By Daniel Abe
Irewolede is one of the twenty- two Local Council Development Areas created by former governor Kayode Fayemi in 2021, with its headquarters located in Iloro-Ekiti. The LCDA is made up of six towns-Iloro, Ijurin,Temidire,Ayegunle,Iroko and Okeoro-Ekiti. Hon. (Mrs) Dupe Bakare was the pioneer Executive Chairperson of the council and currently serving her second term.
In the 5th years of its creation, governance in Irewolede LCDA struggled within the limits of inadequate office space and challenging working conditions. Today that narrative is changing with the completion of a modern administrative building spearheaded by the Executive Chairperson,Hon. (Mrs) Dupe Bakare. The newly constructed administrative building stands as a symbol of hope, progress, renewed purpose and accountability in the management of public resources.
The state-of-the-art facility,located within the council secretariat,along Ayetoro road, is designed to provide a conducive working environment for staff and enhance operational efficiency across various departments of the LCDA.
More than just a structure,the building tells a story -a story of a leadership determined to change the narrative and bring government closer to the people. Within its walls are not just offices, but possibilities; faster service,better coordination and a more welcoming environment for every residents who walks through its doors. Designed with functionality in mind,the building provides a conducive environment for staff and ensures that residents can access government services with greater ease.
Speaking during an on-the-spot assessment of the project, the Executive Chairperson reflected on the journey with a sense of fulfilment and gratitude, expressed satisfaction with a job well delivered by the contractors”This is for our people”,she said. “It is about creating a system that works, a government that listens and a future we can all be proud of”.
According to her, the project was driven by the need to reposition the LCDA for optimal performance. “This building is not just for today, but for the future of our people”,she noted, emphasizing her administration’s focus on sustainable development.
For workers within the council,the facility signals a fresh start. What was once a daily struggle is now a source of motivation. The improved environment is expected to inspire greater dedication and efficiency, ultimately benefitting the entire community.
Residents of Irewolede LCDA, too,see more than just a building -they see a promise being kept. A promise that governance at the grassroots can be meaningful, responsive and impactful.
As the doors of the new administrative building open,they do more than welcome visitors -they usher in a new dawn for Irewolede LCDA,where hope is restored and progress feels closer than ever.
As this legacy project of Hon. Dupe Bakare awaits official commissioning,we must commend the governor of Ekiti State,Mr. Biodun Oyebanji for fulfilling one of his electioneering campaign promises that he will return governance to the grassroots. This is a promise made and kept.