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Tag: Ijebu-Jesa

  • Underdevelopment of Ijebu-Jesa, my native Nazareth: a rebuttal

    Underdevelopment of Ijebu-Jesa, my native Nazareth: a rebuttal

    By Taiwo Olatunji

    In the principles and fundamentals of Communication, you are supposed to have been schooled, to know a little about everything and that’s the reason a good journalist is referred to as a generalist. In the same vein, if you are a good features writer, it presupposes that before you begin to write anything at all, about any subject, you should have done a reasonable length of research, fact-checking and interviews with both formal and informal sources. The reason is that your preparedness, readiness, would make a greatly enriched piece and a reading pleasure.

    But contrary to norms and procedures, the author of the above titled piece brazenly espoused naked lies and falsehood to the unsuspecting members of the public through misrepresentation of facts, which are not in tandem with reality.

    By the slanted, subjudiced opinion about development in Ijebu -Jesa, he exposed lack of requisite training in Communication. If he was sincerely trained in Communication, he was expected to know a little about Development Communication, which seeks to positively build the socio-political and economic space, particularly in a developing nation-state, like Nigeria, rather than pulling down resilient people’s efforts.

    He threw caution to the wind by turning blind eyes to the very many interventions, facilitations, contributions, donations and supports; from very well-meaning indigenes, and friends of Ijebu -Jesa; both at home and abroad on meaningful projects that are tailored towards community development. He may wish to know that development means growth, improvement, capacity building, well- being, balancing needs, community upliftment, among others.

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    Very unfortunately, all those developmental variables that he perceived as lacking are indeed here, and many more are still being delivered in Ijebu -Jesa. How I wish he had ears on the ground and wide opened to see the rate at which positive contributions from people are trickling in?

    For his information and that of the public, what we have here, is an increasing trajectory of communal self-help and developmental initiatives in Ijebu-Jesa, which dates back to more than 90 years.

    While the Ijebu Jesa Unions Conference (IJUC) under the leadership of Engineer Olugbemiga Abudiore and his formidable team are doing their best, working round the clock, to harness possible opportunities for the progress of Ijebu -Jesa, with the mindset of ensuring that Ijebu-Jesa is not left behind in developmental initiatives amongst cities and towns in Osun State; the unsubstantiated views and falsehood against their efforts can be perceived as anti-progressive.

    The flagship of IJUC – the annual EGBORO DAY celebrations, which seeks to improve communal bonding amongst all indigenes and inhabitants has become a talk of the town in the past couple of years, on account of its successful planning and execution.

    Sincerely, we are still far away from our destination, but we must acknowledge the modest contributions made, through the support of all and sundry.  And all things being equal, if we forge ahead with the current steam in our engines, we shall surely reach the promise land.

    If he cannot lend a hand of support to the plough that’s moving mountains in his supposed home town, we are pleased to let him know that we will resist divisive, backward efforts to undermine the strides we are poised to making.

    Kindly, find below the list of contributions made in the last couple of years to the development of Ijebu-Jesa, by progressively minded affiliates of IJUC in North America, United Kingdom and several individuals in Nigeria.

    The list is not exhaustive, anyway. Provision of Solar powered, High capacity Bore Holes, by IJUC North America, within Ijebu-Jesa

    Tarring of over 2.5-kilometer township road, facilitated by Hon. Rotimi Agunsoye, He also empowered many people with Tricycles and Motorcycles, he attracted transformers and many solar powered street lights to the community.

    Provision of transformers by Mr. Seyi Onajide, who was the Chairman at the 2024 EGBORO DAY celebrations and made significant contributions to the event’s Endowment Fund.

    Dr. Desmond Ojumu also donated transformers and has activated many empowerment initiatives.

    Facilitation of ICT equipment from NITDA by Senator Fadahunsi to Ijebu Jesa Grammar School.

    Facilitation of ICT equipment from NITDA by Hon. Ahmad Soliu Alubankudi at DTC Secondary school Ijebu Jesa

    Regular renovation of the Town Hall by the IJUC

    On-going Palace building construction by the IJUC and the continuous contribution by Kabiyesi Elegboro Engr. Moses Agunsoye Abikehin Ekun ll

    Facilitation, installation of Town- wide Solar Powered Street lights, by Hon. Seun Odofin. He also built two blocks of classroom each at Urban Day Grammar School and St. Mathews Primary School, Ijebu -Jesa.

