YULETIDE RELIEF: Egbeda Local Government Residents Smile As Council Chairman, Sanda Oyedele Launches Food Bank Initiative To Alleviate Economic Hardship

Ibadan, Oyo State – The Executive Chairman of Egbeda Local Government, Hon. Sanda Sikiru Oyedele, has launched a Food Bank Initiative, distributing relief packages to residents of the council area in a bid to cushion the effects of the current economic hardship and inflation. The event, held at the Egbeda Local Government Secretariat, Ibadan, on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, aimed to provide immediate relief to families struggling to make ends meet during the yuletide season.

In his keynote address, Hon. Sanda expressed his gratitude to Almighty Allah for the success of the initiative and appreciated the support of the Governor of Oyo State, H.E, Engr. Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde, and the residents of Egbeda Local Government. He stated that the initiative was part of the government’s commitment to the welfare of the people, aligning with the four cardinal objectives of the state government: Education, Agriculture, Security, and Infrastructural Development.

Hon. Sanda Oyedele emphasized that the Food Bank Initiative was a response to the current economic challenges, aiming to ensure that residents have access to essential food supplies during the festive season. The relief packages included food items such as rice, cassava flour, semovita, spaghetti, groundnut oil, and others, carefully selected to meet the needs of the people.

The Egbeda LG Chairman noted that despite the recent drop in prices of some food commodities, many essentials were still out of reach for the common man, necessitating the intervention. He assured that the initiative was not a one-time affair but part of a broader commitment to supporting the people of Egbeda Local Government.

Dignitaries who spoke at the event praised Hon. Sanda’s efforts, describing him as a hardworking and creative leader. Elder Wole Oyelese, former Minister in Oyo State and Co-Chairman of the Oyo State Elders’ Council, commended Hon. Sanda’s performance, stating that he was a reliable and dependable ally. He highlighted Hon. Sanda’s role as Chairman of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) in Oyo State, underscoring his influence and commitment to public service.

Pastor Akinade Alamu, member of the Oyo State government advisory council, also praised Hon. Sanda’s work, saying he was loved by the people of Egbeda and Oyo State. He noted that Hon. Sanda Oyedele had learnt much from Governor Seyi Makinde and was acting in line with the Governor’s vision for the state.

The Elegbeda of Egbeda, Oba Adegboyega Soliu, noted that Egbeda was now famous in Nigeria due to Hon. Sanda’s good work. He recounted an instance where he was introduced at a function as the Elegbeda, and the mention of Egbeda drew applause due to Hon. Sanda’s initiatives, making the local government proud.

Chief Mrs. Jumoke Lawal (Mama Pineapple) prayed that God would elevate Hon. Sanda Sikiru Oyedele beyond his current position, saying he was the glory of Egbeda and Oyo State. She commended the numerous good works done by Hon. Sanda for the progress of Egbeda, Ajorosun, and Ibadanland.

Hon. Ibrahim Oladebo Simple, Executive Vice Chairman & Political Head, Ajorosun Local Council Development Area (LCDA), was among the dignitaries who attended the event, showing solidarity with the initiative.

The event was marked by a sense of joy and appreciation among the residents, who received the relief packages with gratitude. Hon. Sanda’s commitment to improving the lives of the people was evident in the carefully curated packages aimed at addressing immediate needs.

In his closing remarks, Hon. Sanda Sikiru Oyedele wished all residents a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, reaffirming his commitment to the welfare of the people of Egbeda Local Government. He expressed optimism that the initiative would continue in the future, touching more lives.

Elder Wole Oyelese also spoke about Governor Seyi Makinde’s upcoming tenure, noting that the Governor would be leaving office in 2027 and that God would decide who would succeed him. He emphasized the need for progress in Oyo State and for whoever takes over to continue the good works of Engr. Makinde.

Hon. Sanda Sikiru Oyedele’s Food Bank Initiative has clearly resonated with the people, addressing a critical need during a challenging economic period. The distribution of food items brought relief to many families, highlighting the impact of local government initiatives on the ground.

The success of the event also reflected the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders, including traditional leaders, political leaders, and community members, all coming together to support the people.

As the people of Egbeda celebrated the festive season with the relief packages, there was a renewed sense of hope and appreciation for the efforts of their leaders. The initiative underscored the importance of responsive governance in addressing the needs of the community.

The event concluded with prayers for Hon. Sanda Sikiru Oyedele and the continued prosperity of Egbeda Local Government and Oyo State as a whole.

In attendance were: Hon. Ibrahim Oladebo Simple, Executive Vice Chairman & Political Head, Ajorosun Local Council Development Area (LCDA); Hon. Olakanmi Olusola, Leader of the House; Hon. Kabir Siyanbola Ladi, Chief of Staff, Egbeda LG; Chief Dr. Mrs. Ayobami Monsurat Alaga, HLGA Egbeda LG; Alhaji Ganiyu Babatunde, Acting HLGA Ajorosun; Hon. Olasunkanmi Babalola, Member representing Egbeda State Constituency and Deputy Majority Leader, Oyo State House of Assembly; Hon. Alawe Ebenezer, Chairman, People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Egbeda LG; and Pastor Olamoyegun Judah, former Chairman, PDP Egbeda LG.

Also in attendance were: Oba Sulaimon Oladapo, Alajia of Ajia; Oba Adegboyega Soliu; Chief Daoda Adio, Babaloja, Egbeda LG; Chief Mrs. Moriyeba Rafiu, Iyaloja, Egbeda LG; His Royal Highness, Oba Salami Oguntayo, Onisade of Isade; Alhaji Adio Rufai, Chief Imam, Egbeda LG; Rev. Ojo Daniel Adesoji, Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Egbeda LG; Mrs. Abanikanda Tolani, Women Leader, People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Egbeda LG; Wards Chairmen; all Supervisory Councillors; Party Members; and other dignitaries.