Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde has called on well-meaning Nigerians with resources, influence and privilege to use them to improve society rather than oppress others.
The governor made the call on Tuesday during the commissioning of Joseph and Esther Homes for Senior Citizens and the launch of Built from the Break, a book authored by renowned Nollywood actress, Mrs. Shola Shobowale.
In his speech at events held in Akobo, Ibadan, Makinde congratulated Shobowale, founder of the senior citizens’ home, describing her vision as quiet but deeply impactful.
He said the initiative, which provides a safe, secure and dignified environment for elderly people, reinforces the traditional value of caring for parents and senior citizens in old age.
The governor also commended the author for writing Built from the Break, noting that publishing a book requires courage, discipline and commitment.
Makinde recalled his own experience shortly after assuming office when he sought to publish a compilation of his thoughts and aspirations for Oyo State but abandoned the project after pirated copies surfaced in circulation before the original publication left the printers.
He described Built from the Break as a highly recommended read and promised to feature it among the books he would review on social media this year.
The governor further announced that the access road leading to the facility, currently being rehabilitated by Lagelu Local Government, would be extended to the frontage of the home and fitted with solar-powered streetlights to improve accessibility and comfort for residents.
Makinde, who noted that he was in the midst of a national campaign and would proceed to Abuja after the event to unveil the Reset Agenda Manifesto, said he considered the occasion important because of its significance to the welfare of senior citizens.
He described the establishment of the home as an extraordinary gesture inspired by Shobowale’s love for her parents and concern for the elderly.
According to him, while public attention often gravitates toward large and highly visible projects, initiatives that directly improve lives are often the ones with the most enduring impact.
The governor also praised Lagelu Local Government for the ongoing rehabilitation of Akala Way, saying the project demonstrated that local governments in Oyo State were contributing meaningfully to development.
Drawing from personal experience, Makinde said Nigeria’s family support system remains one of the country’s strengths, noting that his late mother lived with him until her passing. He added that the senior citizens’ home would further strengthen that culture of care and support for the elderly.
He urged affluent members of society to channel their resources and influence toward positive causes, saying:
“Stop using your wealth, your position and your influence to oppress others. Use your wealth, use your position and use your intellect to make life better for members of this society.”
The event attracted dignitaries, Nollywood personalities, community leaders and other well-wishers.
Members of the governor’s entourage included the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Musibau Babatunde; Chief of Staff, Bashorun Akinwale Akinwole; Deputy Chief of Staff, Hon. Kazeem Adeniyi; Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, Prof. Salihu Adelabu; Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun; and Commissioner for Lands and Urban Development, Mr. Williams Akin-Funmilayo.
Others were Commissioner for Public Works and Transport, Arch. Abdulmojeed Mogbojubola; Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Hon. Segun Olayiwola; Commissioner for Health, Dr. (Mrs.) Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi; Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Alhaja Wasilat Adegoke; Senior Executive Assistant to the Governor on General Duties, Chief Bayo Lawal; Executive Adviser on Health Intervention, Prof. Temitope Alonge; and the Chairman of Lagelu Local Government, Hon. Mudasiru Kamorudeen, among other government functionaries.