    Facilitation of Multi Million Naira equipment for the General Hospital by Mrs. Bunmi Morgridge (Nee Dare); from the National Lottery Trust Commission, Abuja.

    Aribisala Foundation annually does empowerment initiatives for the vulnerable.

    Renovation of the Police Station by Adebusoye Adewumi Foundation

    Renovation of the Magistrate and the High Courts by IJUC and Adebusoye Adewunmi foundation.

    Donation of a Multi Million Naira FINDO Multipurpose Office Complex, by Otunba Funmi Abiodun-Findo, the Atunluse of Egboroland; set for commissioning soonest.

    Reaching out to the vulnerable periodically, through EGBORO BENEVOLENCE FOOD BANK initiative.

    Olori Omolara Agunsoye’s OLAF is doing wonders to support the elderly.

    Dr. Bisi Kuponiyi Memorial Foundation is mitigating shortfall in medical access for the needy in Ijebu -Jesa

    Awolusi Community Library

    Elegboro Scholarship Intervention for secondary school students.

    Elegboro Revolving Loan Scheme

    Constant upgrading, maintenance of facilities at Ijebu-Jesa Grammar School, by the Alumni Association, under the able leadership of Professor Kola Kazeem.

    In point of fact, development in Ijebu -Jesa is a classical case of communal self-help.

    While we’re doing our best, we believe the narrative could have been better, if government, (Federal and State) interventions and presence are deployed. At the last count, there are 19 Guest Houses and Hotels, including some offering world class tourism, cinema and entertainment services. A community with about 12 secondary schools and eight filling stations, can’t be said to be backward.

    In our little way, we recently have the Area Command of Nigeria Security & Civil Defence Corps as well as the Federal Road Safety Commission Unit offices sited in Ijebu-Jesa.

    We also have four courts:

    •            High Court of Justice

    •            Magistrate Court

    •            District Customary Court

    •            State Rent Tribunal.

    All these are functional amenities that lend credence to the continuous growth of Ijebu-Jesa as a community and this is what we crave for.

    Regarding the existence of other social amenities, I can confirm that Ijebu-Jesa has functional electricity supply, water supply is facilitated by individuals (no pipe borne water), just as it is obtained elsewhere. So, it’s not peculiar to us alone as a people; as was portrayed in the write up under refrence.

    In terms of appreciating the selfless contributions of indigenes and our friends, Pa Gabriel Onibonoje was honored in his lifetime through a high-powered delegation led by Professor Taiwo and late Bishop Kehinde Olowokure. At the outing ceremony, held for him (PA Onibonoje) in Ibadan, the kabiyesi Elegboro led a strong delegation to honor him.

    Similarly in the lifetime of our former Global President, Prince Tunde Olashore, he was highly honored and also during his burial ceremony, just to give a few examples. Undoubtedly, all of these have gone to show that we appreciate, recognize and honor people, who have supported and lifted our common course, as against the erroneous narrative being peddled by the columnist.

    • Olatunji, rpa, mnipr writes from Ijebu-Jesa, Osun State.

  • The underdevelopment of Ijebu-Jesa, my Native Nazareth (2)

    The underdevelopment of Ijebu-Jesa, my Native Nazareth (2)

    Presidential Aide Alubankudi’s gracious response to the first part of this intervention reflects the significance of roots, responsibility, and collective effort in nation-building. It also accentuates the complexities of development, community dynamics, and leadership’s role in shaping Ijebu-Jesa’s future. She has promised to visit Ijebu-Jesa very soon, looking forward to “engaging, listening, and contributing more directly to the development of our community.” Of course, this commitment provides a meaningful framework for exploring our hometown challenges.

    As we await further developments, a critical question arises: how did we get to this pass? According to Sunday Ojelabi, former Personal Assistant to Elegboro, “It’s undeniable that Ijebu-Jesa is blessed with citizens who truly love their origin, and this is evident in their demonstrated commitment over the years. Despite this, the town has suffered neglect from successive state governments and even less attention from the federal government.

    “The community has provided buildings for every known government presence, including the Divisional Police Station, High Court, Magistrate Court of Appeal, Customary Court, and General Hospital. They also donated 50 hectares of land for the Local Government Secretariat, which now houses INEC, NOA and NPC. When Oba Agunsoye lobbied for the NSCDC Area Command, the community provided the necessary infrastructure.

