The paramount ruler of Yewaland, the Olu of Ilaro, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, has issued a strong call to action for the sons and daughters of Yewaland. He urged them to prioritize the collective development of Ogun West by making meaningful investments in their homeland. The monarch made this appeal during the grand opening of two significant projects: the Yewa Frontier Radio and an Amusement Park in Ilaro, Ogun State, on 3 January 2026.
Dual Projects to Empower and Entertain Yewa People
Oba Olugbenle highlighted the distinct roles the new facilities will play in advancing the community. He stated that the Amusement Park is designed to enhance the recreational life and social wellbeing of the people. Simultaneously, the Yewa Frontier Radio will serve as a sustainable platform for indigenous storytelling, fostering unity and accelerating the growth of Yewaland.
The traditional ruler praised the visionary behind the projects, Afisu Olabintan (also referred to as Afisu Olaibitan), for his foresight. He noted that Olabintan's primary interest is not merely profit but the genuine development and employment of his people. Oba Olugbenle emphasized that moving Yewa forward requires a unified effort, warning against any actions that could hinder the progress of Ogun West.
Investor Advocates for Self-Help and Economic Diversification
Speaking at the event, the founder and Nigerian-American investor, Afisu Olabintan, addressed broader national issues. He identified a chronic lack of planning and vision as a key impediment to Nigeria's economic growth and a direct cause of its infrastructural decay.
Olabintan clarified that his projects are a form of social investment, a way to give back to Yewa society after over 50 years abroad. He stressed that the radio station, in particular, is a long-awaited tool for regional progress. To tackle national challenges like unemployment and economic uncertainty, he advocated for robust public-private partnerships (PPPs).
He offered a critical analysis, stating, "The problem of the country is not only about corruption but [the] inability of the resources to circulate." This failure in circulation, he argued, is a fundamental cause of the nation's economic woes. He also pointed to internal factors, suggesting that part of Yewa's historical marginalization stems from the community's own past inability to drive its development.
A Unified Call for Collective Action
Olabintan commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his developmental drive but critiqued the long-standing practice of exporting crude oil for refining, which he said has negatively impacted the nation's economy. He urged Nigeria to move with urgency from its over-reliance on a mono-economy and diversify its revenue sources to regain relevance globally.
Reiterating the monarch's message, Oba Olugbenle called on all well-meaning Yewa indigenes to follow Olabintan's example and invest in their land. He declared that for Yewa to witness unprecedented development, "all hands must be on the deck." The event marks a significant step in local efforts to stimulate growth from within, combining community leadership with diaspora investment to chart a new course for Ogun West.
