Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, has commended the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Afia Group, Engr. Abduljelyl Adekunle Karheem, popularly known as Mogaji Adanla, for translating the state government’s vision for urban renewal into tangible reality with the completion of Afia Court Ring Road and Afia Apartment at Chief Lateef Oyelade Government Reserved Area (GRA), Ibadan.
Governor Makinde gave the commendation on Wednesday while officially commissioning the two landmark projects, describing them as a testament to effective utilisation of public-private partnership opportunities.
Visibly impressed by the architectural quality and scale of the developments, the governor said Mogaji Adanla had successfully brought to life the vision behind the Lateef Oyelade GRA, noting that the projects also serve as a fitting tribute to the late Ibadan chief after whom the area was named.
“He has turned our idea into reality. You can give someone an opportunity, but what matters is what the person does with it,” Makinde said shortly before the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
The governor explained that he deliberately altered his schedule to witness the commissioning, stressing that Afia’s investment underscores the importance of empowering private individuals to drive economic growth.
“Government cannot employ everybody. When opportunities are given and properly utilised, jobs are created. Over 100 people are employed here today, sustaining their families from a single opportunity given to one person,” he added.
Makinde also recalled the contributions of the late Chief Lateef Oyelade to the development of Ibadan, noting that the GRA was conceived to preserve his legacy and that Afia’s projects had given the vision a concrete expression.
The commissioning ceremony, which attracted traditional rulers, captains of industry and top government officials, marked a major milestone in Oyo State’s urban development drive. Members of the governor’s entourage included the Commissioner for Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Mr. Williams Akin-Funmilayo, and Chairman of Quickborn Construction and Properties, Omo’ba Tunde Ologburo, among others.
Earlier, Mogaji Adanla, while addressing guests during the twin event which also doubled as Afia Group’s end-of-year celebration, expressed appreciation to the Makinde-led administration for providing a conducive environment for investment.
He described Governor Makinde, the Agba Oye of Ibadanland and Chairman of Shoreline Energy International, Chief Kola Karim, and the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja (Arusa I), as key pillars behind his success in the construction sector.
Chief Kola Karim, in his remarks, described Mogaji Adanla as a visionary entrepreneur whose achievements should inspire young business owners.
“What you see here is hard work, dedication and commitment. He is intentional about everything he does,” Karim said, adding that the developer is often misunderstood despite his clear sense of purpose.
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, represented at the event, also commended Adanla for aligning his projects with the monarch’s development vision for Ibadan, urging him to sustain the momentum.
The newly commissioned Afia Court Ring Road and Afia Apartment are expected to significantly enhance the aesthetic appeal of Ibadan, stimulate commercial activities and boost job creation in the state.
The colourful event featured cultural displays, music performances by Dammie Jaay, Aite Band and the Okotolaye Cultural Group, alongside local and continental cuisines. Guests were largely adorned in white outfits accented with orange accessories, reflecting Afia Construction’s official colour.
Dignitaries at the event included the Onpetu of Ijeruland, Oba Sunday Oladapo Oyediran; the Okere of Saki, Oba Khalid Olabisi; the Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola; Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheikh Abdul-Ganiyy AbuBakr Agbotomokekere; Chief Imam of Ogbomosoland, Sheikh Teliat Yunus Ayilara; Babaloja-General of Oyo State, Alhaji Y.K. Abass; as well as several professionals, political office holders, family members and associates
