AGODI GARDENS AS A HOUSING ESTATE?

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There’s nothing the Oyo State government says about the conversion of Agodi Gardens to a residential area that will make any sense. For the umpteenth time, I’ll reiterate that those who started the Nigerian journey had good intentions before others in uniform hijacked it and later some “democrats” screaming Awoism; an idea they know nothing about. 

I have read quite a number of narratives from politicians loyal to the State Governor and most recently from the Commissioner for Lands trying effortlessly to defend the planned conversion of Agodi Gardens to a housing estate and I must state that it is nothing but a ruse. The statement of the commissioner in defense of the conversion is so twisted and lacking details. It is not even the case that the houses to be constructed will be accessible to low and middle-income earners. The statement failed to answer why the conservation area must be converted to a housing estate when a green revolution should take off from that spot. 

It is important to make it known for a record purpose that the Agodi Gardens of today did not start with Governor Ajimobi who launched the construction in 2014. However, he must be commended for buying the idea and making it see the light of the day. 

 Agodi Gardens has been conceived and initiated as far back as the 60s during the days of Obafemi Awolowo. And, probably the governor does not know, trees were bought and brought in from several countries and planted there to make the reserve which is about to be cleared  by the governor for a housing estate. Meanwhile, the trees that will be cut off to give way for the housing estate are as old as the governor and even more. 

If you look around South West, you will realise that none of the legacies of Awolowo is standing because of the absence of foresight by those managing the affairs of the States. There used to be at least eight ranches in the defunct Western Region under Obafemi Awolowo in present-day Lagos (Agege), Ogun (Imeko), Ekiti (Aiyedun), Ondo (Ikare) and Oyo (Saki) States amongst others. Unfortunately, these ranches have now become history because of mis-governance. 

Meanwhile, countries like Israel, Argentina, Brazil, Australia and the United States of America have implemented cattle ranching successfully. There is also an online info which says ranches contribute $123billion annually to Brazil’s economy. Unfortunately, today, there is nothing to show for the ranches established in the old western region. 

In fact, we would not have been here talking about open grazing and indiscriminate destruction of farmlands by Fulani herdsmen in the South West if those ranches which were set-up in the old Western Region had not been sent into extinction by our ruling elites. 

Now, at a time that our governors should be discussing plans to revive ranching and bring to life green revolution, the Oyo State government has concluded plans to sell off Agodi gardens to build a residential area. That is some other destruction of a historic location which must not be allowed to fly. 

Kazeem Olalekan Israel (GANI), Ìbàdàn