Introduction
First, I would like to express my appreciation to the executives of Ijede Development Forum for giving me the opportunity to deliver this lecture. As a young man, I may not be able to fully grasp the details of origin and genealogies of this calm, cool and halcyon Ijede. Perhaps, the place, the people, the politics, power play, peace, pollution and pleasures of Ijede people are probably the most fascinating but scantily documented elements of our history.
Community development means different things to different people. For this paper, the wide definition of community development includes intentional collective actions to improve social, economic, physical, and environmental well-being, while preserving valuable aspects of the culture of the particular geographic area.
The Hindsight
According to oral tradition, Ijede derives its name from Ajede – the progenitor. In 1500, Ajede was said to have migrated to this land where he met other hunters; hence, (apejo awon ode- the gathering of hunters) became Ijede. The inhabitants were majorly hunters while some others were dexterous fishermen. Men and women worked according to their capabilities to uplift this town form its doldrums. To mention just a few examples, Baba Igbe stood out in hunting; Imams Arikewuyo and Baba Reke promoted and piloted the Islamic front gallantly; Baba AsA – Ojikutu and Oloritun were tantalizingly the heads of the Apejas; Chief Onilado took great care of – Remireke festivals and transferred to the Saminus while Eluku was jealously harboured by the – Olambiwonus; many teachers have come and gone but Dosunmu the Tisa Agba, Chief Salu and Mr. Ajayi formed a formidable trio when it came to extending the frontiers of knowledge. Sacrosanct to the Kings was peace in their domain.
Oba Etita maintained it, King Akilo cherished it while King Oresanya sustained it. The list is endless but one could not that like Ikorodu, Ijede NEVER had Alaru.
In Ijede everyone was skilled in at least one profession – farming, fishing, drumming, dancing, and weaving and so on. Almost every family had agbada garri or fufu. Environments were clean and families were linked to each other. Permit me to say, that Ijede had them in twos. There were many springs but the ever refreshing Odoro and Ajia stood out. Do not forget Oko-olopon and Igbe. Fishes were in abundance that ofon and tilapia were literally picked at Lagoon shore. In the religious arena were predominant Muslims who lived peacefully with Christians. Even then at that time were Ahmadiyya and the Ansar ul-deen while the Christians had Anglican and United Methodist Churches. The schools were two: Ahmaddiyya and Anglican Primary schools. The nomenclature of Okeoyinbo and Okegbebin were not coincidental. Longevity was the order of the day as Baba Kaa and many like him refresh the memory. Without any gainsaying, longevity thrives in Ijede. It be added however that Ijede, like every primordial town was not spared from oddities and adversities of that time – infant mortality and strange diseases. It is imperative that those who survived those times and are alive to should give thanks to God, Almighty.
The Insight
This town has come a long way in terms of development. Baskets containing fufu will never line up the road waiting for Kajola or Bolekaja again. Intricacies in relationships have increased and that was signaled early in the 80s with the coming of Egbin Thermal Station. Trees are giving way to palatial buildings and the ambience Ijede used to know is tampered with. The political turf has witnessed alignments and re-alignments. Ijede should rejoice that the children of yore years are making waves today.
Inter-marriages and New – site settlements have come to stay. Norms and values are being contested as more groups, clubs and societies spring up. In the midst of these milieus, there is tendency to lose focus, forget and abandon the mandate for development. There is the possibility of those who ‘have made it’ to play the ostrich and abandon the ship. On the other hand, there is the tendency to pay lip service and get involved just for pecuniary gains.
The Foresight
The human community is everything and Ijede cannot be different. We must all remember that what we do in life, re-echoes after us and in eternity.
- Street Patterns – Historical and political events
- Cultivate a safe environment and make the community accessible to all
- Education and literacy – For children and youth, education can include child sponsorship projects, accrual of necessary materials for attending school (books, supplies, uniforms, etc). For adults, an interesting side note is that there seems globally to be a positive correlation between adult female literacy and the overall development and health of a community.
- Gives young and old like ample opportunity for recreation, physical exercise, and exposure to nature.
- Increase the capacity of the community to discuss problems and issues openly and resolve them within a reasonable period of time in a democratic fashion.
- Support and network with individuals as they organize neighbours into a cohesive whole
