A prominent indigene of Ijesaland, Engr. Dideolu Falobi, has formally recommissioned a renovated block of classrooms at L.A. School 1, Omi-Igbo, Okerena, in Imesi-Ile, calling for sustained community involvement in the development of education and public infrastructure.
The event, held on Saturday, March 21, 2026, attracted traditional leaders, community stakeholders, old students and members of the Imesi-Ile Progressive Association (IPA), marking another milestone in the town’s long-standing tradition of self-help and communal development.
Speaking at the ceremony, Falobi described the project as both a personal fulfilment and a contribution to the future of the community’s children, noting that education remains a critical foundation for societal growth. He emphasised that the renovation was carried out to support ongoing efforts by indigenes of Imesi-Ile to improve learning conditions in local schools.
He paid glowing tribute to the town’s rich history, recalling the contributions of past patriots and leaders who laid the foundation for development in education, infrastructure and governance. According to him, Imesi-Ile has consistently produced individuals committed not just to progress, but to actively building it.
Falobi also commended the current generation of community leaders and professionals for sustaining the legacy of their forebears, noting that development in Imesi-Ile has remained a collective responsibility rather than reliance on government intervention.
“In Imesi-Ile, development is not a government programme; it is a community habit,” he said, while urging continued unity and shared responsibility among residents and indigenes at home and in the diaspora.
Reflecting on his personal connection to the town, Falobi recounted his early years in Imesi-Ile, where his late father taught as an itinerant teacher, describing the experience as formative and instrumental in shaping his commitment to giving back.
He further used the occasion to encourage alumni and beneficiaries of public institutions to invest in their growth, stressing that the future of schools must be secured by those who once passed through them.
As part of his remarks, Falobi made three key appeals to the community: to sustain the legacy of L.A. School 1 as a centre for learning, to furnish the renovated classrooms for effective use, and to consider rehabilitating other functional school blocks in need of upgrade.
The project was officially handed over to the IPA, which had earlier expressed appreciation for the gesture, describing it as a testament to Falobi’s commitment to community development.
Falobi was received on behalf of the traditional ruler, Oba (Engr.) Ademola Akinyemi, by Chief Babafemi Adeyemi, the Ejemu of Imesi-Ile. Other dignitaries at the event included the IPA Home-based Chairman, Chief Supo Adeoye, members of the association’s executive committee, and representatives of the school’s old students.
In a statement, the IPA commended Falobi for the initiative and called on other indigenes, including non-natives who schooled in Imesi-Ile, to contribute to the development of the community.
The association noted that such acts of philanthropy and patriotism are worthy of emulation and remain vital to sustaining growth and progress in the town.
The event concluded with renewed calls for collective action towards the advancement of Imesi-Ile, Osun State and Nigeria at large.
📸 Before and After renovation images of the building
.png)
No comments:
Post a Comment