The traditional ruler of Ogere Remo in Ikenne Local Government Area of Ogun State, Oba James Obafemi Saliu, Kankanbiina II, has called on indigenes of the town both at home and in the diaspora to contribute meaningfully to the ongoing development of the community.
Speaking during events marking his second coronation anniversary, the Ologere of Ogere said Ogere, being a transit town with strategic commercial positioning, offers numerous investment opportunities for those willing to establish cottage, small, medium, or large-scale industries.
“I am appealing to our sons and daughters, both home and abroad, to come and be part of what is happening in Ogere. Invest, renovate your family houses along the tarred roads, and convert them to befitting structures,” the monarch said.
As part of the celebration, Oba Saliu commissioned an ultra-modern palace to enhance the traditional institution in the town.
A major highlight of the celebration was a large-scale empowerment programme that benefited both indigenes and non-indigenes. Fifty selected individuals received cash grants of N100,000 each, while several artisans also went home with essential tools and equipment to support their trades.
Oba Saliu explained the rationale behind the inclusive empowerment scheme, noting that Ogere is a diverse community inhabited by multiple ethnic groups. “The town has Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, Igede, and Tivs, among others. All these people are part of us, and we cannot be doing things for only the Ogere indigenes. So, we must extend the hands of fellowship to all residents,” he said.
He urged the beneficiaries to make good use of the support given to them. “If you use this well, I will be very happy, and it will encourage me to do more,” he added.
The monarch described his two years on the throne as remarkable, noting significant development strides recorded under his reign. “The last two years have been outstanding with visible achievements. Our roads have seen a facelift, and our security architecture has improved greatly,” he said.
He attributed the peaceful coexistence in the community, despite its high population of non-indigenes, to divine intervention. “It’s only by the grace of God. In the whole of Yorubaland, Ogere is the town that hosts the highest number of northerners today,” he said.
