The Collectives, a club based in Remo, has urged companies to support their local communities in order to create conditions that promote economic development. During the club’s 25th anniversary event in Lagos State, The Collectives’ President, Wole Ogunsanya, stated that the club’s goal is to uplift the Remo people, Ogun State, and Nigeria as a whole.
Ogunsanya stated, “The government alone cannot address the issues in Nigeria. Anyone in Nigeria who has the chance to contribute, to assist individuals inside and outside their community, we all should motivate people to do so.”
He stated that The Collectives’ members have continually supported health, education, and empowerment programs throughout Remo, reaching 44 towns. He mentioned that the club organizes a health week each year in collaboration with Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, providing free medications to approximately 3,000 residents, valued at more than N150m obtained from the United States.
“The medications enhance the well-being of our citizens beyond the health week. They are provided to the university, which distributes them at no cost to individuals throughout the year,” Ogunsanya added.
The president of the Collectives emphasized that community investment also fosters a supportive atmosphere for businesses to succeed. “Without security and a favorable environment, you can’t achieve the predictability that investors require. It’s not by chance that numerous companies are establishing themselves in Remo. We are offering the necessary conditions,” he stated.
A guest speaker and former Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, stated that initiatives in Remo, including the federal operations division of the Nigeria Customs Service, a training institution, and storage facilities near the Gateway Agro-Cargo Airport—most of which are completed—are expected to draw investments into the area.
Osinbajo stated, “These are initiatives aimed at uplifting communities, generating long-term employment opportunities, and drawing international funding. The sole means of maintaining them is via political determination and shared accountability.”
The former vice president called on Remo leaders to push for the completion of the projects and make sure that federal lawmakers from the region obtain funding for infrastructure. “True prosperity will only be achieved by maintaining and growing the significant industrial projects that are currently taking hold in our area,” he stated.
The chairman of the anniversary planning committee, Bankole Kalejaiye, stated that the club, established in 1999, has conducted various quiet initiatives but decided to highlight its achievements after 25 years to gain additional backing.
“Our shared goal is to ensure that we contribute back to the community. We have been involved in empowering widows, providing scholarships for students, and offering vocational training. Starting from January 2026, we intend to support more individuals in obtaining international certifications,” Kalejaiye said.
A notable part of the event was the recognition of individuals by the club, including philanthropist Kesington Adebutu, who was honored with the Lifetime Achievement award, and Asiwaju of the Remo Kingdom, Solomon Onafowokan, who received the Leadership Award.
Other recipients included the late Member of the House of Representatives, Adewunmi Onanuga, who received the posthumous Outstanding Community Service Award; Kunle Soname, Chairman of Value Jet Airline and founder of Bet9ja Limited, who was honored with the Impact Award; and petroleum economist Tunji Lawal-Solarin along with businessman Kola Oyefeso, who were presented with the Excellence Award.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).
