By Babatunde Ayedoju

Elder statesman and Afenifere chieftain, Basorun Seinde Arogbofa, has stressed the need to always contribute to the progress of one’s community, saying that such a gesture of giving back to the community promotes stability.

Arogbofa made the observation at the weekend while commissioning water projects executed in Oke-Aro and Eyinke, all in Akure, by a US-based industrial Engineer, Victor Femi Akeredolu.

The elder statesman who was represented by Sir Ademola Adetula, Chairman/Editor-in-Chief of Owena Press Limited, described Akeredolu as a peace-loving gentleman who deemed it fit to show deep appreciation for God’s faithfulness in his life, having lost his mother while he was two years old.

While stressing the need for joint efforts towards community development,  Arogbofa said, “this water project, conceived and executed with a sense of duty, extends beyond the tangible benefits of clean water; it stands as an invitation to each of us to be proactive contributors to the welfare of our society, irrespective of governmental support.

“Furthermore, let this commissioning be a call to action for all present. May these boreholes not only quench our physical thirst but also serve as a source of inspiration for others to embark on similar initiatives within their communities. Together, let us forge a path of communal responsibility, demonstrating that positive social change begins with the hands and hearts of individuals dedicated to the betterment of society”.

The Afenifere chieftain also commended the wife of the donor, Mrs. Moji Akeredolu, for her support and contribution towards the success of the projects, describing her as a “Honourable Minister of Home Affairs indeed.”

In a brief remarks, Akeredolu said that he conceived the projects to mark his 70th birthday and also to show appreciation to God for sustaining him since he lost his mother at the age of two.

While thanking all those who contributed to the success of the projects, the US-trained industrial engineer handed over the two boreholes to elders of the two communities, charging them to make good use of the facilities.

The Aro of Oke-Aro, High Chief Daisi Falowo, represented by Mr Mayowa Abidakun, thanked the donor for providing water for the community, saying that the community usually suffers from lack of water during dry season and promised that the community would take good care of the facility.

The Odionwere of Ado Akure, Chief Falana Ogundari, who spoke on behalf of the people of Eyinke, commended Akeredolu for not forgetting his roots and charged everybody in the neighbourhood to reciprocate Akeredolu’s kind gesture by taking good care of the water facility.

In his exhortation, Pastor Abayomi Akeredolu, a brother to the donor, described water as one of the basic needs of life, saying that no one can survive without it. He also enjoined his audience to live a life of selfless service, describing it as the essence of our humanity.