Group lifts community infrastructure – The Nation Newspaper

The Arigidi Akoko Renewal Group (AARG), a non-governmental and non-partisan development organization comprising indigenous sons and daughters of Arigidi Akoko in Ondo State resident in Nigeria and the diaspora, has completed and handed over a number of strategic community development projects in its domain.

The projects which are located within Arigidi Akoko Community in Akoko North West Local Government Area of the state are aimed at advancing grassroots development and social wellbeing.

The completion and donation of these projects were made public through an official statement jointly signed by the President of the group, Dr. Johnson Yaya, Secretary, Mr. Seun Komolafe, and Prince Olugbenga Olanipekun, a member of the Project Coordination Team.

The statement underscored the group’s collective commitment to the sustainable development and renewal of their ancestral homeland.

According to the statement, AARG formally informed the Arigidi Akoko community of the successful execution of key developmental interventions designed to enhance public safety, strengthen educational infrastructure, and improve the overall quality of life of residents.

The group noted that the projects were conceived in response to identified community needs and were implemented as part of its broader vision to support inclusive growth, civic responsibility, and long-term community resilience.

The NGO further reaffirmed its dedication to partnering with community stakeholders, traditional institutions, and relevant authorities to ensure that the benefits of the projects are sustained and that future initiatives continue to address pressing developmental challenges within Arigidi Akoko.

As part of its commitment to improving public safety and community infrastructure, the group fully financed the procurement, donation, and installation of 90 units of 200-watt solar-powered street lights across key and high-traffic areas of Arigidi Akoko.

This landmark initiative was conceived to significantly enhance night-time visibility, strengthen community security, and stimulate social and economic activities after dusk.

The deployment of the solar street lights covers several strategic corridors within the town, including major junctions, access roads, and community hubs including Agbaluku Junction to Okeagbe Junction, Okeagbe Junction to Palace Junction, Palace Junction through Obalende to Okebola Junction, Okebola Junction through Imo Arigidi Road.

The Group disclosed that the choice of solar-powered technology aligns with its vision of promoting sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions, while also ensuring reliable lighting in areas with limited or inconsistent access to conventional electricity.

Beyond improving road safety for motorists and pedestrians, the project is expected to deter criminal activities, extend business hours for local traders, and enhance the overall sense of security and wellbeing of the residents.

In furtherance of its commitment to strengthening teaching and learning outcomes and supporting students in the community to attain academic excellence, the NGO undertook a targeted intervention aimed at enhancing educational infrastructure within Arigidi Akoko. Recognising that access to quality learning materials remains a critical factor in student performance, the initiative was designed to bridge existing resource gaps in public secondary schools.

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As part of this effort, the group donated a wide range of up-to-date textbooks covering key subjects across all class levels to selected public secondary schools in the community. The intervention was intended not only to support students’ academic needs but also to ease the burden on teachers by providing adequate instructional resources to improve lesson delivery and learning outcomes.

The beneficiary schools include Okota High School, Arigidi Akoko, Akoko Anglican Grammar School, Arigidi Akoko, and Ajiroke Technical High School, Arigidi Akoko.

According to the group, the textbook donation is expected to enhance classroom engagement, encourage independent study, and better prepare students for internal and external examinations. The initiative reflects the Group’s broader vision of investing in human capital development as a foundation for long-term community growth and socio-economic advancement.

In addition to its educational support initiatives, the Group undertook the comprehensive

renovation of two (2) classrooms at Okota High School, Arigidi Akoko, as part of its efforts to create a safer, more comfortable, and more conducive learning environment for both students and teachers.

The renovation works addressed critical infrastructural needs, ensuring that the classrooms are better suited to support effective teaching, improved student concentration, and overall academic performance.

The group acknowledged and deeply appreciated the cooperation and support received from community leaders, key stakeholders, and residents throughout the execution of the projects. According to the Group, the success of the interventions was largely driven by the collective goodwill, shared responsibility, and strong sense of unity demonstrated by the community.

The NGO further expressed confidence that with sustained collaboration, a common development vision, and continued community ownership of such initiatives, Arigidi Akoko would experience enduring and inclusive development that will benefit present and future generations.