We’re working on master plan for Ilaje development ―IDC

THE Ilaje Development Council (IDC), a worldwide indigenous association of accomplished sons and daughters of Ilaje, Ondo State, has said it’s working a master plan for the development of Ilaje land.

The group disclosed this at Alarcarte Residence Inn and Resort Ltd Sapele, Delta State, last weekend during the inauguration of its executive committee that will run the affairs of the young association.

Prince Godday Erewa emerged as the National President, while other members of the IDC executive includes: Dr Aderonke Ikuomola, Vice President, Engr. IbiKunle Karaki, Secretary, Barr. Omoniyi Adeomo, Legal Adviser, Mr Banji Okunomo, PRO, Director of Finance/Treasurer, Ola Omotelimse and Mr Soji Ayenuro, Liaison Officer.

The group, in its communique issued after the inaugural meeting, observed that the major challenges facing Ilaje nation were, among others, poor infrastructure, wrong values, insecurity, poor quality of education and unemployment.

It further noted that Ilaje land has suffered neglect from successive governments and intervention agencies, leading to abandonment and lack of sustainable projects as well as environmental degradation which had affected the social-economic development of Ilaje nation.

In the communiqué signed by Prince Godday Erewa, National President and Engr. IbiKunle Karaki, Secretary, the group resolved that it would eschew partisan politics, but be development-driven.

The council unanimously agreed to come up with a developmental master plan for Ilaje nation and also embark on value re-orientation of the teaming Ilaje youths through various programmes.

It was further resolved that the council would embark on the tour of Ilaje land to assess the extent of decay with a view to replicating successful development models of similar terrains of developed countries of the world.

On security, the group said “That the Council shall collaborate with all security agencies in order to tackle insecurity and to facilitate rapid development in Ilaje land.

“That the Council shall collaborate with government to exploit tourism potentials in Ilaje land and shall work in cooperation with all traditional institutions in order to tackle dichotomy headlong.”

It added that that, “the membership of the Council shall be open to persons of good character and proven integrity.”

Meanwhile, the National President of IDC, Prince Godday Erewa, in his remarks after the inauguration, promised that the executive would put the interest of Ilaje nation first in all their decisions and would consult widely with critical stakeholders before taking any major decision.

He stated further that the executive would reach out to prominent Ilaje sons and daughters both at home and in the diaspora in order to harness their individual capacity and intellect for the development of Ilaje nation.

While praying for the new executive, HRH Oba Obafemi Ogbaro, the Odoka of Obe Ogbaro, of Ilaje LGA, Ondo State, charged them to be focused, united and put Ilaje’s interest first in all their dealings.