Chief Kayode Odunaro, the ‘Baaroyin’ of Imala Kingdom and Chief of Staff to Senator Solomon Adeola, the Chairman Senate Committee on Finance has stated that in view of dwindling resources available to government amid many challenges, self-help community development initiatives are highly recommended for improvement of the society.
Chief Odunaro, who was the special guest of honour at the 2022 Annual General Meeting and inauguration of a completed water project by the Imala Community Grammar School Old Students Association (83-85 Set) stated that government alone cannot provide for all the needs of the society, stressing that individuals, associations and groups like the old students association have to give back to the society through complementing government efforts.
He commended the old students of the school for numerous needed projects completed in the school over a short period including renovation and fumigation of science laboratory, procurement of three-phased electric meter and the present completed water project.
He added that any development initiative in the area of health and education is a plus for Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs).
The Imala Kingdom title holder who is also the ‘Majeobaje’ of Olu Ilaro-Yewa donated the sum of N250,000 for equipping of the science laboratory as well as 20 copies of his autobiographical book, “Colours of Perception” to the school, was given an award for “excellence in continuous community service and contribution to the sociopolitical development of Yewaland.”
He recalled that self help initiative in Ilaro through the Oronna Ilaro Festival that he chaired for 4 years about a decade ago, led to many positive developments, including the establishment of the Asade Agunloye Pavilion and the Open University Centre in Ilaro.
The chairman of the old student’s association, Mr. Yemi Akintunde in his welcome address stated that the association through their resources are tackling infrastructure problems of the school one at a time with the available resources of members and donation of lovers of community development.
Akintunde noted that the water project is meant to provide a necessary amenity for the school as well as prepare for a planned toilet facility in the school, enhance proper sanitation and end open defecation in the forest around the school.
He commended the school Principal, Mrs. Yemisi Faniyan, for identifying the immediate needs of the school for the association as well as cooperating with the association in execution of self-help projects by the association.
The chairman of the occasion, Engineer Moses Adediran lamented the lukewarm attitude of Parent Teachers Association, PTA, of the school to its development stressing that an active PTA will go a long way in addressing some shortages in the school including teachers.
He urged the students to take their studies seriously as good education will benefit them in the long run that commercial bike riding and other quick cash ventures rampant in the area.
Among dignitaries present at the occasion were Mr. Adewale Azeez, a health and Safety Consultant from Qatar who delivered a lecture on health and safety, Mr. Gbenga Adebayo-Oladunni, Hon. Bayowa Ibikunle, former Chairman of Abeokuta North LGA and over 8 members of Imala Council of Chiefs who represented the king Oba(Apostle) Adelani Olabode, the Omola of Imala Kingdom.
