The Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ogun State Council,Comrade Bunmi Adigun and the Balogun Woro of Ijaye Kurunmi has congratulated Amb. Habeeb Whyte on his inauguration as Chairman of the Sabo Stayte Association, describing his emergence as a step in the right direction for grassroots development in the Sabo community.
The congratulatory message comes as residents of Sabo in Abeokuta North Local Government Area of Ogun State ushered in a new leadership team expected to drive development across the community.
Amb. Whyte, who was inaugurated on Friday, is already setting an ambitious tone for his administration, with a focus on education, healthcare, youth inclusion, and infrastructural growth. Speaking shortly after the ceremony, he assured residents that his leadership would foster unity between the youth and elders while repositioning the association beyond its traditional social functions.
“We have taken this responsibility with all our heart. We promise to build a better and well-refined community where the youth and the elderly will live together harmoniously. We appeal to our fathers and mothers for their guidance and support, and we ask that any past grievances be set aside for the progress of our community,” he said.
In a shift from the association’s previous emphasis on annual social gatherings, the chairman stressed that his administration would prioritize development-driven initiatives. He disclosed that representatives of the Sabo Stayte Association would now actively participate in community-based structures such as CDA, CDC, and PCRC meetings to strengthen engagement and representation.
Highlighting early achievements, Whyte revealed that three out of four planned borehole projects are already underway to improve access to clean water. He also noted that the association has begun investing in education by sponsoring examination fees for students.
“We have paid JAMB fees for 20 students and made provisions for WAEC fees for another 20, while a sponsor has pledged to support an additional 10 students,” he said.
He emphasized the changing narrative of the Sabo community, noting that residents are increasingly becoming professionals contributing meaningfully to development.
“This community was once described as less privileged, but today we have professionals, including aspiring lawmakers, lawyers, and doctors. We are determined to invest our resources to develop our own community,” he added.
The chairman further disclosed plans to collaborate with international organisations to organise health sensitisation programmes, including free medical screenings and eye care services for residents. He also announced the establishment of a functional secretariat to serve as the administrative hub of the association.
With a membership base of over 3,000 youths and 65 Community Development Associations under its umbrella, the new leadership says it is committed to transforming the image and fortunes of Sabo Stayte.
Also lending support, a representative of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, through his aide Olori Habeebat Bankole, described Whyte as a capable leader with a strong passion for community development.
“You have chosen a man with the capacity to deliver. Within a year, there will be visible achievements,” she said.
Community leaders also offered guidance to the new executive. Hon. Wale Bello urged the team to prioritise developmental projects over social events and recommended a review of the association’s constitution. Similarly, the Matron of the association, Alhaja Ibrahim Muibat, alongside other patrons, suggested extending the executive tenure to two years to allow for effective project implementation.
The newly inaugurated executive team includes Habeeb Whyte as Chairman and Suliat Ibrahim as Vice Chairman, alongside other members tasked with delivering the association’s vision of sustainable community development.
Observers say the combination of strong stakeholder support, clear developmental goals, and early project execution signals a promising start for the new administration.