    “The irony is that the town maintains these facilities without government support, using funds raised at the annual Egboro Day festival for renovation works. This raises questions about why a community so supportive of successive governments has been overlooked in terms of development”.

    During one of his state visits to Ijebu-Jesa in the Second Republic, Governor Bola Ige of the old Oyo State promised to convert the then Obokun Local Government Secretariat into a 60-bed hospital. Residents were elated! But that was where it ended! Had Ige had the opportunity to tar or dualize the road from Ilesa to, say, Esa-Oke via Ijebu-Jesa, the story of my hometown might have unfolded differently.

    “The past”, they say, “is a bucket of ashes.” So, what’s to be done? To move forward, several next steps are crucial. In his book, ‘Stages of Economic Growth: A Non-Communist Manifesto’, Walt W. Rostow outlines a linear progression of economic growth through stages: Traditional Society, Transitional Stage, Take-off, Drive to Maturity, and Age of High Mass Consumption.

    Rostow’s stages provide a framework for understanding the process of economic development and growth. Therefore, what’s to be done to overcome these longstanding challenges in my town is to establish cooperative movements, reinforce the current microfinance bank policies and look at the model of the Igbo town unions and their effectiveness. These are some of the things to be done; and it’s not rocket science!

    It takes the committed sacrifices of selfless leaders like Nehemiah to rebuild and revive Jerusalem, while selfish figures like Sanballat and Tobias sought attention at all costs, to the detriment of the city. Similarly, undue attention-seeking sons and daughters of Ijebu-Jesa would take this town to nowhere.

    There are towns like Ijebu-Jesa in India and Malaysia that have transformed beyond recognition over the past 40 or 50 years because their people have focused on new developmental strides and stages of growth. The citizens of my ancestral home should learn from this and work towards making it great. My hometown deserves meaningful development and recognition. This isn’t the time for populism or buck-passing! What we need now is decisive action. Sometimes, tough decisions must be made, even if they offend some, to drive progress.

    Perhaps, the key to unlocking Ijebu-Jesa’s potential lies in finding a balance between tradition and modernity. ‘Owambe’ party is not development. ‘Owambe’ party is raising money to refurbish the schools, put in water systems and get healthcare development in place. That’s development, more so as these will trigger off all kinds of forces. Sinking a borehole on an already narrow and practically impassable road is also not development. It will only add to the problems!

    Beyond the physical infrastructure, there’s a yearning for a systemic transformation that can catalyze economic growth, ensure fair representation, and address longstanding grievances. The call for modern projects, economic revitalization and rectification of electoral imbalances reflects our community’s determination to break free from the shackles of underdevelopment and assert its rightful place within the larger socio-political landscape.

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    What’s more? The decision-makers in Ijebu-Jesa must employ lobbying as a tool to market our hometown to the world around us and beyond. Northern leaders have mastered this approach, effectively lobbying for their children, which is why you find them in high places in significant numbers. In contrast, Yorubaland often falls short in this regard, with ‘I-me-and-myself’ attitude prevailing and stifling progress.

    Given the significance of communal celebrations, this brings us to the organizers of the annual Egboro Day festival. Town festivals, as we know, are communal celebrations that promote cultural heritage, foster social bonding and promote collective identity. They play significant roles in preserving traditions and supporting local economies. Above all, they provide platforms for social commentary and community engagement. For example, Aliko Dangote is not from Modakeke in Osun State, yet he donated generously at the 39th Akoraye Day Celebration, which again supports the maxim, “We have great children but no great town”.

    In the face of ongoing political realignments and reattachments, Ijebu-Jesa must adopt a strategic approach to ensure that sons of the soil occupy key positions. Events over the years have shown how challenging it has been to convince ambitious candidates to step aside for others, since each one is convinced of his or her own winning prospects. Often, reality sets in only after elections are lost or won, resulting in significant financial losses. This is complicated by supporters who fuel their candidates’ optimism with misguided assumptions and assurances.

    The sweet truth about legacy is that it immortalizes our impact, lets our contributions outlive us, and turns our lives into lasting impressions. Legacy serves as a timeless echo of our existence. Another undeniable reality is that life is about service. Whatever heights we attain, someone has assisted us along the way. Of course, that ‘someone’ might have even been an ass! This raises a crucial need: Ijebu-Jesa indigenes should be more interested in supporting one another.

