The newly installed Owa Obokun of Ijeshaland, Oba Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, has on Friday announced a personal donation of N1bn into the development of his domain.
According to Owa Haastrup, this was his own contribution to a N5bn development fund which he announced at the reception after his coronation ceremony at the palace on Friday. l
He said the N5bn appeal fund was targeted at some projects in agriculture, skills development, and empowerment for the Ijesa people.
The monarch listed his plans for Ijeshaland which included empowerment of indigenes through various agricultural projects.
He said a number of beneficiaries have been sent for trainings adding that such people would be encouraged to lead a new generation of farmers that will contribute to the growth of his domain.
“Upon my ascendancy to the throne of Owa Adimula on December 29, I have successfully embarked on measures to renew the hopes and aspirations of the good people of Ijesaland.
“As I address this august gathering of my well-wishers, I am confident to inform you that no less than 50 graduates and professionals, who went through competitive process selection under my agriculture and agro-processing businesses have been sent to CSS Farm in Nassarawa State where they had intensive trainings supported by Israeli experts.
“All of them have now returned and we will showcase and employ them under our agricultural initiative. As part of my cardinal agenda for the development of Ijesaland, we will embark on this agricultural project to strategically tackle unemployment and joblessness among our able and qualified young men,” Oba Haastrup said.
The newly installed monarch said he had contacted the University of Ilesa; requesting from the management about the possibility of establishing a skill acquisition department for the training of interested residents in different vocations.
“In view of this enormous task, I have personally committed N1bn to the Owa Obokun Development Agenda. Many Ijesa people have also promised to support the project with over N500m. I am therefore using this occasion to launch a N5bn appeal fund in support of the projects,” he said
Also announced at the event as contributions to the development fund were N200m donated by Chief Kessington Adebutu; a N5m personal donation by the Chairman of Sifax Group, Chief Taiwo Afolabi and an additional donation of N10m by his company.
In Ilesa to witness the event were former President Olusegun Obasanjo; ex-Vice Presidents Atiku Abubakar and Namadi Sambo; former Osun State governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola; Dr. Deji Adeleke; Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Afolabi Olaoye; and the Owaloko of Iloko Ijesa, Oba Hakeem Ogungbangbe, former Postmaster General of the Federation, Dr. Ismail Adebayo Adewusi, among others.