Wife of the Alaafin and Paramount Ruler of Oyo Kingdom, Ayaba Abiwunmi Olajumoke Owoade, has said building a shared vision, fostering trust through inclusive communication, mobilizing local assets, and celebrating diversity are panacea towards creating a unified social identity.
Ayaba Owoade stated this on Friday during the installation ceremony of the new Baale Are ago Babalakata of Oyo, Chief Sikiru Olanipekun Alabi, at the Aganju ForeCourt in the ancient Palace.
Ayaba Owoade noted that ensuring progress, development, and harmony in the community requires a participatory approach where the people are actively empowered.
According to her, “” as a Community Head, you must create safe and structured platforms , such as town hall meetings, and community gatherings where residents can voice opinions and share concerns. You must be active in listening, as leadership listens to understand rather than simply to respond.
“” You must encourage economic and social developments by supporting local entrepreneurs, volunteerism, and neighborhood alliances, as well as collaborate with stakeholders.
While admonishing the new Baale of Akoda community to ensure that his allegiance is total to the Alaafin , Ayaba Owoade urged him to also build partnerships with local authorities, nonprofits, and businesses to secure resources for long-lasting projects in the community.
In his response, Chief Alabi who pledged his unalloyed loyalty to the Alaafin, also assured that he would work assiduously towards unity, progress and development of Aareago Babalakata community.