    The stone may be hard, and the raindrops small, but acts of kindness can have a profound impact. It’s true I’ve faced my share of challenges, as have others. However, thanks to the kindness of individuals like Archbishop Olukayode Akinyemi, Oba Olasore, and Bishop Matthew Kukah, among others – some of whom I’ll write about later – my situation could have been worse.

    Building on this foundation of kindness, specific examples stand out in my mind. For instance, Oba Olasore’s N19,000 over four academic sessions at the University of Ilorin (1992-1996) was a game-changer for me. Later, the Olufemi Fatodu Foundation’s N23,500 financial assistance during my postgraduate studies at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, was a welcome relief. This spirit of service, recognizing our shared humanity and impermanence, is what I envision for Ijebu-Jesa. Thankfully, Oba Agunsoye’s commitment to this spirit has been fantastically exceptional.

    There’s a place called ‘Ojokoro’ in Ifako-Ijaye Local Government Area of Lagos State. The real meaning is ‘Ojo kò r’oko’ (Cowards cannot farm here). Now, Ojokoro is a town for all, courtesy of the bravery of certain individuals. Ijebu-Jesa needs similar bravery and sacrifice from its sons, daughters, friends, in-laws and those who have benefited from its opportunities.

    In a word, genuine development requires sustained investment in men and materials, community engagement and accountable governance. Until these fundamental issues are addressed, Ijebu-Jesa’s potential will remain unrealized, and its residents will continue to wonder when development will arrive.

    For Ijebu-Jesa, my Native Nazareth, as the saying goes, “a stitch in time saves nine”.

    May the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, grant us peace in Nigeria!

    •Concluded.

  • The underdevelopment of Ijebu-Jesa, my Native Nazareth (1)

    The underdevelopment of Ijebu-Jesa, my Native Nazareth (1)

    I am an angry Nigerian! I am angry because Ijebu-Jesa, my hometown, is a town where the past and present intersect in a complex blend of tradition and modernity. The headquarters of Oriade Local Government in Osun State seems to be struggling to find its footing, and it is as if my Native Nazareth is stuck in a time warp where progress and stagnation coexist in an uneasy balance.

    The concept of ‘home’ in Ijebu-Jesa is a complex one. It’s a place of belonging, but also a site of struggle. The rich cultural heritage is still palpable, but the lack of development is a harsh reality. It’s a treasure trove of traditions and customs, but it’s also a reminder of the challenges of preserving the past while embracing the future. Perhaps, it’s time for the people to take matters into their own hands and demand real change.

    Ijebu-Jesa is another symptom of underdevelopment. Go to the city centre, famously known as ‘Inu Oja’, remove the ‘Iroko Oja’ that was removed in 1974 and you’ll have no cause not to support my position. The Central Mosque of that time remains where it was, almost becoming something else, and the narrow road, said to have been tarred, also remains practically impassable.

    One major issue is the lack of infrastructure investment in my Native Nazareth. Roads, constant power and water supply remain elusive, making life a daily struggle for residents. Agricultural development, despite my hometown’s fertile land, seems to take a backseat, with little support for farmers. Healthcare and education facilities are subpar, leaving residents to fend for themselves.

    Ijebu-Jesa has one healthcare centre, formerly known as Dispensary while the General Hospital, the state-owned healthcare initiative, is nothing to write home about. There is one commercial bank, and one community bank. There are only two secondary schools, Ijebu-Jesa Grammar School, IJGS, (established on January 18, 1955) and Urban Day Grammar School (founded on September 11, 1978) catering for the public secondary education needs of the whole town.

    The then Divisional Teacher Training College (DTTC), once the pride of Ijebu-Jesa, has fallen far from its former glory. But for the efforts of the late Kanmi Alo, who founded Interlink Polytechnic, my hometown would have lacked a tertiary institution. There’s also a ‘mini stadium’, but its condition is laughable. To add insult to injury, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) proudly asserts that my Native Nazareth, with over 180,000 residents, deserves only one ward, a claim that defies logic.

