By Sunday Adepoju
Rather than celebrating his birthday with pomp and pageantry, Surveyor John Oladejo Oladepo, Director-General of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) House of Representatives Campaign for Ogbomoso North, Ogbomoso South and Oriire Federal Constituency candidate, Dr. Adekunle Samson Adegbite, chose to mark the occasion by giving back to the community through an environmental sanitation exercise.
The community service, held on Saturday at Aduin, along the Hamama area of Ogbomoso, attracted members of the NDC, supporters of the party’s House of Representatives candidate, Dr. Adekunle Samson Adegbite, popularly known as “Twindad,” as well as residents of the community.
The exercise focused on clearing blocked drainage channels that had long posed environmental and public health concerns to residents.
Armed with wheelbarrows, shovels, hoes and other working tools, volunteers removed heaps of sand, refuse and other debris that had obstructed the free flow of water through the drains.
In addition to desilting the drainage channels, part of the excavated sand was used to fill potholes along the road to improve accessibility, while the remaining debris was evacuated to ensure a cleaner and healthier environment.
The exercise commenced as early as 7:00 a.m., with youths, party faithful and other volunteers turning out in large numbers, demonstrating a shared commitment to environmental cleanliness and community development.
Speaking during the exercise, Surveyor Oladepo appreciated all the volunteers for sacrificing their time to serve the community, noting that the birthday initiative reflected his belief that leadership is fundamentally about selfless service to humanity.
He urged residents to sustain the effort by maintaining a clean environment and avoiding indiscriminate dumping of refuse into drainage channels, stressing that environmental sanitation is a collective responsibility.
Oladepo said, “I am a citizen of Nigeria and a proud son of Ogbomoso. Today, July 11, is my birthday, and I give God all the glory and honour. I felt it was important to give back to the community that has produced and supported us.
“Instead of organising a party or going to a club, I decided to invite my friends, supporters and associates to join me in rendering this service to the community. There is still much to be done to keep our environment clean.”
The exercise was well received by residents, many of whom commended the celebrant and the NDC team for the thoughtful initiative, describing it as a practical demonstration of people-oriented leadership and an example worthy of emulation.
Reacting to the initiative, renowned chef Prince Temitope Adebayo, popularly known as Chef Tope Maggie, described the gesture as commendable.
“I want to wish my Director-General, Surveyor John Oladejo Oladepo, popularly called Surveyor Jogger, a happy birthday.
“He chose not to celebrate with feasting alone but instead identified with the community through environmental service.
“We have successfully cleared the sand that blocked the drainage channels and also filled potholes along the road. My appeal is that people should celebrate in ways that positively impact their communities,” he said.
The Chairman of the NDC in Ogbomoso South, Mrs. Temitope Oyedare, said the exercise reflected the celebrant’s character.
“Today is Surveyor John Oladejo Oladepo’s birthday, and we are marking it through community service. He is kind, responsible and accountable.
“As we carry out this exercise, we are also identifying with our principal, Dr. Adekunle Samson Adegbite, the NDC House of Representatives candidate for Ogbomoso North, Ogbomoso South and Oriire Federal Constituency. Dr. Adegbite is a philanthropist and humanitarian par excellence who has consistently supported the poor, youths, widows, women, the elderly and other vulnerable members of society,” she said.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the NDC in Ogbomoso North, Comrade Gbemileke Adegbola, described Surveyor Oladepo as a passionate humanitarian.
“Surveyor Jogger is a lover of humanity, and his contributions to society are commendable. I encourage others to emulate his example. If more people render this kind of service, our communities will become cleaner and healthier,” he said.
In an interview with Pan-Nigerian News, Ms. Margaret Opeyemi described the celebrant as a dependable leader.
“He is my friend, boss and confidant. He is a friend of the people and a true team player. He is a dogged leader with a passion for serving others. Above all, I pray that God grants him sound health and many more fruitful years,” she said.
