Manufacturers and private businesses operating in Oluyole Local Government Area have been called upon to partner with the local council to bolster the economic growth of their host community while ensuring the safety of investments and the protection of residents’ lives and properties. This appeal was made during the inaugural Oluyole Economy & Security Summit 2024, themed “Expanding Grassroots Economy, Enhancing Community-Based Security,” held on Wednesday at the Oluyole Local Government Secretariat in Idi-Ayunre.
Key officials from the Oyo State Government, industry experts, and other stakeholders participated in the summit. Among those in attendance were the Commissioner for Environment and summit chairman, Hon. Abdulmojeed Mogbonjubola; Special Adviser on Security to Governor Seyi Makinde, Compol Fatai Owoseni (rtd); Executive Assistant on Security, Compol Sunday Odukoya (rtd); and Chairman of the Oyo State Board of Internal Revenue, Mr. Femi Awakan, alongside traditional leaders including Oba Muritala Olumini, the Alayunre of Idi Ayunre.
The participants emphasized that successful collaboration and corporate social responsibility (CSR) from private firms are essential for achieving meaningful economic growth and enhancing community security. Engr. Akeem Olatunji, Chairman of Oluyole Local Government, expressed that the summit’s organization aimed to align the interests of local industries with community development for the benefit of residents.
Olatunji noted, “We want companies and industries to collaborate with the local government on CSR and improve our internal revenue generation efforts. Security is integral to economic prosperity, and by enhancing community safety, we complement the state government’s efforts.”
During the keynote address, Awakan addressed the challenges of the current economic downturn, advocating for strategic grassroots economic reforms led by local government initiatives. He stressed the importance of meticulous planning in policy formulation and project execution to foster economic improvement at the grassroots level.
The summit also featured a panel discussion where experts deliberated on strategies to foster collaboration between private companies and local stakeholders, aimed at achieving the government’s economic expansion goals and community safety objectives. Compol Owoseni (rtd) commended the administration of Governor Makinde for its notable accomplishments in the security sector while urging the public to actively contribute by providing timely information to relevant security channels for effective crime prevention.
Odukoya highlighted the positive results of Governor Makinde’s investments in security, which have led to a significant reduction in major crimes in the state. He praised Olatunji for his initiative in organizing the summit and called for increased cooperation among stakeholders for sustainable development in Oluyole.
Colonel James Ajibola, who represented the DG Operation Burst, recognized Olatunji’s inclusive approach to governance. The DG of the Oyo State Mineral Development Agency, Abiodun Oni, praised the chairman’s efforts and urged other local governments to replicate the summit’s framework to support grassroots development, indicating readiness to collaborate on economic projects.
Many stakeholders voiced concerns over the lack of corporate social responsibility from companies in the area, urging the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) to take a more active role in promoting responsible behavior among its members to facilitate economic development in the community.
A representative from British American Tobacco (BAT) expressed support for the summit’s objectives, pledging to communicate the outcomes to BAT management and explore potential CSR collaborations.
At the conclusion of the event, a communique was issued, applauding the summit’s success in promoting economic integration and reinforcing stability and security in Oluyole and Oyo State.
Following the summit, Olatunji acknowledged Governor Makinde’s efforts to transform the state’s economy through enhanced security and infrastructure investments, noting, “The Governor has provided critical support to our security agencies and has made Oyo State a hub of infrastructural development, creating a safe and business-friendly environment.”
