…As Alaafin Stresses Essence Of Localisation

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade 1, has described a local passport office in a community as essential because it decentralises critical government services, eliminates long-distance travel to State capitals, reduces overcrowding at regional centres, and stimulates grassroots economic and social development.

In a press release issued by the Director of Media and Publicity to the Alaafin of Oyo, Bode Durojaiye, Oba Owoade stated this through a high-powered delegation led by a member of the Oyo Traditional Council (Oyo Mesi), High Chief Asimiyu Atanda, during a visit to the Oyo Passport Office to felicitate the Management on the autonomy granted it and without recourse to the Ibadan Passport Office.

Until recently, the Oyo Passport Office was an appendage of the Ibadan Passport Office.

However, with the new development, the name of Oyo Passport Office will be appearing on the International Passport processed from Oyo.

Oba Owoade pointed out that the Oyo Passport Office would bring biometric capture and documentation services closer to rural or semi-urban residents, saving travel time and transport costs.

“It would also alleviate massive workloads and long queues at Central State or Regional Passport Headquarters, increase local commercial activities as travellers from neighbouring towns visit the City for administrative processing, as well as create jobs directly through facility staffing and indirectly via local micro-businesses that support office visitors”, Alaafin stressed.

Earlier, the Chief Passport Officer for Oyo Passport Office, Assistant Controller of immigration, Oladejo Taiwo David, who appreciated the visit of Alaafin’s delegation, stressed the fact that this feat wouldn’t have been achieved if not for the efforts of His Imperial Majesty with the support of Oyo sons, notably Alhaji Daud Igi Ogun.

He solicited the support of the Alaafin in the creation of awareness for the people to start patronising the Passport Office instead of going to Ibadan and Ilorin, while promising that the Oyo Passport Office would serve the people better, as it would be faster to get their passports.

On the delegation was the Director of Administration to the Alaafin, Prince Adesola Sanda, and a renowned Sheikh, Alhaji Daud Igi- Ogun.

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