Hon. Michael Oniyelu Celebrates 50th Birthday with Massive Empowerment Drive, Unveils Key Projects in Ilupeju.

Hon. Michael Oniyelu Celebrates 50th Birthday with Massive Empowerment Drive, Unveils Key Projects in Ilupeju.

In celebration of his 50th birthday, the Ifeloju LCDA Chairman, Hon. Michael Oniyelu, has once again empowered residents of the LCDA with essential working tools, household items, and cash gifts, while also inaugurating key projects at the Ilupeju main market.

The empowerment package included grinding machines, sewing machines, clippers, fans, mattresses, and farming tools. Additionally, five open stores and a relaxation/game centre, named "Orita BAO," were unveiled at the Market in Ilupeju town.

The event, held at 'Menara' Market, drew significant attendance from political leaders in Ekiti, including the Commissioner for Information, Chief Taiwo Olatunbosun; the Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Chief Folorunso Olabode; and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Gender Empowerment and Mobilization, Chief (Mrs.) Kemi Olaleye. 

The Coordinator of Ekiti State Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (EK-RAAMP), Mr. Sunday Adunmo, also graced the occasion, alongside chancellors, market women, and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Royal fathers present at the event included the Apeju of Ilupeju Ekiti, Oba Adebanjo Adedapo; the Owatapa of Itapa Ekiti, Oba Makanjuola Ajaja; the Olosi of Osi Ekiti, Oba Philips Olaseeni Oyediran; the Elejelu of Ijelu Ekiti, Oba Adetoyinbo Ajayi; and the Owajumu of Omu Ekiti, Oba Joseph Ogundeyi

In his address, the Chairman, Hon. Oniyelu expressed his gratitude to those who contributed to the programme’s success and reaffirmed his commitment to delivering the dividends of democracy to the people of Ifeloju LCDA. 

Oniyelu said he decided to celebrate his 50th birthday in a unique way beyond the normal eating and drinking by putting smiles on the faces of his people with the empowerment initiatives. He listed several completed projects, such as the construction of goat and kola nut sheds, the repair of a tractor, and road grading efforts. 

The Ifeloju LCDA boss also assured the people of the areas that more projects were in the pipeline and invited residents to submit their needs for consideration in the 2025 budget.

"Today's empowerment marks just the beginning of a new chapter as I celebrate my 50th year. Many more empowerment programmes are planned, and I encourage everyone to come forward with their needs so we can continue this journey of development," Oniyelu stated.

On their part, the Commissioners for Local Government Affairs, Chief Folorunso Olabode and the Commissioner for Information, Chief Taiwo Olatunbosun, commended Hon. Oniyelu for his impactful programmes, urging him not to relent in his good works to the people. 

They also reiterated Governor Biodun Oyebanji's commitment to the state's development, calling on citizens to support the government's efforts to implement more viable policies and projects.

The Coordinator of EK-RAAMP, Mr Sunday Adunmo and the SA to the Governor on Gender Empowerment   Chief (Mrs.) Kemi Olaleye praised Hon. Oniyelu’s dedication to community welfare and urged residents to continue to cooperate with him to enable him to facilitate more developmental initiatives.

Speaking on behalf of the traditional rulers present, the Owajumu of Omu-Ekiti, Oba Joseph Ogundeyi, lauded the chairman's leadership and advised beneficiaries to make the most of the tools and grants they received. He prayed for them to succeed in their various ventures.

The beneficiaries who could not hide their excitement, expressed their gratitude to Hon. Oniyelu, pledging to use the tools, household items, and cash grants effectively. 

In recognition of his efforts, the 'Egbe Olobi' (Association of Kola Nut Sellers) presented Hon. Oniyelu with an award for his contributions to the empowerment of market women and the development of the LCDA.