Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has urged wealthy and influential Nigerians to deploy their resources, positions and influence towards improving society rather than oppressing others.
Makinde made the call on Tuesday, November 3, during the commissioning of Joseph and Esther Homes for Senior Citizens and the unveiling of Built from the Break, a book authored by renowned Nollywood actress, Mrs Shola Shobowale, in Akobo, Ibadan.
The governor commended Shobowale, who founded the facility, for translating her love for her parents and concern for elderly people into an initiative that provides them with a safe, secure and dignified environment.
He described the establishment of the home as an extraordinary gesture that reinforces the traditional Nigerian culture of caring for parents and senior citizens in their old age.
Makinde said that while public attention often focused on large infrastructure projects, initiatives that directly improve people’s lives could have more enduring impact on society.
He urged affluent Nigerians to use their wealth, positions and intellectual abilities to make life better for others rather than oppress them.
“Stop using your wealth, your position and your influence to oppress others. Use your wealth, use your position and use your intellect to make life better for members of this society,” he said.
The governor also congratulated Shobowale on the publication of Built from the Break, describing book writing as an undertaking that requires courage, discipline and commitment.
He recommended the book and promised to feature it among the titles he would review on social media this year.
Recalling his own experience, Makinde said he had attempted to publish a compilation of his thoughts and aspirations for Oyo State shortly after assuming office but abandoned the project after pirated copies emerged before the original publication left the printers.
He further announced that the access road leading to the senior citizens’ home, currently undergoing rehabilitation by Lagelu Local Government, would be extended to the facility’s frontage and equipped with solar-powered streetlights to improve accessibility and comfort.
Makinde, who said he was expected in Abuja after the event for the unveiling of the Reset Agenda Manifesto, noted that he considered the commissioning important because of its direct impact on the welfare of elderly citizens.
He also praised Lagelu Local Government for rehabilitating Akala Way, describing the project as evidence of the contributions of local councils to development in Oyo State.
The governor, drawing from his family experience, said Nigeria’s tradition of family support remained one of its greatest strengths, recalling that his late mother lived with him until her death.
The event attracted dignitaries, Nollywood personalities, community leaders and other well-wishers.
Members of the governor’s entourage included the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Musibau Babatunde; Chief of Staff, Bashorun Akinwale Akinwole; Deputy Chief of Staff, Hon. Kazeem Adeniyi; and ommissioners for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, Prof. Salihu Adelabu; Culture and Tourism, Dr Wasiu Olatubosun; and Lands and Urban Development, Mr Williams Akin-Funmilayo.
Others were the commissioners for Public Works and Transport, Arch. Abdulmojeed Mogbojubola; Education, Science and Technology, Hon. Segun Olayiwola; Health, Dr Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi; and Youth and Sports, Alhaja Wasilat Adegoke.
Also present were the Senior Executive Assistant to the Governor on General Duties, Chief Bayo Lawal; Executive Adviser on Health Intervention, Prof. Temitope Alonge; and Chairman of Lagelu Local Government, Hon. Mudasiru Kamorudeen, among other government officials.
