In realisation of the fact that governments at all level cannot alone provide all the needs of the people, the Omu-Aran community in Irepodun local government area of Kwara state recently commissioned a N12 million Ekuu River bridge, along Ring road, Omu-Aran which it constructed without any government’s input. The Omu-Aran Development Association (ODA) bankrolled the N12 million bridge project.

The community has also laid the foundation stone of a 100- bed space hostel accommodation at Omu-Aran High School. The hostel building donated by Merit Club is expected to be completed before the commencement of next academic session.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony the ODA chairman, chief Peter Oyinloye said that the Ekuu bridge estimated to cost N29 million was, however, done with the sum of N12 million by an indigenous company, Turning Point construction company Ltd, adding that the road has opened ways to ECWA Girls college and to Federal Government Girls College (FGGC), Iloffa road.

"N40 million was donated by Bishop David Oyedepo, out of which N30,671 470 has been expended on science materials, Chemistry, Physics, agriculture and Home Economics materials, 80 sets of computer plus back ups and tables, ceiling and industrial fans, tiling of computer laboratories and rehabilitation of 18 classrooms in four community colleges which are Omu-Aran High School, Ogbo Grammar School, Ofe-Aran Commercial College and Aperan Comprehensive college.

"This does not include another sum of N487,000 paid for the extension/improvement of electricity to Ogbo Grammar School and Aperan Comprehensive College" he said.

Oyinloye added that a sum of N250,000 was released to Government Secondary School, ECWA School, Ansarudeen College and Government Christian College, Omu-Aran in aid of provision of science equipment for the students.

He said that ODA has contributed immensely to the youth development, adding that the association always organises lectures and sponsor youth activities in the town in order to boost their morale.

He disclosed that a portion of land behind Omu-Aran High School, Omu-Aran has been leased out for the construction of office of a private FM Radio station being undertaken by GOA Broadcast Links Service Ltd. He expressed the hope that the Radio station will be on air this year.

The president, Merit Club, Alhaji Kunle Oyinloye said that the club decided to donate the 100-bed space hostel accommodation to boost the standard of education in the town.

He said that the project would be sponsored and funded by the members of the club, adding that the club would continue to create conducive environment for the students both at secondary and tertiary institutions levels.

He said necessary facilities would be provided in the hostel accommodation, adding that the project would be fully completed on or before next academic session.

The Olomu of Omu-Aran, Oba Charles Oladele Ibitoye commended sons and daughters of the community for contributing their quota to the socio-economic development of the town.

He prayed that God would continue to provide for their needs, imploring them to shun anything that could tarnish their image.

The programme was well attended by dignitaries from all walks of life. Including the General Overseer, Living Faith Church, Bishop David Oyedepo, former military administrator of Bauchi and Osun states, Colonel Theophilus Bamigboye among others.