Makinde, following the unveiling of a far-reaching performance scorecard by the Executive Chairman of the council, Dr. Temitope Kolapo Glorious—a presentation many described as a clear testament to governance delivering real impact at the grassroots.
The reaffirmation came during a high-powered stakeholders’ meeting held at the Ona-Ara Local Government Secretariat in Akanran on Tuesday, January 20, where political leaders, traditional rulers, labour unions, community development associations, market leaders and party faithful converged to assess governance outcomes under the current administration.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Glorious attributed the unprecedented pace of development being experienced across Ona-Ara to the visionary leadership style, policy consistency, and deliberate grassroots focus of Governor Seyi Makinde, stressing that the council’s achievements are inseparable from the governor’s unwavering support for local governments.
According to him, the Ona-Ara administration operates strictly within a clearly defined governance framework known as the N.E.W.E.R.A Agenda—Nourishing Ona-Ara Heritage, Education per Excellence, Welfare and Social Services, Economic Growth and Development, Road and Infrastructure Management, and Agricultural Improvement—a development blueprint aligned with Governor Makinde’s broader state agenda.
Rebuilding Heritage, Restoring Dignity
Under the Nourishing Ona-Ara Heritage pillar, Dr. Glorious disclosed that the once-dilapidated local government secretariat has been fully reconstructed and remodelled to meet modern administrative standards. He added that construction work on the Ona-Ara Traditional Council Hall is nearing completion, a project described as symbolic of renewed respect for traditional institutions.
He further revealed that within his first 100 days in office, the council embarked on humanitarian outreach, visiting charity homes, including a school for the handicapped, where food items and essential household materials were distributed to support vulnerable groups.
Education: From Neglect to Excellence
On education, the chairman announced the complete reconstruction of the Ona-Ara Local Education Office, now regarded as one of the best in Oyo State. He outlined multiple interventions, including the distribution of megaphones to primary schools, donation of a generator to Amuloko Community Grammar School, provision of free JAMB forms to 500 public school students, and scholarships awarded to selected tertiary institution students of Ona-Ara origin.
He also confirmed that construction and renovation projects have been executed in 10 schools through combined support from the state government, CSDA initiatives and NGO partnerships. Additional measures include free transportation and entertainment for NYSC members, radio sensitisation programmes, and mass distribution of exercise books to pupils.
Welfare, Health and Human Security
In the area of Welfare and Social Services, Dr. Glorious highlighted the payment of medical bills for accident victims, direct support for a maternity centre, and empowerment schemes targeting widows, women and persons living with disabilities.
He disclosed that 100 free POS machines were distributed to youths and women entrepreneurs, with the council fully sponsoring their CAC registrations, a move aimed at formalising small businesses and expanding financial inclusion.
Public health interventions, he said, have been extensive—ranging from cholera prevention campaigns and mass chlorination of water sources to the installation of WASH facilities in health centres. He added that over 15,000 home-based toilets have been constructed, earning all wards in Ona-Ara Open Defecation Free (ODF) status as certified by UNICEF. Boreholes and solar-powered water projects have also been delivered across multiple communities.
Economy, Revenue and Investment Drive
On economic growth, the chairman announced the launch of an official Ona-Ara Local Government website, the inauguration of IGR-boosting and data-driven revenue committees, and the introduction of improved revenue collection mechanisms.
He also unveiled Adeagbo Heritage Limited, described as the first international-standard bakery in Ona-Ara, while noting that targeted investment jingles and sensitisation programmes have significantly increased NGO presence and private-sector interest in the local government.
Infrastructure Boom and the “GSM Effect”
Dr. Glorious listed massive infrastructure gains, including sustained bush clearing at major entry points, rehabilitation and grading of over 100 kilometres of roads, construction of the Ajia Interchange, dualisation of the Olorunsogo–Ariyo Road with extension toward Odeyale, renovation of the Amuloko Junction Road, and reconstruction of seven bridges, including the recently commissioned Onisebe Bridge.
Other landmark projects include river dredging to curb flooding, installation of streetlights across all 11 wards, completion of a new magistrate court building, clearance of a long-abandoned dumpsite, enforcement of environmental and traffic by-laws, and the ongoing construction of an ultra-modern registry and multi-purpose hall.
He attributed these achievements to what stakeholders repeatedly described as the “GSM Effect”, referencing major state projects located within Ona-Ara, such as the Ibadan Airport upgrade, Oremeji–Airport Road, Olorunsogo–Ariyo Road, and the Rashidi Ladoja Circular Road. According to him, nearly 90 percent of the circular road corridor and key sections of the airport upgrade fall within Ona-Ara, accelerating local development.
Security, Unity and Leadership
The chairman revealed that Governor Makinde has directed all local governments to recruit vigilante personnel to strengthen grassroots security, while decisive steps are being taken to combat land grabbing. He warned against ethnic profiling and urged community leaders to reinforce neighbourhood watch systems.
Speaking at the event, the immediate past Special Assistant on Egbeda/Ona-Ara Federal Constituency, Hon. Adegboyega Akinlolu (Akin Oosa), described Dr. Glorious as “the grassroots embodiment of Governor Makinde,” praising both leaders as visionary, pragmatic and people-centred. He declared that Ona-Ara remains politically solid behind the governor.
Labour and community leaders—including NUT Chairman Comrade Titilolu Ibukunolu Sunday, CDC Chairman Ambassador Adebayo Olawale Adekunle, the Babaloja and Iyaloja of Ona-Ara, and other stakeholders—commended Governor Makinde for prioritising the council despite its relatively low revenue profile. They pledged unity, loyalty and sustained support as the next election cycle approaches.
Speaking for traditional rulers, the Chairman of the Ona-Ara Traditional Council, Oba Kamorudeen Adebowale, thanked the governor for unprecedented strides in road infrastructure, agriculture, socio-economic development and improved quality of life for residents.
Other dignitaries present included the Ona-Ara PDP Chairman Alfa Kehinde Adeyemo, the SSA to the Governor on SDGs Hon. Mufutau Ogunremi, party leaders and former local government officials—all of whom applauded the administration and reaffirmed their enduring support for the Makinde-led government.
In Ona-Ara, the verdict from the grassroots is unmistakable: the Makinde administration is not just visible—it is deeply felt.
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