The 15th Oniru of Iru land, Oba Abdul Wasiu Omogbolahan Lawal Abisogun II, has unveiled plans for the people of Iru land a few days after his coronation. 

The monarch unveiled the first focus of his reign as LEGIT, a project tagged Let’s Grow Iru land Together. 

According to the king’s private secretary, Hakeem Akintoye, the LEGIT vision is an integrated, multi-faceted, and multi-stakeholder plan that leverages broad pillars that include, tourism, culture, agriculture, technology, environment, health, and poverty alleviation to build a prosperous Iru land.

HRM Abisogun II Foundation

Oba Oniru Omogbolahan Lawal has revealed his baby project, HRM Abisogun II Foundation for peace and development, and why it is dear to his heart. 

According to the king’s media consultant, Victor Ganzallo, the foundation seeks to empower sons and daughters of the kingdom as well as other well-meaning Lagosians, especially young people and women to contribute meaningfully to the growth and development of the community, state, and country at large.

Speaking on the king’s pet project, one of the trustees, Mrs. Olaniyan said the foundation aims to become an empowerment hub for the Iru people, mostly women, and children. Olaniyan explained that a total of 32 women have already been endowed with a seed fund of N50,000 as the project intends to cater to at least 2000 beneficiaries after partnering with corporate bodies for funding.

The Iru empowerment hub was launched on July 26 and has seen many of the beneficiaries turning over the seed funds in just two months. Olaniyan also said the beneficiaries were also supported with entrepreneurial training and skills transfer by experienced mentors. She also noted that a tracking scheme has been put in place to monitor and evaluate the growth of the seed fund in other to transit to an asset base of N250,000 in cash and produce within one year.

The New Oniru

The king’s private secretary, Hakeem Akintoye further highlighted the monarch’s plan to revisit all the environmental and developmental issues in the community.

To this end, the project will have consultants reviewing the entire estate from a topographical and distribution viewpoint to reduce flooding and improve roads.

Speaking on the project, Oba Lawal said, “I always try to avoid the predict-and-provide theory or syndrome in all leadership positions I have occupied. This is why before I set out to implement any policy, program, or project, I ensure stakeholder’s feedback is sought, hence this engagement.”

Akintoye also disclosed that the project will ensure improved power supply in the estate.

He further said plans are in top gear to critically look into a recycling alternative for the estate as waste disposal has since become a major issue. 

With a newly created office to cater to residents and stakeholders, data on title documents, deeds are to be centrally collated. This is expected to enhance physical planning. Consultations, according to Akintoye, are ongoing for improved and enforceable regulations for planning regulations to put an end to defacing the estate or flouting planning regulations.

Iru royal museum

Another project which is dear to the 15th Oniru of Iru land is the Iru royal museum. Plans are ongoing to construct the Oniru royal museum to position the institution as a leader in reawakening the modern-day generation to the importance of culture and traditions. According to Akintoye, the museum will also provide academic and culture enthusiasts with information, research, and history to spur the next generation of the renaissance to evolve.