Kwara monarch calls for collaboration on community dev’t

A two-toilet block built by a National Youth Service Corps member has prompted Oro Kingdom’s traditional ruler to call for broader community involvement in local development.

Bridget Onyinye constructed the facilities at Christian Comprehensive High School in Ijomu-Oro, Irepodun Local Government Area, as part of her Personal Community Development Service. The project aims to improve sanitation and provide students with a more suitable learning environment.

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This is a demonstration of patriotism and commitment to community development. Bridget is not an indigene of Oro, yet she saw a need and decided to contribute her quota to improving the community.

At the inauguration, the paramount ruler of Oro Kingdom, Oba Joel Olufayo II, praised Onyinye for acting despite not being an indigene. “This is a demonstration of patriotism and commitment to community development. Bridget is not an indigene of Oro, yet she saw a need and decided to contribute her quota to improving the community,” he said.

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The development of Oro Kingdom cannot be left to the government alone. Our sons and daughters, those at home and in the diaspora, corporate organisations, friends of Oro and other well-meaning Nigerians all have a role to play.

The monarch called for stronger collaboration among governments, indigenes, residents, corporate organisations and other stakeholders. “The development of Oro Kingdom cannot be left to the government alone,” he said, urging people at home and in the diaspora to support projects according to their capacity.

Oba Olufayo said Onyinye’s initiative showed that meaningful development did not always require large financial resources. He urged other corps members to view their places of primary assignment as opportunities to leave a positive mark, rather than simply locations where they fulfil their service obligations. He also pledged to recommend Onyinye and other corps members who had distinguished themselves for possible national recognition by the Minister of Youth.

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What Bridget has done shows that development is not always about having huge resources. Sometimes, it is about identifying a problem, showing commitment and taking the initiative to make a difference.