It was a remarkable day today in Ondo Kingdom as the two term Ondo East and West House of Representatives Member, Hon. Dr. Abiola Peter Makinde inaugurated Ondo City Public Library, facilitated for the good use of all and sundry and for the benefit of mankind in Ondo Kingdom and her environs.
Today’s epoch making occasion which played host to Royal fathers, educationists, community stakeholders, politicians and dignitaries from far and wide in whom His Imperial Majesty, Ọba (Dr.) Victor Adesimbo Adenrele Ademefun Kiladejo Jilo III CFR, the Osemawe and Paramount Ruler of Ondo Kingdom was ably represented by High Chief Lisa Sir Simeon Oguntimehin. All other Ondo High Chiefs were equally present.
According to Hon. Dr. Abiola Peter Makinde MHR, he stated that the facilitation leading to the ground breaking and laying of foundation early last year of the iconic edifice was borne out of his love, passion and his enthusiasm for education and the overall development of Ondo Kingdom in which they are witnessing its inauguration.
Stating further, he hinged the establishment of the iconic library to the fulfillment of the electoral promises he made under his ‘WEALTH’ agenda
“I am elated to stand before you and address this August gathering on this very important day as I continue to deliver on the electoral promises that I made to you under the WEALTH acronym: Water, Education, Agriculture, Light, Training, and Health agenda.”
While expressing his delight concerning the erection of the public library at a strategic place in the heart of the city and its positive impacts towards the educational development of Ondo Kingdom, he tied today’s inauguration to his firm belief that Education is a vital tool for the far-reaching development of nations.
In his bid to bridge the wide gap in terms of access to quality education and a serious decline in educational infrastructure, Hon. Dr. Abiola Peter Makinde MHR emphasized in his speech that his prompt intervention was timely and a vital response to a burning issue that is almost becoming an emergency.
“The provision of this library is my own way of contributing to the educational system, entrenching the reading culture, promoting the culture of soundness, and enlightening young minds both in character formation and learning.
“I have so much confidence that the provision of this infrastructure would lead to the pulling down of the walls of ignorance and the banishment of every form of lawlessness in our society as we prepare the young ones for the the challenges ahead. In a world that is tilting towards artificial intelligence, robotics, and blockchain technology, among other innovations, we can not afford to be left behind.” Hon. Dr. Abiola Peter Makinde MHR further stated.
Goodwill messages were delivered by Osemawe’s representative, Provost of Adeyemi University of Education, Ondo and other lovers of education at the event.
After the formal inauguration of the one of its kind edifice for the use of Ekimoguns and for the benefit of mankind by the Hon. Barr. Akinwunmi Sowore, Commissioner for Industry, Commerce and Cooperatives, who represented Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu SAN CON at the occasion, the dignitaries were conducted round Children reading hall, ICT room, post-graduate reading hall, e-library, research reading hall, private reading room in and around the library.
The climax of the event was the formal handing over of the library to the management of Adeyemi Federal University of Education, Ondo for proper management and maintenance for the benefit of Ondo Kingdom.
Cultural dance steps were beautifully displayed to the admiration of the guests.
Alli Moshood Abiodun
Special Adviser to Hon Makinde
Media and Publicity
27 September, 2023.
