BY ERIC OLUSESAN
The chairman of Okun Area Traditional Council, Obaro of Kabba, Oba Solomom Owoniyi has urged the management of Dangote Cement, Obajana to extend its Corporate Social Responsibility to other five Local Governments in Okun land, the Yoruba speaking part of Kogi State.
Obaro of Kabba made the appeal when he led other members on a visit to the Company at Obajana, Lokoja Local Government Area.
“Without this road (Obajana-Kabba), Okun would have been completely shot out of the State capital, Lokoja. We are most grateful. I don’t know why the arrangement of the road stopped at Kabba, It would have terminated at Egbe. I think you Should make another arrangement with the Federal Government for the road to be extended to Egbe or Ilorin.”
He also solicited for Scholarship Scheme for Okun Indegent Students as well as employment of outstanding ones, saying more cordial relationship is needed between the Company and Okun people.
Obaro of Kabba maintained that Obajana and the entire Oworo land are Okun people, hence the need for the Company to extend its Philanthropic activities to Kabba/Bunu, Ijumu, Mopa/Amuro, Yagba East and Yagba West Local Government Areas.
The Okun Paramount Ruler who commended the AG Dangote Company for doing the Obajana-Kabba road according to specifications, stressed the need for the extension of the road to Egbe.
He thanked Alhaji Aliko Dangote for establishing the company and for employing sons and daughters of Okun land.
Mr. Ade Anlemi, the General Manager Community Affairs, expressed gratitude to the Traditional Rulers for the visit and promised to forward the request to the appropriate quarters for necessary action.
The traditional rulers had earlier paid a courtesy visit to the Bajana of Obajana, Oba Idowu Isenibi at his Palace where he commended Oworo people for sustaining the cultural heritage of Okun land, urging them not to relent.
Obaro Owoniyi stated that he would continue to work towards the unity, peace and progress of Okun land.He urged parents to ensure that their children are educated to secure a bright future for them.
In his response, the Bajana of Obajana, Oba Idowu Isenibi who was delighted with the visit, commended the Chairman Okun Area Traditional Council and members for the visit which he described as an indication that Okun and Oworo people are one.
The traditional rulers in the entourage of Obaro are, Oba Williams Olusegun Ayeni, Olujumu of Ijumu Kingdom, Oba Ayodele Irukera, Elegbe of Egbe, Oba Moses Etombi, Agbana of Isanlu and Elulu of Mopa, Oba Joledo.