Residents of Apatere town, Ward 2 in the Igbo-Elerin area of Lagelu Local Government have expressed immense joy following the renovation of a long-faulty community borehole by Mogaji Honorable Olajide Olatoye, popularly known as Big Daddy Sugar.
The borehole, which serves several communities within Apatere, had reportedly been out of service for years, leaving residents with no choice but to rely on unsafe and unhygienic water sources.
Efforts by the community to get the attention of relevant authorities over the years proved unsuccessful, worsening the hardship faced by the people.
However, relief came when the situation was brought to the attention of Hon. Olatoye. Demonstrating swift responsiveness, he visited the site alongside a team of professional engineers to assess the damage.
Within a few days of inspection, the borehole was successfully repaired and restored to full functionality.
The prompt intervention sparked widespread celebration among residents, who gathered at the site in jubilation, singing and dancing in appreciation of the gesture.
Speaking with Newslamp Nigeria correspondents during the commissioning, a resident, Mrs. Raji, described the development as a long-awaited breakthrough.
She noted that Hon. Olatoye had fulfilled a request the community had been making for over three years.
Another resident, who preferred to remain anonymous, said the restoration of the borehole marked the end of prolonged suffering for the people of Apatere.
Alhaji Waheed Alao, a strong member of PDP and one of the front leaders in ward 2 and Igbo-Elerin in general also expressed his joy over the accomplishment.
He commended Bigdaddy Sugar: “Like son, like father, Big Daddy Sugar is reciprocating his late junior brother, and this speaks volume on behalf of Igbo-Elerin indigenes which have been sidelined of political elective post for the past eight years, this is the time to Support our own TRUE SON OF D SOIL to become OYHA member representing Lagelu come 2027”, he added.
The Baale of the community, in his remarks, highlighted a symbolic connection, revealing that the borehole was originally constructed years ago by Honorable Temitope Olatoye, popularly known as Sugar.
He expressed delight that the facility coincidentally had now been rehabilitated by his elder brother, Hon. Olajide Olatoye, despite not holding any elective office.
In a show of appreciation and confidence, the people of Apatere unanimously pledged their support for Hon. Olatoye’s aspiration to represent Lagelu State Constituency at the Oyo State House of Assembly in 2027.
They also offered prayers for his continued success and service to the community.
Responding to the goodwill, Big Daddy Sugar appreciated the support and assured residents of his commitment to doing more developmental projects if given the mandate in the forthcoming elections.
The rehabilitation of the Apatere borehole stands as a significant intervention, restoring access to clean water and renewing hope among the people.
