In Ogun state, we have three forms of occupation that drives our local economy; Civil Service, Quarry Business and Trading (Buying and Selling).These are the primary and major occupations of an average Abeokuta indigene.
A serious government will build infrastructure and at the same time develop the economy that will support the existing infrastructure. What we are experiencing in Abeokuta is what I call "Colossal Sabotage" of our local economy. This will in-turn affect the our overall economy our state in the forth coming year.
Apart from Kuto Market, other major markets in Abeokuta are; Omida, Sapon and the popular Itoku market. The month of November through to December is usually the peak period that witnesses massive sales and economic booming in Abeokuta and its environs due to the festive periods. These aforementioned markets plays a major business roles in this regard.
At this point, the traders (some of them are also Civil Servants) and every other stakeholders, smiles home with reasonable amount of income and profit upon which their family members will benefit from. Domestic needs are provided for and standards of lives will improve drastically. This period is usually filled will fun and merriment across the city. Its a WIN WIN situation between the seller (Income and Profit) and the buyer (Value for Money) which ultimately results to "Satisfaction."
At a moment, the reversed is the case. People are crying and groaning in pains and bitterness simply because our governor intends to extend durable and motor-able roads (With 4 lanes each) into 6 lanes.
So many questions running through my mind!
Are the roads too narrow to ease vehicular movements ? NO!
Are there frequent traffic jam or density on these roads? NO!
Are the roads in good shape ? YES!
Do traders hinder vehicular movements during market days ? NO!
Then, Why?
Your guess is as good as mine.
If the government gives an excuse that looks like this "We are doing it for Urban Renewal"...then there's the need for us to burst into laughter..as in...laughing in respect of the cluelessness of this government. Must you Destroy, Disrupt and Disconnect peoples lives all in the name of Urban Renewal ? Who are you RENEWING the URBAN for ? Must you take away their means of livelihood all in the name of urban renewal ?
If this so call Urban Renewal is a must; where are the alternatives ?
Where are the new markets that will accommodate these traders ?
Where are the lock-up shops ?
What do you expect them to engage in after destroying them emotionally through the demolition of their shops and stores ?
Can they survive this inhumane act ?
Will they be handsomely compensated ?
Can such brings them joy and fulfillment ?
Obviously our local economy is going to nosedive henceforth but, let me leave you with this quote...
This is what our governor will be remembered for.
“It is not what the government of OGUN STATE under Senator Ibikunle Amosun built. It is what they knocked down.
It is not the houses. It is the spaces between the houses.
It is not the streets that exist. It is the streets and markets that no longer exist.”
Destructive, Disruptive, & Disconnected Development; that's the Change We want and we are paying dearly for it.
We warned people not to hurriedly grab this deceit in disguise called change...But.....................Here we are.
Bro No development happen without scarifies This is what my uncle of 82 years wrote....."I was in America some 50 something years back and I know how it is then and now. I also know how many Buildings has went down in the course of this continual development of a already developed country, especially in Oklahoma here where I reside. Though i might not Know more about Ogun State, but in the 50s and 60s, Lagos was not like it is now, it was a village.. the colonial masters and later the Federal govt turned Lagos to the city we are seeing now and still Lagos has not reached it's peak of development. It can still be turned to a Mega City like New York, Chicago and their likes by pulling down old and weak structures and erecting a new one. here in Oklahoma a house does not get old 5 yrs before a major repair and restructuring is carried out, while 10 yrs and more designs is outdated and pulled down for new structures, or infrastructure most times roads and drainage. What I think a young man like you should help do is to enlighten and educated your pairs and older generations that demolition..is a necessary sacrificial step to a sincere and genuine development.... Oops..let me quickly add that such govt must be GENUINE and SINCERE in its rebuilding and infrastructural development agenda though because if not it will not only lead to double tragedy but also an unhealthy environment and a scattered society.
ReplyDeleteKindly read this
Deletehttp://sfojo.blogspot.com/2012/11/urban-renewal-and-people-of-ogun.html