OPINION: Towards attaining a great Ogbomoso city
Jide AKINTOLA
Ogbomoso is a fast growing city in South West Nigeria, Oyo state to be precise. On global assessment, she is the second largest city in Oyo state after Ibadan {the largest city in Nigeria and second largest city in Africa}. Ogbomoso was founded in the mid-17th century by Ọlábanjọ Ògúnlọlá Ògúndìran, who was of Ibariba descent, and his wife, Esuu. Ogbomoso became a refuge for approximately 147 deserted towns and villages during the Fulani wars in the 19th century. The bill recently sponsored by Hon. Olamijuwonlo Alao Akala at the Federal House of Representatives, identifying Ogbomoso as the rightful city to become the capital city of the new Oyo state to be created soon is commendable and justifiable.
Advertisement
To ensure that the city’s rapid development is not truncated, the following hints must be considered and vigorously pursued: The community’s purpose and values must be clearly stated by having clear vision, mission, and values to serve as the community’s foundation for growth. Thanks to His Imperial Majesty, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye (Orumogege III) for developing a 25-year developmental plan for the city. Build a strong leadership team by gathering diverse groups of leaders who share the community’s vision and are committed to its growth.
The appearance of Prof. Adeolu Afolabi before the Soun-in-Council to discuss developing Ogbomosoland through Information Technology (IT)/ Artificial Intelligence (AI) and others to develop Ogbomosoland is one of the steps towards achieving this. It is also pertinent to create a welcoming environment for all to foster an inclusive and supportive atmosphere, where members feel valued and encouraged to participate. Developing engaging programs and activities by planning events, workshops, and initiatives that cater for diverse interests and needs, promoting members’ engagement and retention are positive steps towards having a great city. In the same direction, fostering effective communication channels through establishing open and transparent communication by various platforms, ensuring members stay informed and connected is another important step towards making Ogbomosoland blossom. It is also essential to encourage members’ participation and ownership by empowering members to take ownership of projects and initiatives, fostering a sense of responsibility and investment in the community’s growth. More so, embracing diversity and inclusivity through celebrating differences and promoting equal opportunities, making the community a vibrant and diverse hub, will also usher the city into greatness.
Ogbomosoland will be great if strategic partnerships are built by collaborating with organizations and businesses to access resources, expertise, and opportunities and furthering the community’s impact. Noting that education is light, emphasizing continuous learning and development by providing opportunities for members to learn new skills, share knowledge, and stay updated on industrial trends must be pursued. Methods must be designed to reduce rate of dropout of Ogbomoso children from schools at all levels. Sponsoring indigenes in community’s areas of need could be considered as well. Celebrating milestones and successes of the city as a form of feedback could reinforce growth and progress. Embracing adaptability and resilience through staying flexible and responsive to changing circumstances, ensuring the community remains vibrant and thriving.
Advertisement
Hence, religion, politics and other factors should be used to our advantage and not to mislead the vulnerable indigenes towards disrupting the peace and stability of the ancient city of Ogbomoso. Without being sentimental, it is important to respect various constituted authorities. Limitations of individual leaders must be acknowledged. Nations and cities that grow are not controlled by religion but by basic fundamental principles of growth. Religious leaders in Ogbomosoland and others are advised to stop using religion to cause division and segregation, conflict and violence, intolerance and discrimination, obstruction of progress, and stagnation of social justice among others. In the midst of disagreement, peaceful dialogue and understanding, education and critical thinking and legal process should be looked into as a means of seeking settlement and not rabble-rousing and unethical means. If all the aforementioned points are put into use, Ogbomoso city will be among the top five cities in Nigeria, top 10 cities in Africa and 100 top cities of the world.
Akintola PhD sends this piece from Ogbomoso
08033669857