    The politics of Ijebu-Jesa is a never-ending cycle of promises and disappointments. It is based, not on ideology but on cultural hegemony. It is designed to perpetuate mediocrity and maintain the status quo. The politicians come and go, promising change, but delivering nothing but empty rhetoric. Leaders emerge, touting grandiose plans, but ultimately, it’s all just hot air. After they might have used us to get what they want, they turn around to use us to get us! As a result, the people suffer, the town stagnates, and the politicians reap the benefits. Are we surprised that there’s no focus on development?

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    “Omo ńlá ló wà, kò sí ìlú ńlá” (We have great children but no great town). I vividly recall the outpouring of support when Messrs S.A. Fatiregun and D.B. Aloba, two of the founding fathers of the Ijebu-Jesa Union Conference (IJUC), died in the 1980s. As a student at IJGS, I was among those who lined the streets to bid farewell to these community leaders. Fast-forward to 2025, an era of social media and artificial intelligence, and it’s striking how few can recall the name of the current IJUC Global President. It is a reflection of how far development has fallen in my hometown.

    The current administration’s contribution to Ijebu-Jesa’s development seems to follow a familiar pattern. For instance, promises of change made by the government remain unfulfilled, and the cycle of under-development continues. Tokenistic development initiatives, characterized by flashy announcements but little tangible impact, only add to the frustration.

    For some of us, our love for Ijebu-Jesa knows no bounds. As a matter of fact, some of us wouldn’t have left home in search of greener pastures elsewhere if only there were jobs to anchor our dreams. Now, with ‘orí adé kìí sùn’ta’ (the crowned head never sleeps outside) echoing in our minds, we’re definitely drawn back home.

    Our children also love their hometown. They are educated and just as capable, if not more than others in other places. Unfortunately, they are unemployed and they are not getting any younger. What steps are we taking to stem this tide?

    Again, this is where the Igbo community’s town unions have set a remarkable example. Since the 1930s, they’ve made significant strides, leveraging collective efforts to raise long-term capital and drive development. Their ability to work together and support their people is truly commendable. What have we learnt from their approach? Specifically, what cooperative frameworks do town unions in Ijebu-Jesa have in place to drive progress and support our community?

    Look at the Igbo economy; they’re dominant in many sectors. But honestly, the Yoruba community has struggled to achieve similar success, and it’s a missed opportunity. We played ludo with the Cooperative Bank and the bank died a ‘Soludo’ death, with no concrete plans in place to allow any conceived offspring to see the light of day. Look around you, and you’ll be surprised that Igbos own most of the houses in the South-West Region.

    The sad reality is that my hometown’s development is a patchwork quilt, with Oba Olufemi Agunsoye’s solo efforts stitching together the few modern amenities we see today – from the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) building, to the ultramodern palace (still a work in progress). It’s even telling that over 50% of the palace’s development bears His Royal Majesty’s imprimatur. This speaks to individual brilliance, perhaps, but also a scathing indictment of our collective apathy.

    Kudos to pioneers like Rotimi Obeisun, who defied the odds to nurture growth in my beloved hometown. Maybe one or two others! But truth be told, their efforts seem like a lone trumpet in a forest of silence. If other visionary Egboroans had joined this worthy crusade, perhaps Ijebu-Jesa wouldn’t be languishing, almost five decades after the District Council was transformed into a Local Government headquarters.

    Like many other communities, Ijebu-Jesa harbours “bad critics who don’t speak on realistic issues”. This reportedly had a lasting impact on Gabriel Onibonoje, who was told an unexpected story that left a mark. He never returned to my hometown until his passing two years ago. Oba Oladele Olasore, the late Ajagbusi Ekun of Iloko-Ijesa, met a similar fate, never looking in the direction of my beloved hometown until his demise.

    On a day like this, I remember the late Ajayi Ige, who, despite not being wealthy, sacrificed everything he had for Ijebu-Jesa. He selflessly helped everyone who came his way. What did my hometown do to honour him while he was alive, and what’s it doing to honour his memory as a way of encouraging others?

    For God’s sake, where are the sons and daughters of my Native Nazareth in those high places and what are they doing to change the lyrics of the song? It’s even being said in some quarters that Aishat Alubankudi, the Programme Manager for the Grant for Vulnerable Groups under the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, has her roots in the famous Alubankudi family of Ijebu-Jesa. If this is true, then it’s doubtful if she’s been giving back to her hometown in terms of her political tithes. If she has, she definitely needs to up the ante.

    • To be concluded.