Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State yesterday lauded the ingenuity and dedication of Afia Group CEO, Engr. Abduljelyl Adekunle Karheem (Mogaji Adanla), as he officially commissioned the magnificent Afia Court Ring Road and Afia Apartment at Chief Lateef Oyelade GRA, Ibadan.
The governor, visibly impressed by the modern architectural marvels, declared, “He has turned our idea into reality,” acknowledging Adanla’s pivotal role in bringing his developmental agenda and the vision to immortalise Late Chief Lateef Oyelade to fruition.
Governor Makinde, speaking to a gathering of dignitaries, traditional rulers, and captains of industry shortly before the cutting of the ribbon and the official commissioning, also commended Adanla for effectively utilising the opportunity of the Public-Private Partnership between him and the state government to develop the GRA.
He said, “Yes, I’m supposed to be on the way to Fasola. But I diverted the entourage to this place because of one thing. You can give someone an opportunity, but what has the person done with it?
“Government can’t employ everybody. You must give opportunities to people, and they in turn will employ others, and by so doing, you can raise a lot of people out of poverty. Over a hundred people are employed here and are also catering for their families out of a singular opportunity given to only one person.
Also, Baba Oyelade, whom we named this GRA after, was a prominent Ibadan Chief who in his lifetime contributed immensely to the development of the city. He’s somebody that I wouldn’t want his name to be forgotten in Ibadan. The Chief Lateef Oyelade GRA was just an idea conceived by us, but Mogaji Adanla has indeed turned it into reality with the massive projects here.
The commissioning ceremony, held amidst an atmosphere of excitement and optimism, marked a significant milestone in the state’s urban development agenda.
In Governor Makinde’s entourage to the occasion were the Commissioner for Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Mr. Williams Akin-Funmilayo; Omo’ba Tunde Ologburo, Chairman, Quickborn Construction and Properties, among others.
Earlier in his address at the two-in-one occasion, marking Afia’s end-of-year party and the commissioning of the two iconic projects, Adanla expressed his gratitude to the Makinde-led administration for its support and conducive environment for investment.
The renowned developer described Governor Makinde, Chief Kola Karim, an astute businessman and Chairman of Shoreline Energy International and the Agba Oye of Ibadanland, and the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja (Arusa I), as the strong pillars behind him and his success in construction.
Chief Kola Karim, a popular business mogul and the Agba Oye of Ibadanland, noted that what Adanla has done is worthy of emulation for every aspiring entrepreneur. He described him as a man who is often misunderstood but with a clear vision.
“If you look around these surroundings, you can see something, and what you see is hard work, dedication, and commitment,” Karim added, noting that Adanla has always been intentional about what he chooses to do.
Ably represented at the occasion, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja (Arusa I), also commended Mogaji Adanla for his achievements in construction, which the monarch said is in line with his developmental vision for Ibadanland. He therefore urged Adanla not to relent in his efforts to make Ibadan proud.
The newly commissioned projects, the Afia Court Ring Road and Afia Apartment, are poised to redefine luxury living in Oyo State, contributing significantly to the aesthetic landscape of Ibadan and providing a boost to the local economy through job creation and increased commercial activities.
To cap off the grand occasion were not only the sumptuous meals, which included both local and continental dishes, assorted drinks, and several other appetizers, but also the electrifying performances from Dammie Jaay and the Aite Band, the DJ, and the Okotolaye Cultural Group.
The event was predominantly an “Orange affairs,” reflecting the official color of Afia Construction, as guests were seen in traditional caps and geles complementing white attires.
It was also an impressive turnout as family, friends, and associates came in good numbers to honor Adanla, who also doubles as Turaki Adinni of Oyo State, Wakil Faido Tijaniya of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta states, and Giwa Adinni of Offa Land.
Dignitaries at the event
Some of the guests who graced the occasion included Governor Seyi Makinde; Onpetu of Ijeruland, Oba Sunday Oladapo Oyediran; Chief Kola Karim; the Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheikh Abdul-Ganiyy AbuBakr Agbotomokekere, who led other prominent Sheikhs and Alfas to the party; Prof. K. K. Olosho; the Okere of Saki, Oba Khalid Olabisi; Chief Imam of Ogbomosoland, Sheikh Teliat Yunus Ayilara; Segun Adebanjo, Chairman, Connect Global; Hon. Akeem Ademola Ige; Dr. Barry Adetunji; the Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola; Alhaji Y.K. Abass, the Babaloja-General of Oyo State; Mr. Biyi Fadairo, GM Tafotek Group; Engr. Femi Fadairo; Mrs. Toyin Benson, Zonal Head of the Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering (SCUML); Mr. Kolawole Olayiwola, Chairman, K.K. Motors; among others.
