By:
Afolabi Henry Adedapo

The people of Ataba General area of Iragbiji, Boripe Local Government Area of Osun State, on Sunday witnessed a remarkable empowerment programme as 250 youths, men and women received various forms of support from Engr. JohnPaul Meranda (Ph.D.), in what he described as a modest gesture of appreciation to the community of his benefactor, the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola.

The programme attracted residents, political leaders, community members and other stakeholders, with speakers at the event commending the organiser for investing in the people and providing practical support aimed at improving livelihoods and restoring dignity among beneficiaries.

Declaring the programme open, the APC Chairman in Iragbiji, Hon. Muftau Omogboye, popularly known as Okongo, welcomed and congratulated the beneficiaries. He urged them to use the support judiciously and ensure that the empowerment becomes a foundation for sustainable livelihoods.

Omogboye also encouraged the beneficiaries to continue supporting the development of Iragbiji, while appreciating Engr. Meranda for identifying with the needs of the people and deeming it necessary to empower members of the community. He described the initiative as a meaningful contribution to the wellbeing of the people.

Speaking on the motivation behind the empowerment, Engr. JohnPaul Meranda said the programme was a privilege and an opportunity to give back to the community associated with his benefactor, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola. He explained that the gesture represented only a little repayment for the numerous contributions Oyetola had made to his life and to humanity.

Meranda expressed appreciation to the APC party structure in Iragbiji and Boripe Local Government for its support and cooperation towards the success of the programme.

He also used the occasion to appreciate Alhaja Kafayat Oyetola for being a supportive and exemplary wife to the Honourable Minister. Meranda described her as a woman with a strong motherly disposition who genuinely desires good things for other people’s children, even when they are not her biological children.

According to him, Alhaja Kafayat Oyetola’s generosity, compassion and consistent concern for the progress and wellbeing of others are qualities worthy of recognition and emulation. He acknowledged her contribution to the supportive family environment around Dr. Oyetola and prayed for continued blessings upon the Oyetola family.

Also speaking at the event, Mr. Ajibola described Engr. JohnPaul Meranda as an uncommon individual whose commitment to empowering people deserved commendation. He noted that despite not occupying any political office, Meranda had continued to invest in people and contribute meaningfully to the development of his community.

Ajibola further prayed for the organiser’s continued upliftment and success, describing people who voluntarily commit their resources to improving the lives of others as rare and valuable to society.

The Executive Chairman of Boripe Local Government, Hon. Sikiru Odebunmi, charged all the beneficiaries to see the empowerment as an opportunity to build a better future. He urged them to ensure that whatever they received was put to productive use and multiplied, irrespective of how small the initial support might appear.

Odebunmi also advised the beneficiaries to extend kindness to their neighbours and contribute positively to their communities. He noted that their empowerment was, in many ways, connected to the culture of service and generosity associated with Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola.

“Oyetola is a gentle but brilliant leader who has used his connections to develop Iragbiji and other places in Osun State. When he was governor, he contributed to the development of the state, and he is still busy developing Osun State as the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy,” Odebunmi said.

The Boripe council chairman also used the occasion to warn residents against accepting political inducements allegedly tied to the taking of oaths. He specifically advised those who may still be offered money by the Osun Accord Party under such circumstances to desist from the practice.

He further assured those who might have already collected such funds and taken oaths that they should not be afraid, expressing the view that such oaths had been nullified by the power of God.

Odebunmi subsequently urged residents and all eligible voters to exercise their civic responsibility in the forthcoming Saturday election by voting for a candidate they believe is trustworthy, financially responsible and capable of managing public resources effectively.

The empowerment programme ended on a note of appreciation, with beneficiaries expressing gratitude to Engr. JohnPaul Meranda for the gesture. The event also reinforced calls for individuals and organisations with the capacity to invest in human development to continue supporting communities through initiatives capable of creating sustainable opportunities.

For the people of Ataba and the wider Iragbiji community, the intervention was not merely about receiving material support; it was also a demonstration of how personal gratitude, community responsibility and investment in people can combine to create a meaningful impact at the grassroots.