OKE-AGUNLA COMMUNITY IN DIRE NEED OF GOVERNMENT ATTENTION AS RESIDENTS CRY OUT FOR HELP
“We Need Good Road, Well-Equipped Health Centre, Secondary School, Loans For Farmers, Empowerment For Women”- Says Princess Olufunmilayo Olowookere, Regent of Oke-Agunla.
The Regent of Oke-Agunla Community, Princess Olufunmilayo Olowookere and other categories of members of the community have sent passionate appeal to Government of Ondo State under the leadership Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa to come to the aid of the community by providing Secondary School for them to enable members to have access quality secondary education without stress.
In this special report by the Democrat News Magazine, it is observed that Oke- Agunla is a conglomeration of over six communities of over 10, 000 population of both Commercial and peasant farming.
Oral history of the Oke- Agunla says that the community was founded over 120 years by Pa. Aliu Ododo and some other notable men and women that came to settle in the community.
An ideal community should have a range of essential amenities that cater to the well-being and quality of life of its residents. These amenities can be categorized into several key areas, like Healthcare facilities. Healthcare Services, Oke-Agunla community lacks adequate healthcare facilities. The nearest hospital is 6 miles away, making it difficult for residents, especially the elderly, pregnant women and those with chronic illnesses, to access essential medical services. Which necessitates the establishment of a local health clinic equipped with basic medical supplies and staffed by qualified healthcare professionals, of Wich they only have two Health workers in Oke-Agunla Health Post.
In the area of Education,
the local school in the community is under-resourced, affecting the quality of education for their children which calls for additional funding for educational materials, school infrastructure improvements, and recruitment of more qualified teachers.
On road Infrastructure, she said: “The roads in our community are in poor condition, making transportation difficult, particularly during the rainy season. They are seeking assistance for the construction and maintenance of the community roads to improve connectivity and economic activities of their people.
In an Interview with the Democrat News Magazine, the Regent of Oke-Agunla, Princess Olufunmilayo Olowookere said: “In the same way, access to clean drinking water is a significant issue. Many residents rely on contaminated sources, leading to health problems. We request the installation of a reliable water supply system.
“Addressing all these needs as a matter of urgency will significantly improve the quality of life for our residents. Improved healthcare, education, infrastructure, and water supply will contribute to the overall development and economic stability of the Akure North and Ondo State in general.
“These enhancements will also align with the government’s goals of promoting rural development and reducing urban-rural disparities.
“We kindly request the following actions- Allocation of funds for healthcare, education, road infrastructure, and water supply improvements,- Deployment of technical experts to assess and plan the necessary projects- Regular monitoring and maintenance of the implemented projects.
“We are hopeful that Mr. Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa and and we’ll meaning individuals and Organizations will consider our appeal and take prompt action to address these critical issues that are stiring us in the faces.
“The community is eager to collaborate with the government and contribute to the planning and implementation processes. We are committed to ensuring the success of these initiatives for the betterment of all residents.”
She pointed out that the leadership of the community is ready to work with the governments at all levels to actualise their age long plea.
“We look forward to a positive response and to working together for the advancement of our community.” She submitted.
Also corroborated all that were earlier said one of the Community Health Extension Workers at the facility, Mrs. Aiyedun noted that the condition of the Health Post is very critical that they didn’t have single Paracetamol.
Pleading passionately for quick intervention of government and NGO to bring the community out of darkness.
“Most of the time we have to send our pregnant women to Ogbese for delivery just because we don’t have equipments.”
One of the teachers of the Only school in the community, Pst. Udoh Moses said: “We need text books, more teachers. And in the community we need Police Station, Good Road, electricity.
The Youth Leader of the community, Comrade Gabriel Isaiah said that have not seen the presence of Government in the community for more thant 30 years.
Mrs. Mercy Moses said that Sea incursion has been affecting residents of the community adding that government should do something to make the community save from erosion.
“From Ogbese to this Community supposed not to be more than N400 but we are paying N1000 because of the bad road.”
Others that spoke with the the Democrat News Magazine, Mrs. Janet Andrew-Michael, Mrs. Esther Sunday, Mrs. Elizabeth Benjamin, Akogun Isaiah Benjamin, Mrs. Funmilayo Owolanke one of the elders of the community and Mr. Friday Adejor.
They used the medium to call for Collective Community development where community members both at home and abroad come together to take collective action and generate solutions to common problems. To building capacity, fostering partnerships, and promoting sustainable growth to improve the quality of life for all members of the community.
On Funding and Resources they pointed out that Governments at all levels can allocate financial resources and grants to support community projects in Agunla and that they should also provide technical assistance and access to public services and infrastructure like the delapidated school and health facilities and others.