GOVERNOR Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State has described the frustrating attention of the people on government, noting that contemporary times demand the involvement of non-state actors in fostering grassroots’ development.
Ajimobi who was a guest at Ona Ara stakeholders’ summit decried that government’s efforts looked inadequate owing to lean resources and population explosion.
Ajimobi, represented by his Chief of Staff, Dr Gbade Ojo, consequently called for increased involvement of wealthy and influential citizens, voluntary organisations, legislators, sociocultural clubs especially at local government level, for grassroots development.
He noted that it was really challenging for government to attend to all aspects of social and physical infrastructure required in all localities across states.
Speaking at the Ona Ara Development Forum (ODF), he lamented that local government administration also failed to deliver the goods to the grassroots in ensuring development owing to inefficiency and corruption.
“The attention on government in contemporary time is becoming frustrating. The reason is not connected with the fact that government resources is lean, while population explosion is making nonsense efforts of the government.”
“Beyond that, the capacity of administrators at the grassroots level is indeed doubtful. When you link this with corruption complex at the grassroots, it is alarming. Thus, attention must shift to the non-state actors, while not completely putting government efforts into abeyance,” Ajimobi said.
In his address, the Asiwaju of Ibadanland, Chief Olabode Amao, said that sustainable growth could only be achieved through effective collaboration and goodwill of relevant stakeholders.
Amao, who hails from Ona Ara, decried that the state grappled with poor states. Amao called on the federal government to help rehabilitate Ibadan-Akanran-Ijebu Igbo interstate road.
The Former President-General, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Alhaji Adebayo Oyero, charged indigenes of the community to display greater commitment to their individual villages and participate actively in Community Development Association meetings.
Oyero, the Aare Mayegun of Ibadanland urged members of the community to desist from selling village lands and be ready to donate such for meaningful development of the area.
He commended the governor on the recent elevation of 11 High Chiefs and 21 Baales in Ibadan, saying the effort would further enhance the development of the ancient city.
ODF Chairman, Alhaji Kola Bolomope, pointed at all development indicators pointing to the community as one of the least developed local governments in the Oyo State.
“Ona-Ara has never been short of successful people in politics, commerce and various professions but still lacking the necessary development among the various councils in the state.”
“This is why we have evolved several strategies, among which is the summit to rally our people and channel ways for meaningful development in our community,” he said.
Bolomope enjoined the sons and daughters of Ona-Ara to rally support for the leadership of ODF, saying they were determined to ensure the development of the community.
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