Oluwatobi Aruwajoye Joins Ondo Governor to Commission Alpha Shea-Butter Company, Military Facility, Hails Chief Rotimi Ibidapo Contributions in Owo
The drive for economic expansion and enhanced security infrastructure in Ondo State received a major boost on Monday as frontline Owo Constituency II aspirant, Oluwatobi Aruwajoye, joined the state government and prominent stakeholders for the commissioning of key projects in Owo. The event, led by Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa who was well-represented by his Deputy, Chief Dr. Olayide Adelami, mni brought together traditional rulers, captains of industry, and community leaders in a show of unified support for development.
At the heart of the occasion was the official commissioning of the Alpha Shea-Butter Company and a modern Nigerian Army facility, both delivered through the philanthropic efforts of Chief Rotimi Ibidapo, the Aare Atuluse of Owo Kingdom and Akile of the Source. The twin projects are widely regarded as transformative interventions aimed at stimulating local enterprise, deepening agro-industrial value chains, and reinforcing security presence within the area. Attendees noted that the scale and quality of the facilities reflect a new benchmark for private-sector-driven development in Ondo North.
In his remarks, Chief Ibidapo disclosed that the Alpha Shea-Butter Company has already created over 300 direct employment opportunities while sustaining more than 5,000 indirect livelihoods for pickers, aggregators, transporters, and outgrowers. He emphasized that the initiative was intentionally designed to empower women and young people, positioning them at the center of an inclusive economic growth strategy.
“This is not charity; it is investment in our people,” he said, adding that the company will prioritize local sourcing and skills transfer to strengthen Owo’s economy.
Speaking on behalf of the state governor, Deputy Governor Dr. Olayide Adelami lauded the donor’s commitment to development, describing the projects as timely and impactful. He reiterated the administration’s openness to partnerships that drive industrialization, reduce unemployment, and strengthen the state’s security framework.
“When well-meaning citizens deploy resources to solve community problems, government must encourage and complement them,” Adelami stated, while assuring that the state would provide an enabling environment for the projects to thrive.
In his address, Oluwatobi Aruwajoye hailed Chief Rotimi Ibidapo’s contributions to Owo, describing him as a model of responsible leadership and community investment. Aruwajoye noted that the projects align with the aspirations of Owo Constituency II for jobs, safety, and sustainable growth.
“What we witnessed today is the kind of development we must replicate, private initiative meeting public need. I commend Chief Ibidapo and also appreciate him for being a great role model to many of us in the state” he said.
The ceremony also featured the groundbreaking of new office complexes for the Amotekun Corps and the State Security Service, further underscoring a holistic approach to development that integrates economic and security priorities. Both projects are fully funded by the Owo-born philanthropist, reinforcing his legacy of community-driven impact and long-term commitment to the peace and prosperity of the kingdom.
Dignitaries at the event included members of the Ondo State Executive Council, traditional rulers led by His Imperial Majesty, Oba Dr. Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III, the Olowo of Owo, alongside Chief Jimi Adetula, local government and LCDA leaders, religious figures, and development partners. The convergence of political, traditional, and business leaders signaled broad consensus on the need to prioritize job creation and security as twin pillars for Owo’s future.
