By Olufemi Oni, Ilorin
Construction work on the multi million naira Vocational and Computer Training Centre in Idera kingdom, Ifelodun local vocal government area of Kwara State has reached an advanced stage and would be ready for commissioning in December this year.
This was disclosed by His Royal Highness, the Onidera of Idera kingdom, Oba James Oladipo Buremoh, at the 20th anniversary of his ascension to the throne of his forefathers.
The project, meant to transform Idera kingdom and provide employment opportunities for the kingdom’s teeming youths, is being undertaken by His Royal Highness, the Onidera of Idera kingdom, Oba James Oladipo Buremoh, an international wrestler of great repute in his heydays who was popularly known as ‘Ladi African Tiger’, through his Foundation, Ladi Tiger Rural Development Foundation and support from his cabinet members and friends at home and in the Diaspora.
Speaking at the occasion, the monarch recalled that he was initially apprehensive of what the future had in store for him when the kingmakers pronounced him king in 2004, adding that he gave all the glory to God for the tremendous support his cabinet members, family, friends and his chiefs at home and in the Diaspora gave him to make the 20 years journey a resounding success.
Some of his achievements during the 20-year reign, he said, included “provision of portable water, infrastructure, renovation of the dispensary and classrooms, and construction of new classrooms through counterpart funding with the state government”.
He added: “I don’t see myself as your king, but I see myself as your servant and I will continue to give my all for the rapid development of Idera kingdom and its environs. That was the specific instruction the Almighty God gave me before ascending the throne of my forefathers and I will not deviate from it. So, wherever you people want, send me.”
Oba Buremoh lauded the Kwara State Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, for the huge support Idera kingdom is receiving from his administration, particularly the construction of their road. Like Oliver Twist, the monarch is asking for more infrastructure and internet services to boost the economy of the area and curb rural-urban migration in the State.
In this regard, the monarch sued for peace among his people, saying that there can never be any meaningful development in an atmosphere of rancour, bickering and bitterness.
Speaking at the inter-faith prayer session, Pastor Oyinloye of the Seventh Day Adventist Church, Idera, and the Chief Imam of Idera. Alhaji Wahab Ibitoye, commended the selfless service of Oba Buremoh, thanking God for the vision, grace, direction and divine provision for the success so far.
In his tribute, Biyi Gbadeyan said: “Oba Buremoh is the first king I’ve witnessed who, when it comes to community projects, doesn’t merely issue orders or directives. Instead, you’ll find him personally involved, whether it’s digging, shoveling, or using a machete to clear grasses and trees. He refuses to leave the people to work alone.
“These are just a few of the aspects that astound me about this king. Despite his international acclaim, numerous Western accolades, and global recognition as a former world champion, he remains so humble and dedicated to serving others.”
A friend of the monarch, Chief Olufemi Owolabi, who is the Otunbalogun of Idera, and came in from the US to represent the 20 Chiefs in the Diaspora, lauded Oba Buremoh for his dedication to the welfare of his people and promised to convince his colleagues to further support his efforts.
He oversaw the cutting of the anniversary cake, made by the students of the Culinary Department of the Ladi vocational training center, which they presented to the monarch as a token of their appreciation for helping to better their lives.
The Oba also invited a friend from the UK, Princess Omowumi Ojo, represented by two of the employees in her foundation, who blessed 62 widows with a sum of five thousand naira each after counselling them, with a promise for more support to them.