Ebenezer Adurokiya, Reporting
RESIDENTS of Ogori and Magongo communities in Ogori/Magongo Local Government Area of Kogi State have expressed excitement following the installation of solar-powered street lights across several locations in the communities by retired Major General Erema Akerejola.
The project, according to community sources, covers strategic roads and locations in both Ogori and Magongo, providing illumination in areas that residents said had experienced years of darkness at night.
In Ogori, the solar street lights were installed along Bishop Ajomo Road, Odon Road, Oyara, Udo, Aiyetoro, Sambisa Joint and Eji.
In Magongo, the project covers Ozuma and Ededoyi in Obinoyin Ward, the Redeemed Church area, Asilele in Ugugu behind the Catholic Mission, as well as the UBE and Post Office areas.
Residents said the intervention has improved visibility at night and contributed to a greater sense of security, while also making movement and social activities easier after dark.
A community leader, who spoke on behalf of residents along Odon Otamurun Road, described Akerejola’s intervention as another demonstration of his commitment to the development of Ogori land.
“Gen. Akerejola has brought light to us in every sense. From Ozuma to Ededoyi in Obinoyin Ward, to Redeem, Asilele behind Catholic Mission, UBE and Post Office in Magongo, and Udo, Aiyetoro, Oyara, Sambisa Joint, Bishop Ajomo Road and Eji in Ogori, everywhere is now bright at night,” the community leader said.
He described the project as “timely, necessary and a long-desired prayer answered”, adding that Akerejola had consistently demonstrated concern for the welfare and development of the people.
The community also highlighted other interventions it attributed to the retired Army general, including the payment of school fees for indigent students, assistance in securing employment opportunities for young people in various federal agencies and parastatals, and financial support for market women to strengthen their businesses.
“Gen. Akerejola is not just a military icon, he is a father to all. He pays school fees, he helps our youths get jobs, he supports our market women. He has been doing this for long,” the resident said.
The community leader prayed for God’s continued blessings, strength and wisdom for Akerejola as he prepares to ascend the throne of his forefathers.
He also expressed optimism that Ogori would witness further development under the retired general’s traditional leadership.
Akerejola’s reported community interventions extend beyond the latest street-light project.
In 2024, he was said to have played a key role in facilitating the construction and asphalting by the Nigerian Army of a 1.6-kilometre road linking Community Comprehensive High School, Ogori, with township roads.
In recognition of that contribution, he was conferred with the Ogori National Merit Award during the 2024 Ovia Osese Festival.
The latest solar street-light project has further heightened calls within the communities for sustained development initiatives aimed at improving infrastructure, security and the quality of life of residents.
