Isheri Olofin residents seeks more government presence

By Patrick Okohue

When the architectural master plan of Isheri-Olofin Federal Site and Service Scheme, Idimu, Lagos was etched in the 70s, it was a beautiful city to behold on paper.

  Concrete work formation on the large expanse of land – demarcating residential area, social service centre, and industrial hub and connecting road networks – showed another modern city in the neighborhood of Ikoyi and Ikeja Government Residential Areas.

  But it was a dream that would not come through; at least not in another 40 years. Relocation of the Federal seat from Lagos to Abuja in 1991 was sufficient to stall the project midway into completion. Also phased out were urban planning, development and regulation in the area.

  A visit to the site would show concrete markings that have survived till date. But years of abandonment made the area worst than it was for neighboring residents. It was a gory picture of how distant the Federal Government could be from the people!

  Besides inaccessible road network, several uncompleted houses and artificial swamps became hideouts for armed robbers terrorizing the area. Where residents are not worried about flooding, it is the fear of fetching petroleum products from water wells. It was indeed a site in dire straits for years!

  Such was the state of affairs until eight years ago when residents took the bull by the horns. Courtesy of their collective will to survive, they are today proud of fairly motor-able

roads, security of life and properties and few social infrastructures, though the fear of underground oil spill still looms.

Lawmaker representing Alimoso II Constituency in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Omotayo Oduntan, summed up the level of development in the area, at a gala and award night recently held. Oduntan observed that nine years ago when she last visited – 14 years since the site was abandoned – the area was at best suitable for fishery business. “Today, it is entirely a different place,” she said.  

  Under the auspices of Glory land Community Development Area (CDA), residents’ contributions ensured each zone of the area has a transformer, drainage channels, culverts for easy access and gates at every entrance.

  Outgoing chairman of the CDA, Isaac Okorie noted that the breath of fresh air currently enjoyed in the site was a testimony of what a people could achieve with common aim, cooperation and hard work.

Speaking at the gala and award night, to celebrate outstanding contributors to the development plan, Okorie said residents’ support had ensured that 90 per cent of the occupants could now ply the inner roads.

  Okorie commended the flood control effort of the Lagos State government at Zone 4, though expressed concern that the community of over 3000 residents was yet to have a polling booth for election purposes.

  While she commended the CDA for rising against the odds, Oduntan said it was high time they had further pressed their demands at the Lagos Assembly, adding that Alimosho Constituency was too politically relevant to be neglected by the state government’s social development vehicle.

  Oduntan’s colleague in the House and resident of the community, Suuru Avoseh was proud of the Assembly’s initiative to pass the law that recognized CDAs back in 2007, adding that it was in recognition that government could not meet developmental yearnings of the people without CDAs playing their part. “Gloryland CDA shows we were not wrong after all. The community is working and we are glad.”

  Avoseh, however, warned that it was not yet uhuru. His words: “As residents around here, I understand the gun powder we are all sitting on. Right under us, the flow of petroleum products has continued. Though the government had been coming to assist, but it is still scary. We (the residents) still have to be vigilant; raise alarm whenever it starts flowing again,” he said. Avoseh urged the newly elected CDA Exco to redouble efforts at bringing government closer to the residents.

 The new Exco led by Olumide Adewale, promised to continue with the current development projects, coupled with new ones, through improved partnership with the government.

On the abandoned Federal Road, he said, they had always tried to invite their parent landlord (the Federal Government). “We have always get in touch with them (FG) and they have started acknowledging with promises. But we want to believe the state government more. They have been responsive to our calls, like the construction of canal to control flooding, control of collapsing buildings and stray goats disturbing the residents.”

On the importance of the road, Adewale said: “It is not only for this community, but as a by-pass to control traffic around Isheri-roundabout and Egbeda, even as far as Moshalasi area. From here, it takes about five minute’s straight-drive to get to Two-Storey and Ayobo, cutting off a large flank of the traffic corridor. If only they can do it, we would have the road, and it would serve the state.”

  Other members of the new Exco are Patrick Aimisior; Jimoh Olanrewaju; Stephen Oyemina; Fashina Olusola; Omolola Grace Ajuwon; Idehen Ejna Jeffrey and Emmanuel Alao Akeem.

The event also witnessed awards to some deserving residents, among are Prince Tunde Olanipekun, - Platinum, Mr. Isaac Okorie – Platinum.  Gold was for Mr. Jeffrey Idehen, Mr. Olumide Adewale, Mr. Olusola Fashina, Mr. Abiodun Adesheila, Mrs. Titilayo Ariyo-Adeoye, Mr. Jide Ajani, Elder Sofela Sowemimo, Mr. Jide Alabi, and Tijani Wasiu. These are group who have served the community meritoriously. And also 43 people were awarded for financial support to the community.