The universe has a way of rewarding diligence, faithfulness, hard-work and perseverance. When the universe sees your heart and your genuine intentions, it will provide support and make things work in your favour.
The executive chairman of Oshodi-Isolo local government, Otunba Kehinde Almaroof Oloyede popularly called Kendoo, has reiterated for the umpteenth time his intention to transform Oshodi, his burning desire to provide a conducive working environment where businesses can thrive. He is also determined to focus on human capital development by training and empowering people to be self employed, self reliant and self sufficient. It is obvious there is no more white, blue or even black collar jobs. With the rising unemployment rate within the country, it behoves on the government to train people, empower them and create an environment where their business would thrive.
Otunba Oloyede has kicked off with massive construction of roads to ease movement of goods, services and people within his local government, he has embarked on massive training of residents through his UNDP center, he has provided ambulances and medical tools to the Public Health Centers (PHCs) with a promise to do more, he has provided educational materials to aid smart learning within his local government, he has supports physically challenged persons with employment and financial support, even with all these, he is not resting on his oars.
Seeing his moves, activities and desire, private bodies are now willing to partner with his administration in achieving these goals. It is a known fact that government alone can not solve our problems nor provide all the amenities needed for our daily lives. Private sector is a viable partner in progress that should complement the efforts of the government but they often draw back due to “Nigerianism or Nigerian factors”.
When these private individuals however see transparency, openness, willingness on the part of government and the open-door policy, as exemplified by the executive chairman of Oshodi-Isolo local government, Otunba Kehinde Almaroof Oloyede, they will embrace such government and become partners in progress.
Corporate bodies, NGOs, religious bodies and individuals, knowing Otunba Oloyede and wanting to be involved in taking Oshodi to the next level, have been partnering with him for the betterment of the local government and the residents. Below are some of the organisations that have partnered with the local government either in training of the residents, empowerment or provision of needed items. They include but not limited to the following:
- Yield Africa Foundation partnered with the local government to train 650 Youths and Vulnerable Women on various skills.
- Iskh Tolaram Foundation partnered with the local government to train 10 youths in Plumbing & Fittings, Building Construction, Tailoring, Tiling & Mesonry, carpentry & Furniture Making etc.
- VTET Initiative for Nation Development have also partnered with the local government to train 480 youths and vulnerable Women in various skills like fashion designing, event planning, event Decorations, etc.
- First Alert Protective Services Limited partnered with the local government to train and empower 30 Youths on Solar Panels & Inverter Installation.
- Foursquare Gospel Church equally train 450 youths on soft skills needed for survival.
- Lagos State Ministry of Youths and Social Development in conjunction with Tehmis Point International partnered with the local government to train 450 youths.
- Orum Trading Exchange, an indigenous organisation, partnered with the local government to renovate a block of 4 classrooms at Oshodi Primary school, Brown street.
- Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) also partnered the local government in poverty alleviation by empowering residents with empowerment tools.
- Rotary Club of Ewutuntun, in partnership with the local government, just concluded the training of 1000 youths and women on various skills. They equally empowered some of them.
The list is long but for want of time and space, they all will not be listed. The partnership between these noble organisations and individuals is a testimony to the openness and humble personality of the chairman. With Public Private Partnership (PPP), our people and local government will be better for it.
