Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has reiterated the commitment of his administration to supporting initiatives aimed at assisting vulnerable and less privileged individuals in the state.

Makinde made this known at the groundbreaking ceremony of the OAKS Centre Prime, held at the OAK’s new site in Oolo Town, along the Ogbomoso expressway, Oyo State.

The governor, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Inspector General of Education for Ogbomoso Zone 1, Revd (Dr) Paul Oyedele Oyedokun, noted that the initiative aligns with the government’s agenda to support the physically challenged and less privileged, emphasizing his administration’s readiness to partner with such programmes.

While lauding Mrs. Adeloye for her initiative, Governor Makinde said the project reflects her foresight in planning for the future through the establishment of OAKonsult Disabilities Outreach.

“I commend this great initiative. It is in line with the state government’s commitment to supporting the less privileged. This public-private partnership model is one the government is keen to support. Since inception, this administration has integrated the less privileged into governance, even appointing some into the civil service,” he stated.

Makinde also expressed gratitude to the Oololo of Oolo, Oba Michael Oyebunmi Ajayi (JP), Oyegbami IV, for donating a 35-acre parcel of land for the development of OAK Centre Prime.

In his remarks, the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, Orumogege III, described the project as laudable and pledged his full support to ensure its success.

He urged all sons and daughters of Oolo and Ogbomoso to protect and support the project, ensuring its structures and facilities are well-maintained.

He also thanked the Oololo of Oolo for his generous land donation and encouraged other traditional rulers to emulate such gestures.

“I urge you all to follow the example of the Oololo of Oolo by contributing to meaningful causes in your communities,” he said.

In a sermon centered on love, Rt. Revd. Simeon Onaleke of the Methodist Church, Agodi Diocese, Ibadan, highlighted the importance of caregiving as a divine responsibility and a cornerstone of nation-building.

According to him, “Caregiving is the first attribute of God, and Mrs. Olufunke Adeloye has taken up this noble task to support the less privileged in our society.”

He paid tribute to the late Oluwatoyitan Chikatara Adeloye, Mrs. Adeloye’s daughter, whose life inspired the establishment of the OAKonsult Disabilities Outreach.

“We celebrate the love of God and the gift of humanity today, inspired by the life of Oluwatoyitan. She lived a beautiful life and remains the reason for this occasion,” he said.

Speaking at the event, Oba Micheal Oyebunmi Ajayi (JP), Oyegbami IV, affirmed that his donation of the 35-acre land was in support of Mrs. Adeloye’s vision to serve the less privileged.

He called on all stakeholders to rally behind the vision to ensure its success.

In her speech, Mrs. Adeloye attributed the project to the memory of her late daughter, who was medically mismanaged in Nigeria and later lived in the UK for 16 years before passing.

“This project is to honor her memory. She lived a fulfilled life. No life is worthless. Even though people with disabilities may do things differently, they are capable of achieving greatness. This institution will provide them with the care and love they deserve,” she said.

Mrs. Adeloye emphasized that OAK Centre Prime is not just a building but a haven for support and empowerment. She called on the government and wealthy individuals to support the project.

“This project is estimated to cost billions of naira. But we believe it is God’s will, and what He orders will be fulfilled. We trust that all the resources needed to transform this site and the community will be provided,” she said.

She revealed a five-year development plan for the Centre, with the hope that operations will commence within the next three years and that full capacity will be achieved by the fifth year.

The event was well attended by traditional rulers, including the Alajaawa of Ajaawa, Oba Thompson Adeyeye, community members, clergy, the wife of the Osun State Deputy Governor, Deaconess Olusola Adewusi, and other dignitaries.