March 2024

THE GREAT OBAFEMI AWOLOWO: Just before the denigration of his name (Part 1) by Idris Animasaun

Leave a Comment / Opinion / / / , ,

“I will, more than ever before, subject myself to severe self- discipline. Only men who are masters of themselves become easily masters of others. Therefore, my thoughts, my tongue, and my actions shall be brought under strict control always.” “Those who desire to reach, and keep their places at the top in any calling must be prepared to do so the hard way.” “While many men in power and public office are busy carousing in the midst of women of easy virtue and men of low morals, I, as a few others like me, am busy at my desk thinking about the problems of Nigeria and proffering solutions to them. Only the deep can call to the deep.” Obafemi Awolowo, often referred to as Awo, was a prominent Nigerian statesman, nationalist, and political leader. Born on March 6 1909, he played a significant role in Nigeria’s struggle for independence and in shaping the country’s political landscape. Awolowo was a charismatic orator, a prolific writer, and a visionary leader known for his progressive ideas and policies. He served as the Premier of the Western Region of Nigeria from 1954 to 1960, implementing various developmental programs and reforms that earned him admiration and respect. Awolowo was also a founding member of the Action Group political party and later the Unity Party of Nigeria. His ideologies centred on socialism, free education, healthcare, and regional autonomy. Despite facing political challenges and imprisonment, Awolowo remained steadfast in his commitment to the betterment of Nigeria. He is widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s founding fathers and a champion of democracy and social justice. Obafemi Awolowo’s legacy projects in the South West of Nigeria are numerous and have left a lasting impact on the region. Some of his notable legacy projects include: 1. Free Universal Primary Education: Awolowo implemented the Free Universal Primary Education program in the Western Region, making education accessible to all children regardless of their socio-economic background. This initiative significantly increased literacy rates and laid the foundation for future educational development in the region. 2. Establishment of Institutions: Awolowo established various educational and developmental institutions, including the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), the University Teaching Hospitals, and the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria. These institutions have contributed to the advancement of education, healthcare, and agricultural research in the region. 3. Agricultural Development: Awolowo prioritized agricultural development in the Western Region, implementing policies to boost cocoa production and promote other agricultural sectors. His efforts led to increased productivity, improved rural livelihoods, and economic growth in the region. These farm settlements began when the Western regional government led by the premier, late Obafemi Awolowo, launched a five-year development plan (from 1955 to 1960) to enhance a steady rise in income and the general standard of living of the people. To achieve this, the premier and other officials went to Israel to study its agricultural development scheme named Moshav. The report of the study in 1959 birthed the establishment of 20 farm settlements and five institutes across the region with the aim of achieving food sufficiency and to encourage educated young men make a profitable career in farming – all that is required of us all is to build on the good work of the legend, that should not be too difficult you will think. PARADISE LOST: Inside Nigeria’s forgotten, broken farm settlements | TheCable 4. Industrialization: Awolowo initiated industrialization programs aimed at promoting self-sufficiency and economic development. He established industrial estates, factories, and manufacturing plants, which created job opportunities and stimulated economic growth in the region. 5. Infrastructure Development: Awolowo invested in infrastructure development, including road construction, water supply projects, and electricity generation. These infrastructure projects improved transportation networks, access to clean water, and power supply, enhancing the quality of life for residents of the Western Region. Overall, Obafemi Awolowo’s legacy projects in the Southwest of Nigeria have had a profound and lasting impact on the region’s development, contributing to its social, economic, and educational advancement. The legend left this world over 35 years ago and his policies, well-constructed and high-quality projects and his overall contribution to Western Nigeria and Nigeria remains evident and a yardstick for current and future development.  It is bold to say at this current time that there is no politician of Yoruba extraction dead or alive that can match Awo’s contribution to Nigeria’s development. For all the current contenders, we have to wait to see what impact and legacy they leave behind.

THE GREAT OBAFEMI AWOLOWO: Just before the denigration of his name (Part 1) by Idris Animasaun Read More »

