According to a news report from New Telegraph, construction of the state-of-the-art vocational and computer training centre in Idera kingdom, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, is swiftly advancing and is on track to be inaugurated this December.

His Royal Highness, the Onidera of Idera kingdom, Oba James Oladipo Buremoh, announced this milestone during the commemoration of his 20th anniversary on the throne of his ancestors.

The project, aimed at revitalising Idera kingdom and fostering employment prospects for its young populace, is spearheaded by Oba James Oladipo Buremoh, also known as ‘Ladi African Tiger’, a renowned international wrestler in his prime. The initiative is realised through the Ladi Tiger Rural Development Foundation, with generous backing from the monarch's cabinet members and associates, both locally and abroad.

Addressing attendees at the ceremony, the monarch expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support he received since assuming the throne in 2004, attributing the success of his two-decade reign to the unwavering backing of his cabinet, family, friends, and chiefs from within the kingdom and beyond.

Some of his achievements during the 20-year reign, he said, included “provision of portable water, infrastructure, renovation of the dispensary and classrooms, and construction of new classrooms through counterpart funding with the state government”.

He added: “I don’t see myself as your king, but I see myself as your servant and I will continue to give my all for the rapid development of Idera kingdom and its environs. That was the specific instruction the Almighty God gave me before ascending the throne of my forefathers and I will not deviate from it. So, wherever you people want, send me.”

Oba Buremoh lauded the Kwara State Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, for the huge support Idera kingdom is receiving from his administration, particularly the construction of their road. Like Oliver Twist, the monarch is asking for more infrastructure and internet services to boost the economy of the area and curb rural-urban migration in the State.

In this regard, the monarch sued for peace among his people, saying that there could never be any meaningful development in an atmosphere of rancour, bickering and bitterness.

Speaking at the inter-faith prayer session, Pastor Oyinloye of the Seventh Day Adventist Church, Idera, and the Chief Imam of Idera. Alhaji Wahab Ibitoye, commended the selfless service of Oba Buremoh, thanking God for the vision, grace, direction and divine provision for the success so far.

In his tribute, Biyi Gbadeyan said: “Oba Buremoh is the first king I’ve witnessed who, when it comes to community projects, doesn’t merely issue orders or directives. Instead, you’ll find him personally involved, whether it’s digging, shovelling, or using a machete to clear grasses and trees. He refuses to leave the people to work alone.

“These are just a few of the aspects that astound me about this king. Despite his international acclaim, numerous Western accolades, and global recognition as a former world champion, he remains so humble and dedicated to serving others.”

A friend of the monarch, Chief Olufemi Owolabi, who is the Otunbalogun of Idera, and came in from the US to represent the 20 Chiefs in the Diaspora, lauded Oba Buremoh for his dedication to the welfare of his people and promised to convince his colleagues to further support his efforts.

He oversaw the cutting of the anniversary cake, made by the students of the Culinary Department of the Ladi vocational training centre, which they presented to the monarch as a token of their appreciation for helping to better their lives.

The Oba also invited a friend from the UK, Princess Omowumi Ojo, represented by two of the employees in her foundation, who blessed 62 widows with a sum of five thousand naira each after counselling them, with a promise for more support to them.