RevolutionPlus Property Company through their foundation, Chris Bamidele Onalaja Foundation (CBOF), shut down Isonyin-Ijebu in Ogun State, on Tuesday 25th May 2021 as part of activities to celebrate the GMD of Revolutionplus Property Company and Founder of Chris Bamidele Onalaja on his birthday, as they give back to the community. Don’t forget that Dr Bamidele Onalaja is from the community. In fact, he had his secondary education there.
The team was led by the founder of the foundation, Chris Bamidele Onalaja, the Group Managing Director of RevolutionPlus Property, and his amiable wife, Mrs Tolulope Onalaja. The Oba of Isonyin land, HRM Abdul-Rasheed Omotayo Cossy Salami, The Saderiren of Isoyin and his beautiful Oloori, Adebanke Salami, were the hosts.
Some of the projects commissioned include: Police station, boreholes. They also empowered 50 widows, and gave 10 scholarships to 10 pupils and many others. The Ilufemiloyi 1 Oba Salami, received the crew and staff of RevolutionPlus Properties at his newly built Palace. He, his Chiefs and other Baales of the community were already seated at his (Kabiesi) premises to welcome RevolutionPlus and its crew to the community. The event was handled by one of the daughters of Isonyin, Yeye Adesola Salami. She ensured the whole activities went smoothly.
One of the biggest projects that was donated to the community is the newly built Police station by Chris Bamidele Onalaja Foundation, and it was the first project to be commissioned shortly after the introductions and familiarisation at the palace.
During the introduction, the Kabiesi who had been waiting patiently for the arrival of Chris Bamidele Onalaja Foundation, said he was pleased to welcome them to his palace; pointing out that Dr Onalaja is a son of the soil and he’s proud of him for coming back to his root. He said they had not met before that day, that they only talk on phone.
Dr Onalaja in his speech also praised Kabiesi for his integrity. That it’s one thing to collect money and it’s another thing to use it judiciously. He said he didn’t know the structure (Police station) can be that big. The beautiful wife of Dr Onalaja, Mrs Tolulope Onalaja also spoke. She said a lot of good things about her husband and the community.
Shortly after her speech, was the commissioning of the Police station, donated by Chris Bamidele Onalaja Foundation and the borehole which was by the side of the Police station. The Police station is a modern structure and it has 2 cell units which were beautifully constructed. There are about 4 rooms for offices.
Shortly after, the whole team moved down to where Chris Bamidele Onalaja Foundation was giving free medical service to the community. The Oba and Chief, and Baales took part in the exercise.
Let’s also tell you that Chris Bamidele Onalaja Foundation empowered over 50 widows with 50 thousand naira each and 10 students also received scholarships from two schools. 5 students from Isoyin Grammar School, while the other from Odopotu Grammar School got the remaining 5.
The Kabiesi, Oba Abdul-Rasheed Omotayo Salami, spoke briefly to City People about how he feels. “ I feel great. I’m happy for myself, I’m happy for Isonyin. I’m happy for Bamidele too. We have tagged him today as Oluomo of Isonyin.
What else do you feel or think should be done more? You can see that a lot of things have broken down. Things have really broken down in this town but I’m happy for this. I’m also doing my part. I have started some projects; I just completed six-room toilets for primary school students. I pray the Almighty God will continue to guide and protect us in all ramification.
How old are you on the throne sir? I would be 5 years on the throne in November. I came in November 2016. November would be 5 years I have been on the throne. I feel so happy.
He also talked about his mission for Isonyin before he became an Oba of the town? My vision is to see that my people are up there where they should be. I want to bring them up to a certain standard. I want to alleviate their poverty. I want to do things no one has ever done before. During my reign I want to feel good and be happy.
What’s your message to sons and daughters of Isonyin all over the world? They should come back home and emulate Chris Bamidele. They should come back! You haven’t seen anything, because we have just started. It has never happened like this before. They should come and join me. I can’t do it alone. I can’t develop this community alone; they should join me to do it.
Tell us a bit about yourself before you became an Oba of Isonyin? Before the Obaship came, I was an accountant with the Federal Government and I served for 35 years before I retired. I retired in 2015, I became an Oba in 2016.
Were you a bit sceptical when you were told you would become an Oba? That’s normal. I was sceptical when I was told I would become an Oba in the community. I asked myself what would I be doing there because I was in the federal service. I was enjoying myself and coming down to Isonyin, I was sceptical that what will I be doing. And thank God today, I’m 5 years on the throne already. I’m happy, I’m healthier.
Are you fulfilled so far sir? Yes, I am. I sleep Isonyin. I dream Isonyin. I think about the goodness of Isonyin. I am happy to be here with my people. This is my root.
The founder of the Chris Bamidele Onalaja Foundation, expressed his happiness and joy for what they were able to do in his community Isonyin. In his speech, he thanked Kabiesi Oba Cossy Salami “for giving us the opportunity for partnering with you so that we can be able to change and touch more lives in Isonyin”.
“Today, we launched a big Police station through Chris Bamidele Onalaja Foundation. We also launched 2 boreholes. We are also doing free medical checks for the people of Isonyin community. We also gave scholarships to 10 students and 50 widows were empowered with 50 thousand naira each.
Mrs Onalaja also said, what we do best is giving back to the society. We have been taught to always give. Giving is a lifestyle and that doesn’t mean it has something with what you have. Today, 50 widwos were empowered and we also gave 10 scholarship to 10 students.
Two weeks back over 150 widows were empowered through Chris Bamidele Onalaja Foundation (CBOF) in celebrating the founder and the GMD birthday, Chris Bamidele Onalaja.
Present on that day were: Otunba Bamidele Osinibi, (Agbon of Isonyin), High Chief Bola Awoyungbo (Kakanfo of Isonyin), Chief Niyi Ogunkoya (Asipa of Isonyin), Baale KM Ogunkoya (Baale Okemilowo), Baale V.O Osinowo (Baale Oremeji), J.A Onamade Ilupa, Chief Oluwole Torimiro Itun Ogun, Chief Onalaja (Itun Eyindi), Chief Alhaji Salisu (Ekeji Ilu Okemilowo), Chief Mrs Omowunmi Mabadeje (Erelu of Isonyin), Chief Niyi Adekoya (Abore of Isonyin), Baale F.O Omotayo (Baale Oketagun), Chief S.S Odule (Balogun Isonyin), Deola Tayo (Lord-Banjur), Princess Awonuga (former V Chairman INELG), Oloori Adebanke Salami.
-ISAAC ABIMBADE
