16/03/2025
*Official Commissioning of Rotary International District 9125 Grant Project by Rotary Club of Ibadan City Central at Oja Oba Market, Isale Aluko, Ofiki, Atisbo LGA, Oyo State*
.. Special Appreciation to *IPP Oba Gbenga Adeoye*(Aare Alawo Ekun of Ofiki Land)
On *Saturday, 15th March 2025*, the Rotary Club of Ibadan City Central, under the leadership of *Rtn. Adekunle Adebayo* (Magic President), officially commissioned a significant grant project at *Oja Oba Market, Isale Aluko, Ofiki, Atisbo Local Government Area, Oyo State*. The project, funded through a *District 9125 District Grant*, aligns with Rotary International’s *Area of Focus: WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene)*. This initiative aims to improve access to clean water, enhance sanitation facilities, and promote hygiene practices in the Ofiki community.
The event was graced by distinguished guests, including *Past District Governor (PDG) Obafunsho Ogunkeye*, who represented the *Immediate Past District Governor, Arc. Sagab Ahmed*. Also in attendance were *Oba Gbenga Adigun Adeoye Oyetunji Oyinlola II JP*, the *Aare Alawo Ekun of Ofiki Land,* and other notable Rotarians, community leaders, market women, youths, and residents of Ofiki Land.
*Key Attendees:*
- *PDG Obafunsho Ogunkeye* (Representing Immediate Past District Governor Arc. Sagab Ahmed)
- *Oba Gbenga Adigun Adeoye Oyetunji Oyinlola II JP* (Aare Alawo Ekun of Ofiki Land)
- *Rtn. Adekunle Koleoso*(Assistant Governor)
- *Rtn. Adekunle Adebayo*(President, Rotary Club of Ibadan City Central)
- *Rtn. Ogunranti Adesina* (Past President, Rotary Club of Ibadan City Central)
- *Rtn. Morenike Bello* (Past President, Rotary Club of Ibadan City)
- *Rtn. Helen Opoola*
- *Rtn. Adeoye Adedolapo*
- *Rtn. Olanrewaju Ajayi*
- *Rtn. Veronica Akpokodje*
- *Rtn. Odebunmi Rotimi*
- *Rtn. Hon. Windapo Oluwole*
- *Rtn. Folake Gbadamosi*
- *Rtn. Aminulai Abosede*
- *Rtn. Omotosho Shalewa*
Community representatives included *Chief Bola Olalere* (Ofiki Community Chairman), members of the Ofiki Community Executive, market women, religious leaders (including the *Chief Imam and Pastors* from all churches in Ofiki), and chiefs from the *Ageere Quarters of Ofiki.*
*Highlights of the Event:*
1. *Inauguration and Decoration of a 5-Man Rotary Community Corps for Ofiki Land*: This team was established to ensure the sustainability of the project and to foster community ownership and participation in Rotary initiatives.
2. *Official Commissioning of a Borehole*: The newly constructed borehole will provide clean and safe drinking water to the residents of Ofiki, addressing a critical need in the community.
3. *Public Toilet Facility*: A modern public toilet was commissioned to improve sanitation and hygiene standards in the market and surrounding areas.
4. *Ofiki Community Self-Assisted Lockup Shops:* Seven lockup shops were commissioned to boost the local economy, providing market women and traders with secure spaces to conduct their businesses.
*Refreshments and Networking:*
After the commissioning ceremony, refreshments were served at the GemRoyal Hotel Ofiki, located behind the Ofiki Police Station. This provided an opportunity for Rotarians, community leaders, and guests to network and celebrate the successful completion of the project.
*Impact of the Project:*
The WASH project is expected to have a transformative impact on the Ofiki community by:
- Improving access to clean water, thereby reducing waterborne diseases.
- Enhancing sanitation through the provision of public toilets.
- Promoting hygiene education and practices among residents.
- Stimulating economic growth through the provision of lockup shops for traders.
The Rotary Club of Ibadan City Central, under the leadership of *Rtn. Adekunle Adebayo*, demonstrated its commitment to serving humanity and addressing critical community needs. The project was made possible through the *District 9125 District Grant for the Create Hope Rotary Year by IPP Oba Gbenga Adeoye, the Ofiki Community* and the unwavering support of Rotarians and community stakeholders.
This event marks another milestone in Rotary’s mission to create hope and improve lives, one community at a time.
*Acknowledgements:*
The Rotary Club of Ibadan City Central extends its gratitude to *IPP Oba Gbenga Adeoye*(Aare Alawo Ekun of Ofiki Land) for his support, as well as to all Rotarians, community leaders, and residents who contributed to the success of this project. Special thanks to *District 9125* for providing the grant and to all partners who made this initiative a reality.
Together, we continue to *Serve to Change Lives*
```Report by: Rtn. Yinka Hassan Okoh PHF```