Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has urged wealthy and influential Nigerians to deploy their resources, positions, and intellectual capabilities towards improving the lives of others rather than using them to oppress the less privileged.
Makinde made the call on Tuesday during the commissioning of Joseph and Esther Homes for Senior Citizens and the unveiling of Built from the Break, a book authored by celebrated Nollywood actress and founder of the facility, Mrs. Shola Shobowale.
The twin events, held in Akobo, Ibadan, attracted dignitaries, entertainment industry personalities, community leaders, government officials, and other well-wishers.
The governor congratulated Shobowale on the establishment of the home, describing the initiative as a remarkable demonstration of love, compassion, and commitment to the welfare of elderly people.
He said the facility, designed to provide senior citizens with a safe, comfortable, and dignified environment, reflected the traditional Nigerian value of caring for parents and older members of society.
According to Makinde, although society often celebrates large infrastructure projects and highly publicised achievements, initiatives that directly improve human lives frequently have the most enduring impact.
He described Shobowale’s decision to establish the home as an extraordinary gesture inspired by her love for her parents and concern for the well-being of elderly people.
The governor urged individuals blessed with wealth, influence, and privilege to emulate the actress by investing in initiatives that promote social welfare and improve the quality of life of vulnerable members of society.
“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.
Makinde also commended Shobowale for authoring Built from the Break, noting that writing and publishing a book required courage, discipline and sustained commitment.
He recalled his experience shortly after assuming office in 2019, when he attempted to publish a compilation of his thoughts, ideas, and aspirations for Oyo State.
The governor said he eventually abandoned the project after discovering that pirated copies had surfaced before the original publication had left the printing press.
He described Shobowale’s book as a worthwhile read and pledged to include it among the books he would review on his social media platforms before the end of the year.
On infrastructure, Makinde announced that the access road leading to the senior citizens’ home, which is currently undergoing rehabilitation by Lagelu Local Government, would be extended to the facility’s frontage.
He added that solar-powered streetlights would be installed along the road to enhance security, accessibility, and the comfort of residents and visitors.
The governor also praised Lagelu Local Government for its ongoing rehabilitation of Akala Way, describing the project as evidence that local governments in the state were contributing meaningfully to grassroots development.
Makinde, who disclosed that he was on a national campaign schedule and would proceed to Abuja after the event for the unveiling of the Reset Agenda Manifesto, said he considered the commissioning particularly important because of its direct relevance to the welfare of senior citizens.
Reflecting on the Nigerian culture of family support, the governor said the country’s tradition of caring for elderly parents remained one of its greatest strengths.
He recalled that his late mother lived with him until her death, stressing that the establishment of Joseph and Esther Homes would further reinforce the values of love, responsibility, and support for older people.
The governor said the facility would provide an important avenue for ensuring that senior citizens could enjoy their later years in an environment that respected their dignity and well-being.
The event was attended by several members of the Oyo State Government, including the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Musibau Babatunde; Chief of Staff, Bashorun Akinwale Akinwole; Deputy Chief of Staff, Hon. Kazeem Adeniyi; Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives, and Industry, Professor Salihu Adelabu; Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr Wasiu Olatunbosun; and Commissioner for Lands and Urban Development, Mr. Williams Akin-Funmilayo.
Others included the Commissioner for Public Works and Transport, Arch. Abdulmojeed Mogbojubola, Commissioner for Education, Science, and Technology; Hon. Segun Olayiwola, Commissioner for Health; Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, Commissioner for Youth and Sports; Alhaja Wasilat Adegoke, Senior Executive Assistant to the Governor on General Duties; Chief Bayo Lawal; and Executive Adviser on Health Intervention, Professor Temitope Alonge.
Also present was the Chairman of Lagelu Local Government, Hon. Mudasiru Kamorudeen, alongside other government functionaries and invited guests.
The commissioning of Joseph and Esther Homes marks a significant contribution to efforts aimed at promoting the welfare, dignity, and social inclusion of senior citizens in Oyo State.
Packaged by Lanre Olabisi