2024 International Day of Forests (IDF): Idris Animasaun writes Open Letter to Governor Seyi Makinde.

1 Comment / Opinion / / / , , , , , ,

Today 21st of March 2024, the rest of the world is celebrating International Day of Forests (IDF). This is a day set aside by a proclamation made in 2012 by the United Nations General Assembly in an effort to celebrate and raise awareness for the importance of all types of forests. Countries across the world are encouraged to undertake local, national and international efforts to organize activities involving forests and trees, such as tree planting campaigns on days like this to celebrate its significance in combating climate change. Unfortunately, Oyo State Government recently embarked on the conversion of parks and gardens to residential housing estates for the elite without adherence or compliance with global policies and ideals. This anomaly climaxed in December when it was first reported that age long trees as wide as 900mm radius were being felled by the Oyo State Government within the Ogunpa Forest Reserve otherwise known as Agodi Parks and Gardens. Even if the Oyo State Government planted a million trees tomorrow to replace the mature trees that have been cut down and sold, they cannot perform their functions of carbon absorption, water purification, cloud formation and atmospheric cooling until they are at least 50 years old. Neither will they be able to catch and divert rainfall to our precious underground reservoirs nor hold the soil against erosion when the rains start. From various forms of harassment of peaceful protesters to a media parley that failed to address pivotal issues related to the environmental impact of the decision of the state government to go ahead with the conversion of a pristine forest into a concrete jungle. It is not surprising that neither stakeholder engagements nor aggressive tree planting if only for image making is being undertaken by the government. Over the last couple of days, it was reported that large trees continue to give way for the newly proposed estate situated within the perimeter of Agodi Gardens, watershed and adjoining forest reserves. The theme for the International Day of Forests 2024 is “Forests and Innovation: New Solutions for a Better World”. It is against this back drop that I use this platform to make an honest appeal to His Excellency Governor Seyi Makinde to seek collaborative Partnership on Forests as the ongoing battle against the massive deforestation currently being embarked upon requires new technological advancements to combat it. We have been bending over backwards to combat climate change in a way that reflects either an utter ignorance of the treat it poses to our collective well-being, ecosystem services and environment or just strict deference to global warming campaigns, policies and agenda of the United Nations. Cutting down old-growth trees previously standing guard over the Ogunpa River Watershed in the carbon sink forest surrounding Agodi Gardens will have implications in the near future and it is important that we do not only continue to draw this awareness but also raise the gavel in lieu of its environmental impacts. The rains will definitely come, Agodi Lake will overflow its banks like it has perennially done. With its carbon sink decimated, will the existing Ogunpa Channelization accommodate the intensified runoff that Baywood Estate will generate? However, it should be known that the Ogunpa Channelization program was aimed at preventing flooding due to dumping of waste in our waterways and did not foresee the unlikely event of massive deforestation of its watershed. This is a disaster waiting to happen and it will be on record that environmental concerns were swept under the carpet by the government. As the Oyo State Government continues the extensive destruction of this old forests in the Agodi Gardens, let it be known that concerned citizens spoke their mind and lent their voices to this global concern. “Oro to ba ti k’oja ekun, Erin la fii rin” – Any matter beyond tears, we laugh it out!!! May your administration succeed. Idris Animasaun Architect and Social Change Advocate

2024 International Day of Forests (IDF): Idris Animasaun writes Open Letter to Governor Seyi Makinde. Read More »

“Balancing Progress and Preservation: Oyo State’s Battle Against Illegal Structures and the Path to Sustainable Urban Development” by Idris Animasaun

6 Comments / Opinion / / / , , , , , , , , ,

Following the indiscriminate springing up of shanties, illegal structures and kiosks around the perimeter of Ojoo Bus Terminal, The Oyo State Government had earlier issued a seven-day relocation notice to all squatters, stall and kiosks owners to vacate the area. The development led to protest being made to the Chairman of Agidigbo FM Oriyomi Hamzat by the victim asking him to help appeal to the State Government through the Honorable Commissioner for Environment for staying of execution of the enforcements. On Saturday, I joined Hon. Mojeed Mogbonjubola Jagaban and Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat to carry out inspections of the affected areas. As an advocate of sustainable waste management, it is important to review illegal shanties and stalls already on drainage channels. The city is currently experiencing a rapid urbanization of its peri-urban centers like Ojoo becoming a gateway into the city, a focal point and as such have her own impact on businesses but most importantly on the city’s image, perception and impression of the state. Addressing the presence of shanties and illegal structures in urban neighborhoods is crucial for the well-being and progress of the community. It goes beyond immediate safety concerns, extending to the broader goals of organized development, improved infrastructure, and enhanced overall quality of life. Removing these structures opens up opportunities for positive transformation, fostering a resilient and aesthetically pleasing urban environment that benefits everyone. And there is now a growing need to ensure we do not only collaborate but compliment that he effort of the government. The commissioner communicated the ministry’s plan with the market men and women that the effort of the state government is for their own safety as the intensity of rainfall associated with climate action means there will be flooding if pathways for water is being blocked by some of their activities. He emphasized that provisions were already made to cordon off some parts for them to go about their daily activities, stressing the need to accomodate one another with respect to these existing provision which includes the neighborhood market. Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat empathize with those that may/will be affected by this decision and told them to be law abiding as the Seyi Makinde administration is a compassionate administration that will continue to put the interest of the state first.

“Balancing Progress and Preservation: Oyo State’s Battle Against Illegal Structures and the Path to Sustainable Urban Development” by Idris Animasaun Read More »