The People Who Built It: Inside the Okeparapo Market Transformation of 2025
Some structures are made of cement and iron.
And then there are those built from something deeper —
trust, sacrifice, and collective will.
The Okeparapo Market stands today as both.
What many now see as a functioning economic hub in Oke Ife did not simply appear. It was built, funded, and completed through the commitment of individuals, families, and entire communities who chose to act when it mattered most.
As we continue to document Okeparapo’s growth — from empowerment initiatives to ongoing development efforts — it is important to pause and acknowledge those who laid the foundation.
A Market Built by Its Own People
The year 2025 marked a defining chapter for Okeparapo.
During the Annual Rally and subsequent development efforts, resources were mobilised across Oke Ife to ensure the successful completion and upgrade of the Okeparapo Market.
What followed was not just fundraising.
It was participation at scale.
From entire communities to individual families and respected leaders, the response formed a powerful network of support that transformed vision into reality.
Full List of Okeparapo Market Donors (2025)
On behalf of the Chairman, Otunba (Barr.) Oluwole Onafujabi, and all Baálès of Oke Ife, we acknowledge with deep gratitude the following contributors:
Community Contributions
- Tajala Community — ₦200,000
- Okeliwo Community — ₦200,000
- Idofe Community — ₦200,000
- Tirosogun Community — ₦200,000
- Timorowo Community — ₦100,000
- Ibelu Community — ₦70,000
- Tigbogbo Community — ₦25,000
- Tidesa Community — ₦50,000
Major Individual & Leadership Contributions
- Prince Bamidele Shitta Adekoga — Roofing of the Market (~ ₦8,000,000)
- Balogun Charles Osisami — ₦1,000,000
- Otunba (Barr.) Oluwole Onafujabi — ₦1,000,000
- Omoba Orenuga Michael — ₦1,000,000
- Dr Kehinde Osibote — ₦500,000
- Otunba Oluaye of Akure — ₦250,000
- Omoba Dairo Ademola — ₦200,000
- Otunba E.O Osifeko Family — ₦200,000
Family & Individual Contributions
- Mama Iyabo Ademokun — ₦75,000
- Alh. Ademola Bakare — ₦50,000
- Omotoye Family — ₦50,000
- The Togun Family — ₦40,000
- Hon. Kehinde Oluwadamilare (HACCO) — ₦25,000
- Ogunbayo Family — ₦15,000
- Chief O.A Adenigba — ₦10,000
- Muritala Family — ₦10,000
- Mr Olu Adenaike — ₦10,000
- Pa. Omoba Leke Osisami — ₦10,000
- Idofe Community Development Association (Club) — ₦50,000
- Mr Ganiu Agbatewole — ₦5,000
- Mr Leke Ogundero — ₦5,000
Beyond Numbers — A Statement of Identity
Each name on this list represents more than a financial contribution.
It represents:
- belief in shared progress
- responsibility toward the community
- and an understanding that development must come from within
The Okeparapo Market is now standing proof that when a people align around a common purpose, results follow — visibly and permanently.
From Foundation to Future
What was built in 2025 is already being expanded in 2026.
- The market is now active
- Traders are being supported through structured empowerment schemes
- New contributions are being recorded
A Collective Thank You
To every individual, family, and community listed here:
Your contributions did not disappear.
They stand.
They function.
They serve.
And they will continue to impact lives for years to come.
📌 Stay Connected
To follow the continued development of Okeparapo initiatives:
- Read updates on empowerment programmes
- Track new contributions
- Discover opportunities to participate
👉🏾 Visit the official Okeparapo website regularly for updates
— Okeparapo Executives
Treasurer’s Office