In a proactive and compassionate response to the persistent environmental challenges facing Mistra Community in Saki, Oyo State, the Honourable Commissioner for Trade, Industry, Commerce and Cooperative, Hon. Niyi Adebisi, paid a strategic visit to the area and donated ₦1 million to address the erosion crisis devastating the community.
The donation, made through an instant transfer to the community’s official account, was aimed at initiating immediate remedial efforts to curb the environmental degradation threatening lives and properties within the community. During the visit, Hon. Adebisi also assured residents that he would mobilize additional support from the Oyo State Government, as well as seek assistance from the Ecological Fund, to ensure a long-term and sustainable solution to the crisis.
“The problems facing Mistra are not only beyond the scope of the Local Government, but they are also enormous for the State Government to handle alone at once. However, as a son of the soil and a representative of the people, I will not fold my arms. From my personal resources, I am donating ₦1 million today, and I promise to rally more support from associates and relevant agencies to address this situation,” Hon. Adebisi declared.
He further appreciated Governor Seyi Makinde for his commitment to the development of Oyo State and reiterated the administration’s passion for inclusive growth and grassroots development.
Joining Hon. Adebisi on the visit was the Chairman of the Oyo State Pension Board, Hon. Abdrafiu Adekunle, who expressed deep concern over the years of infrastructural neglect in the community. He cited the lack of quality healthcare, education, and motorable roads as major impediments to social and economic progress.
Hon. Adekunle appealed to residents to complement government efforts by contributing to community development. “We must understand that government, no matter how proactive, cannot solve all problems at once. Community involvement is crucial. When citizens initiate development, it becomes easier for the government to take it further,” he said.
Stakeholders and residents of Mistra Community have expressed heartfelt appreciation to Hon. Niyi Adebisi, the Honourable Commissioner for Trade, Industry, Commerce and Cooperative in Oyo State, for his generous donation of one million naira to address the deteriorating condition of the community’s road, only public school in the community and other confrontations affecting them. The school, whose entrance and structural integrity had become dangerously compromised, posed a serious risk to the safety of pupils and staff and the road which has been giving the residents tough time while trying to make use of it.
Hon. Adebisi’s timely intervention has been praised as a demonstration of responsive and compassionate leadership. Community members also commended his promise to further engage the state government and leverage the Ecological Fund to ensure sustainable repairs, expressing hope for continued collaboration in safeguarding the educational future of the area.
The visit was met with warm appreciation from community leaders and residents. Chairman of Mistra Community, Mr. Maruff Olatilewa Yahaya, and Community Secretary, Mr. Rasheed Ademola Yusuff, jointly commended Hon. Adebisi for his prompt intervention, describing him as a “true advocate for community development” whose actions go beyond rhetoric.
Another respected stakeholder and elder in the community, Alhaji Ibrahim Wesco, praised the Commissioner’s humility and sacrifice. “He could have ignored our plight, but instead, he came and even gave from his pocket. That is a gesture that deserves our deepest gratitude,” he said.
