Osun Speaker, Ex-Commissioner Make Case For Community-Based Development

By Shina Abubakar

The Speaker of the State of Osun House of Assembly, Hon. Najeem Salaam has called on indigenes of communities in the state of Osun to always rally round their origin to endear development to the rural areas.

He stated this at the Masifa-Ile Day celebration held at the Community Grammar School in the town.

He disclosed that the development of ancient communities is a collective responsibility of all the indigenes of such community, saying government alone cannot take charge of developing every settlements in the state.

Salaam disclosed that celebrating a day in the name of a community offers a platform for the sons and daughters of such community to meet and discuss issues relating to the development of the community and its people.

He admonished the affluent indigenes of different communities in the state to always rally round and participate in issues capable of bringing development to their respective communities.

Similarly, the former Commissioner for Information and Strategy in the State, Oluomo Sunday Akere stated the need for indigenes of every community to get involved in the process of building the rural areas, saying it is no longer tenable to rely on government for development of all the nooks and crannies of the state.

He said the Yoruba tradition harps on communal effort towards developing the various communities prior to the advent of colonialism and sought a return to the system in the face of the reality that government cannot provide all the need of its people.

Akere charged the teeming populace in the state to always cooperate with any sitting governor in order for development to take root in their various communities, stressing that development can only be achieved in peaceful atmosphere.

The highlight of the event is the various family compounds paying homage to the ruler of the town and praying for his long reign.