The People of Oro Kingdom in Kwara State have appealed to the state government to stem the rising youth unemployment in the area by providing robust infrastructural development such as a good road network, clean water supply and also encouraging Small and Medium Enterprises.

The Oro Descendants' Union made the appeal on Saturday, at Okerimi Oro, in Irepodun Local Government Area of the state, at the launching of a N500million development fund and the installation of Rear Admiral Azeez Afolayan (retd.) as the first Asiwaju of Oro Kingdom by His Royal Majesty, the Oloro of Oro Kingdom, Oba AbdulRafiu Ajiboye Oyelaran1.

The Union, in a statement read by its National Publicity Secretary, Kayode Adeyipo, while first acknowledging the giant strides of the state governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, lauded his “unprecedented attention” to the development of the kingdom, especially in the areas of health, education and other social infrastructure.

Adeyipo said, “We make bold to say that in the history of Kwara State, no governor has been so committed and devoted to equity, justice and fair play as necessary ingredients of good governance as AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

“We, therefore, congratulate His Excellency for a well-deserved second term, to consolidate the gains of the last four years.

“Your Excellency, be assured of our continued unalloyed support as you pilot the affairs of Kwara state in the next four years,” the Union added.

The statement continued, “Oro Kingdom is in dire need of infrastructural development in terms of public power supply, clean water, motorable roads, as well as medium and small scale enterprises, to stem the rising tide of youth unemployment.”

The Union congratulated the Royal Majesty of Oro Kingdom on the historic occasion and for making the right choice on the appointment of the first-ever Asiwaju for the Kingdom, describing the honour as a round peg in a round hole.

“We are also bold to say that all the parameters required for the post of Asiwaju are manifestly present in the choice of Azeez Afolayan. It is therefore not surprising that the new Asiwaju has been chosen without any rancour or acrimony because he possesses all the characteristics of an Asiwaju or leader,” the statement emphasised.

While congratulating the newly installed Asiwaju, who incidentally is a surgeon, the Union reminded him that the job of an Asiwaju is not an easy one, adding, “We have no scintillating of doubt that given the new Asiwaju's track record, he will succeed in this onerous task of leading us to the Promised Land.”

In his remarks, the Oloro of Oro Kingdom, Oba Oyelaran said: “Rear Admiral Surgeon Afolayan has been bestowed with this rare honour as the first-ever Asiwaju of Oro Kingdom as a result of his immense and unique contributions to the development of Oro Kingdom, which comprises 11 towns and villages, in all ramifications.

“Over the years, Retired Rear Admiral Surgeon Afolayan has proved to be a worthy son of Oro Kingdom, whose main concern is the development of the entire generic towns making up the Kingdom.”

The monarch prayed to the Almighty God to guide and guard him as he discharges the onerous responsibility given to him by the people of Oro Kingdom, urging him to use his wealth of experience and connections to bring about the much-needed development of Oro Kingdom.

Responding, Afolayan, thanked the monarch and the people of Oro Kingdom for the honour bestowed on him, and particularly, for counting him worthy for the high chieftaincy title, promising to justify the confidence reposed in him.

In his goodwill message, Kwara State Deputy Governor, Mr Kayode Alabi, represented by Otunba Biodun Ajiboye prayed for the new Asiwaju and implored him to be ready for the responsibilities that come with the chieftaincy title by working alongside other chiefs and sons and daughters of the Kingdom at home and in the Diaspora to bring development to the Kingdom.