By Lanre Obalaja
In everything you do in life, make a conscious decision to be a builder of your community and never be found among those who pull it down. Communities are not destroyed overnight—they are weakened gradually by selfishness, indifference, and the silence of those who should stand up and make a difference. Likewise, they are built through sacrifice, courage, and the willingness of individuals to give without expecting anything in return.
I carry within me a story that continues to shape my thoughts, actions, and purpose. It is a story my father once told me—one that reflects the true meaning of selfless service and unwavering commitment to community development.
He recounted how, in his relentless pursuit to ensure that the cottage hospital in our dear community, Ayere, was properly equipped, he had to humble himself in a way many would find unimaginable. He laid flat on the ground before the then Commissioner for Health in Kwara State, not for personal gain, not for recognition, but for the good of his people. That singular act was not weakness—it was strength. It was sacrifice. It was leadership in its purest form.
Despite facing resistance and political excuses, including the claim that there was no vehicle to transport the equipment from Ilorin to Ayere, my father refused to give up. Instead, he pleaded that the materials be taken to our residence while he personally sought a way to move them to the community. That determination, that refusal to accept defeat, was driven by one thing alone—a deep and genuine love for his community.
From that experience, he gave me a lesson that has since become my guiding principle: “Whatever little support you can give to your community, do it wholeheartedly—and do it without looking back.”
Those words are more than advice—they are a call to action. They remind us that we all have a role to play, no matter how small it may seem. True change does not always come from grand gestures; sometimes, it begins with simple acts of commitment, sincerity, and selflessness.
Today, this lesson remains my moving force. It pushes me to do more, to give more, and to always choose the path that leads to growth, unity, and progress. It challenges me to rise above personal interests and focus on what truly matters—the development of our community, our local government, our state, and our nation at large.
As I reflect on the life and sacrifices of Mr. Zach Ojo Obalaja, I pray that God continues to bless his soul and grant him eternal rest. His legacy is not just in what he did, but in the lives he continues to inspire—even beyond his time.
Let us all take a moment to reflect: What are we doing to build? What impact are we making? Are we contributing to progress, or are we part of the problem?
The truth is simple—if each of us commits to doing our part, without seeking applause or reward, our communities will flourish, our nation will grow stronger, and our world will become a better place for generations to come.
Be a builder. Be a giver. Be the reason your community stands strong.
Lanre Obalaja writes from Kabba the Headquarters of Kogi West
