A new era of community-driven progress has launched in the Sabo community in Abeokuta North local government area of Ogun State following the official inauguration of a fresh executive team for the Sabo Stayte Association.
Led by newly elected Chairman, Amb. Habeeb Whyte, the administration has hit the ground running with a robust agenda focused on education, health, and infrastructural development.
Speaking after his inauguration on Friday in Abeokuta, Amb. Whyte emphasized that his leadership would bridge the gap between the youth and the community’s elders. Moving away from the tradition of the association being primarily a social group, Whyte signaled a shift toward formal community governance.
“We have taken this responsibility with all our heart. We promise that we will build a better and well-refined community where the youth and the elderly will live together harmoniously. We want to tell our fathers and mothers that we are their children, we need their guidance and we want to partner with them.We appeal to you, if you have any grudges with us, let it be bygone”.
He further extended an olive branch to existing community structures, including the Community Development Association (CDA), Community Development Committee (CDC), and the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC).
Henceforth, we will be having representatives from Sabo Stayte Association at CDA meetings because we want to be involved.”
Whyte also added that the new administration is pivoting away from the association’s historical focus on an annual December “get-together” party, replacing it with tangible social interventions.
The chairman announced several ongoing and planned projects, including borehole project, education and healthcare outreach.
“My administration has promised four boreholes for the community, and three are already in progress,” he disclosed.
He also revealed that the group has sponsored examination fees for students.
“We have paid JAMB fees for 20 students and made provisions for WAEC fees for another 20 students this year. One of our sponsors has also pledged to cover WAEC fees for 10 students.
“This community is the one people termed as ‘less privileged’ in Ogun State, but we thank Allah we are now privileged. Among us, we already have Assembly aspirants, lawyers, and doctors. We are not beggars; we are professionals working. We want to bring our own money to develop this community.”
According to him, plans are underway to partner with international organisations to host a health sensitisation programme for residents, including free medical checks and eye care services.
He also added that for the first time, the association has established a functional secretariat to serve as a hub for executive operations and community engagement.
With over 3,000 youths and 65 CDAs under the Sabo umbrella, Amb. Whyte was firm in his mission to change the community’s reputation.
Also speaking, the Personal Assistant on Special Duties to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu represented by his aide, Olori Habeebat Bankole
described the new Chairman as a man of “serious capacity.”
“You have picked a man that has the capacity to do the work. I can attest that by this time next year, there will be several achievements. He has always been very passionate about Sabo.”
leaders also offered strategic advice to ensure the administration’s success, Hon. Wale Bello urged the new team to prioritize community development over social parties and advised an immediate review of the association’s constitution.
The Matron of the association Alhaja Ibrahim Muibat and other patrons suggested extending the executive term to two years to allow sufficient time for project execution.
The newly inaugurated executive committee also features a diverse team of community leaders who will drive the association’s agenda. The Exco includes Habeeb Whyte as Chairman and Suliat Ibrahim as Vice Chairman. Other members are Chidi Onu, Durojaye Adewale, Babalola Gafar (Media and Publicity), Akindele Azeez (PRO), Kennedy Isichel, Mojere Samuel, Ibrahim Dogo, Idowu Abdul Azeez (Health), Samad Ogunbayo, Idris Fadipe (Sport), Suraj Ibrahim, and Lawal Olawale, among others. Together, they are expected to work collaboratively to deliver the association’s vision of sustainable community development.
