The Alangwa of Agbeyangi in Ilorin East Local Government Area of Kwara State, Alhaji Aliyu Baba Oladaride, has appealed to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to extend his administration's urban renewal initiatives to rural communities, stressing that balanced development cannot be achieved without deliberate investment in the hinterlands.

The monarch made the appeal on Sunday during the celebration of his 35 years on the throne, the unveiling of his autobiography titled 'Faith, Leadership and Legacy: My Journey Through Agbeyangi History', conferment of chieftaincy titles and posthumous recognition of distinguished sons and daughters of Agbeyangi.

The event attracted traditional rulers, academics, religious leaders, government officials and community stakeholders from across Kwara State and beyond.

Addressing the ceremony, Oladaride commended the AbdulRazaq administration for its infrastructural transformation across parts of the state but urged the government to prioritise rural communities that continue to face developmental challenges.

"Development is a shared responsibility between the people and leadership. Therefore, I wish to respectfully appeal to the Kwara State Government under the leadership of His Excellency, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, to kindly consider the reconstruction of the Panada-Agbeyangi-Yarun Road to accelerate socio-economic development within this axis," the monarch said.

He noted that improved road infrastructure would boost economic activities, improve access to essential services and enhance the living conditions of residents in the area.

"Anyone who has witnessed the urban renewal projects of His Excellency across Kwara State will naturally desire similar transformation in the rural communities," Oladaride said.

"We believe that rural development is essential to balanced growth, and we remain hopeful that Agbeyangi will also benefit from this progressive vision."

The 106-year-old monarch observed that while Agbeyangi had witnessed notable progress over the years, infrastructure deficits and other developmental gaps remained obstacles to the community's growth.

"Despite these achievements, the pace of development has gradually slowed. Infrastructure gaps remain, and many opportunities are still waiting to be fully realised," he said.

The royal father used the occasion to call on indigenes of the community to revive the spirit of communal cooperation and self-help that once distinguished the community among neighbouring settlements.

"In our early years, development in Agbeyangi was built on communal cooperation. We understood the strength of unity and shared responsibility," he said.

"People contributed labour, money, wisdom and time for the common good. That spirit made Agbeyangi respected throughout the surrounding communities."

Reflecting on his remarkable journey, the centenarian monarch expressed gratitude to Allah for preserving his life and granting him the opportunity to witness more than a century of social and political transformation.

"Today is not merely a celebration of my life; it is a celebration of history, sacrifice, leadership, community and the enduring spirit of Agbeyangi," he pointed out.

"As I stand before you today at the age of 106 years and after 35 years on the throne as the Alangwa of Agbeyangi, I am deeply humbled by the journey of life."

Oladaride explained that the autobiography unveiled during the event documented his personal experiences and the history of Agbeyangi from its founding to contemporary times.

"This event is not only about honouring me as an individual. It is meant to celebrate the collective history of our people and to appreciate the many sons and daughters of Agbeyangi, both living and departed, whose sacrifices, labour, vision and commitment contributed immensely to the growth and development of this community," he said.

Meanwhile, the monarch paid glowing tributes to notable personalities who contributed significantly to the town's development, including the late Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Mohammed Zulukarnaini Gambari, the late Engr Abdullahi Babatunde Kasum and Hon Amuda Yusuf Jimoh.

According to him, their efforts attracted important projects and strengthened the community's standing within the Ilorin Emirate and Kwara State.

He also acknowledged the contributions of former Chairman of Ilorin East Local Government Area, Hajia Aminat Funmilayo Ishola, and former member of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Hon Ali Yusuf Jimoh, for supporting various developmental initiatives in the community.

Addressing newly installed chieftaincy title holders, the monarch urged them to justify the confidence reposed in them by contributing meaningfully to the advancement of Agbeyangi.

"Today's honour is both a recognition and a responsibility. Agbeyangi has placed trust upon your shoulders. I urge you not to allow that trust to fail," he said.

"There is still much work to be done in the education, infrastructure, youth empowerment, religion, economic development and community unity."

He also challenged the newly installed Asiwaju of Agbeyangi to leverage his position to facilitate the completion of strategic projects such as the proposed Darul Kitab University and the NALDA Integrated Farm Estate.

Reviewing the monarch's autobiography, former Chief of Staff to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, Professor Ibrahim Gambari, described the publication as a groundbreaking contribution to local history and traditional leadership studies.

Gambari stated that the book uniquely combined the personal story of the monarch with the historical evolution of Agbeyangi, making it an important resource for scholars, policymakers and future generations.

"It is an honest and well-written account of the Alangwa of an important district in Ilorin Emirate, his trials, tribulations, challenges as well as accomplishments and contributions to his deeply religious, very enterprising and hugely community-minded people of Agbeyangi," Gambari said.

He added that the autobiography reflected the monarch's vision for a more prosperous Agbeyangi through improved infrastructure, youth empowerment, social amenities and stronger government presence in rural communities.

The event also featured goodwill messages from community leaders and dignitaries who praised Oladaride's contributions to peace, unity and development over the last three and a half decades.

One of the goodwill messages described the monarch's life as "a shining testimony of Allah's grace and a source of inspiration to generations within and beyond Agbeyangi community."

As the celebration concluded, the monarch urged younger generations to preserve the values, traditions and unity that have sustained the community for decades.

"The future of Agbeyangi now rests in your hands. Protect our unity. Preserve our values. Respect our traditions. Support one another and never forget your roots," he said.