Senator Oyewumi Completes 20-Year Ikire Town Hall Project

Residents of Ikire in Irewole Local Government Area of Osun State were full of excitement on Friday as Senator representing Osun West Senatorial District, Akogun (Dr.) Olalere Kamorudeen Oyewumi, officially completed and launched the long awaited Ikire Town Hall 20 years after the project was first flagged off.

The celebration was held at the Town hall premises on Friday, in Ikire Town.

Speaking during the commissioning, Senator Oyewumi disclosed that the project was originally flagged off in 2005 when he served as chairman of the local government. 

He noted that despite consistent community contributions over the years, rising construction costs affected progress, leaving the building at about 50 percent completion for nearly two decades.

"Every year, people contributed money, but because of the rising cost of building materials, the funds were never enough to complete the project. 

So I decided to complete it for the community, and it cost about N115 million, he said.

The senator, who holds a PhD in Community Development, emphasised the significance of the town hall to grassroots growth.

"A town hall is one of the most essential development facilities in any community. Apart from generating income, it provides offices, meeting spaces, and even an area for displaying cultural artefacts to attract tourists. It is one of the key indicators used to assess community development", he explained.

In his words, Osun State Commissioner for Energy, Hon. Festus Ademola, commended the initiative and assured that the facility will not be abandoned or underutilised.

"This is a complete project, and it cannot be abandoned. Its focus is to improve the local economy, and the government will ensure it is fully utilised", he assured.

While speaking with our newsmen, Oba Olatunde Falabi Olanbeloye III, the Akire of Ikire Kingdom expressed his gratitude gratitude, recalling how he witnessed both the beginning and completion of the long-delayed project.

"When it started I was present, and now that it is completed, I am alive to witness it. I'm grateful to God who preserve me till this moment and to the sponsor. 

"My advice to residents is for all of us to join hands and maintain this place," the monarch advised.

In his address, Chairman of Ikire Progressive Union (IPU), Dr. Akinromade Ademola, appreciated the Osun State Governor, Governor Ademola Adeleke, Senator Lere Oyewumi, and both past and current executives of the union for their roles in seeing the project through.

"This is a huge success for us all. On behalf of IPU, we appreciate everyone for their donations and support. If not for the contribution of the Senator, this building would still be uncompleted. We truly appreciate you, sir, and I'm glad this success came during my own tenure. It is a huge achievement for me personally".

A resident of the town, Mustapha Opeyemi who spoke with newsmen described the moment as historic, noting that generations had waited for this achievement.

"This town hall has been on since before I was born. Sons and daughters of Ikire have contributed money for many years, and now our senator has made the dream come true. Ikire Day is tomorrow, and we can’t wait to celebrate it here. May God bless him,"h e prayed.