The Paramount Ruler of Oro Kingdom in Kwara State, Oba Joel Olufayo II, has called for stronger collaboration among governments, indigenes, corporate organisations, residents and other stakeholders to accelerate infrastructural development in the kingdom.

The monarch made the call on Sunday while inaugurating a block of two modern toilet facilities constructed by a National Youth Service Corps member, Bridget Onyinye, at Christian Comprehensive High School, Ijomu-Oro, Irepodun Local Government Area of the state.

The project was executed as part of Onyinye's Personal Community Development Service and is aimed at improving sanitation and creating a more conducive learning environment for students.

Speaking at the commissioning, Oba Titiloye commended the corps member for undertaking the project despite being a visitor to the community.

He said, "This is a demonstration of patriotism and commitment to community development. Bridget is not an indigene of Oro, yet she saw a need and decided to contribute her quota to improving the community."

"The development of Oro Kingdom cannot be left to the government alone. Our sons and daughters, those at home and in the diaspora, corporate organisations, friends of Oro and other well-meaning Nigerians all have a role to play," the monarch said.

Oba Titiloye urged the indigenes to identify with development initiatives in the kingdom and contribute according to their capacity.

He stressed, "I want to appeal to our people, both at home and in the diaspora, to identify with development initiatives in Oro and support them in whatever way they can.

"We cannot continue to wait for government before addressing every need in our communities. When everyone contributes, no matter how little, the impact can be significant," he added.

The monarch noted that the initiative by the corps member had demonstrated that meaningful development did not always require huge financial resources.

According to him, "What Bridget has done shows that development is not always about having huge resources. Sometimes, it is about identifying a problem, showing commitment and taking the initiative to make a difference."

Oba Titiloye further urged corps members serving in Oro Kingdom to regard their places of primary assignment as opportunities to make meaningful contributions to their host communities.

"I want other corps members serving in Oro Kingdom to emulate this gesture. Your place of primary assignment should not only be somewhere you go to fulfil your service obligation; it should also be an opportunity to leave a positive mark in the community," the traditional ruler said.

He expressed appreciation to Onyinye for the project and pledged to recommend her, alongside other corps members who had distinguished themselves through dedicated service, to the Minister of Youth for possible national recognition.

"We will recommend her and other corps members who have distinguished themselves through their service for recognition. Young people who demonstrate this level of commitment should be encouraged and rewarded," he said.

Oba Titiloye subsequently presented Onyinye with an official letter of recommendation and a certificate of appreciation for her contribution to the school and the community.

He also stressed the importance of supporting young Nigerians who engage in community service.

"If we encourage and recognise young Nigerians who are committed to serving their communities, we will be promoting not only community development but also national unity," he said.

Arewa PUNCH reports that Onyinye, who is serving at Ayaki Secondary Grammar School, Okerimi-Oro, expressed deep appreciation to the monarch for his support towards the completion of the project.

She said, "I sincerely appreciate the Oloro of Oro for his immense support, both in cash and in kind. His support contributed significantly to the successful completion of this project.

"I am also grateful to the Oloro-in-Council and the good people of Oro Kingdom for their support and encouragement. Their contributions made the work easier and gave me the confidence to complete the project."

In his remarks, the NYSC Local Government Inspector for Irepodun LGA, Nuhu Isa, who represented the Kwara State NYSC Coordinator, commended the monarch for his support for corps members and youths serving in the kingdom.

"The Oloro has demonstrated visionary leadership and has continued to support corps members and young people serving in Oro Kingdom. This kind of support gives corps members the encouragement to contribute meaningfully to their host communities," Isa said.

"Bridget has demonstrated exceptional commitment to community development. She identified a need and took it upon herself to provide a solution through her Personal Community Development Service."

Isa disclosed that another corps member had similarly initiated a project in Omu-Aran and appealed to the monarch to assist the two corps members in securing career opportunities.

"We appeal to His Royal Majesty to see how he can assist these two corps members with career opportunities as a way of appreciating their selfless contributions to their host communities," the NYSC Coordinator appealed.

The principals of Christian Comprehensive High School, Pastor Olatunji and Mrs Babatunde, also expressed appreciation to the monarch for his continued support for the school and the community.

In their joint statement which read in part, they noted, "We appreciate the Oloro of Oro for his continuous fatherly role and support for this school and the community. This project will improve sanitation and provide a healthier and more conducive environment for our students.

"This is an impactful contribution that will benefit not only the students currently in the school but also generations of students who will come after them," they stated.