Discussing the state of affairs in Ogun State, specifically in the Imeko/Afon Local Government area, Oba Benjamin Olanite, the Onimeko of Imeko, expressed his distress over the neglect of border communities by the government. This neglect, he emphasized, has exacerbated issues such as banditry and kidnapping within these regions.
According to Oba Olanite, the situation has become so critical that educators are now reluctant to work in these areas due to the looming threat posed by bandits and kidnappers. He highlighted that many of the educational institutions in these communities were established through the efforts of missionaries and local residents, urging both the federal and state governments to intervene and support the vulnerable populations in these neglected areas.
These concerns were raised by Oba Olanite during the commencement of a two-day international conference held in honor of Emeritus Prof of History, Anthony Asiwaju, at the June 12 Cultural Centre in Kuto Abeokuta.
The conference, themed “Comparative African History and Borderlands Studies,” was a collaborative effort between Tai Solarin University of Education in Ijagun, Olabisi Onabanjo University in Ago-Iwoye, and the Ogun State Government. Notable figures present at the event included Governor Dapo Abiodun, represented by his deputy Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, and the keynote speaker Prof. Yemi Akinyeye.
Other attendees included the Director General of the National Boundary Commission, Surv Adaji Adamu, as well as Vice-Chancellors from Olabisi Onabanjo University and Tai Solarin University of Education. Professors Abdulrahman Bello, Folashade Ogunsola, Ayodeji Agboola, Oluwole Banjo, and Commissioner Abayomi Arigbabu were also among the scholars in attendance.
Oba Olanite remarked, “When discussing border communities, we are often marginalized and misrepresented as individuals engaged in illicit activities. The lack of government presence in these regions, be it at the federal, state, or local level, is alarming.”
He continued, “The absence of adequate security measures has deterred educators from serving in our communities. This international conference serves as a platform to shed light on the challenges faced by residents of border communities across the nation.”
In her address, Salako-Oyedele commended Prof. Asiwaju for his global contributions to academia, emphasizing the importance of utilizing borders to promote economic integration and growth within African countries.
During an interaction with the media, Prof. Asiwaju praised Governor Abiodun for organizing the international conference in his honor, lauding the governor’s progressive approach to governance.
Reflecting on his extensive efforts over six decades to address the plight of border community residents, Prof. Asiwaju expressed disappointment at the gap between policy formulation and implementation. He stressed the necessity of consistent and effective policy execution to alleviate the challenges faced by marginalized communities.