Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, has commended the Chief Executive Officer of Wonderful Springboard Farms, Mr. Abiodun Michael Abiola, for donating a solar-powered borehole to Arulogun community in Lagelu Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The governor gave the commendation on Tuesday during the commissioning of the project at St James Anglican Basic School, Arulogun 1 Lagelu Local Government Area, describing the initiative as highly commendable and an outstanding example of community service.
Represented by the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Hon. Segun Olayiwola, Governor Makinde praised Mr. Abiola for his humanitarian gesture, noting that the project would go a long way in addressing the community’s water challenges.
“For someone to invest a huge sum of money to provide a motorized borehole for a community shows he truly has the love of the people at heart,” he said. “The laudable initiative demonstrates Mr. Abiola’s genuine concern for humanity because the importance of water to human existence cannot be overemphasized.”
The governor congratulated the people of Arulogun for the development and assured the donor of his administration’s continued support and collaboration towards community development. He also pledged that the government would soon improve the facilities at St. James Anglican Basic School, Arulogun, to enhance learning standards.
“I commend the donor for this initiative. It is indeed a great relief to the people of Arulogun community. Our administration remains committed to providing infrastructure that will improve the standard of schools across Oyo State,” he added.
In his goodwill message, the Managing Director of UcheKinze Limited, Ibadan, Ambassador (Sir) Kinze Isaac Okonkwo, described the donation as a “welcome development and a great blessing” to the Arulogun people.
While also offering financial support to pupils of St. James Anglican Basic School, he urged the people of the state to emulate Mr. Abiola’s example. “We cannot wait for the government to do everything,” he said. “Each of us must contribute to the development of our communities.”
Several dignitaries, including Chief Emmanuel Folorunsho Ogunaike, Dr. Tayo Alayande, Mr. Gbenga Alo, Pastor Dr. S.O. Olayiwola, and Mr. Buba Africa, also commended Mr. Abiola’s generosity and community spirit.
The Gbonka of Ibadanland, Oloye Monsur Abiola Arulogun, described the donation as a clear example of corporate social responsibility. He urged the community to maintain the facility properly and appealed to the governor to provide additional classrooms for St. James Anglican Basic Primary School.
“True leadership is about giving back to the people to improve their wellbeing,” he stated. “I call on other philanthropists to emulate Mr. Abiola’s noble gesture.”
Hon. Benedict Akiika Agbaakin Olounda, in his brief remarks, also commended the donor and encouraged residents to make good use of the facility.
In his speech, themed “Touching Lives Through Sustainable Impact,” the donor and CEO of Wonderful Springboard Farms, Mr. Abiodun Michael Abiola, expressed deep gratitude to God and the people of Arulogun community.
“It gives me great joy and heartfelt gratitude to stand before you today as we commission this solar-powered borehole — a project that symbolizes hope, partnership, and progress,” he said.
He explained that the project was a token of appreciation to the community that has warmly supported his company since its establishment.
“The Wonderful Springboard Farms found a home here. From day one, you welcomed us, supported us, and allowed us to thrive in peace. This project is a small way of giving back to a people who have given us so much,” he said.
Mr. Abiola revealed that the project was also a personal one, as his wife once attended the same community school. “She often recalls fond memories of her time here, and it fills our hearts with joy to return decades later to give back something tangible that will benefit generations to come.”
He emphasized that the borehole represents both a corporate responsibility and a divine assignment.
Mr Abiola also promised to build a block of three classrooms to the school and will be commissioned in this year December, 2025.
“This solar-powered borehole stands as a symbol of hope — a reminder that light can shine even in the most unexpected places. It represents our belief that development should be sustainable and solutions should serve generations,” he said.
“At Wonderful Springboard Farms, we are guided by faith and driven by purpose. God has blessed us not just to succeed, but to serve. We are committed to replicating similar initiatives in other communities, especially in disadvantaged areas. Our vision is to touch lives, strengthen communities, and empower people to thrive,” he concluded.
