KWARA – Alhaji Baba Aliyu, the Alangwa of Agbeyangi in Ilorin East Local Government Area has tasked the Kwara government on rural development to ensure balanced growth in the state.
Alhaji Aliyu made the call at the celebration of his 35 years anniversary on throne as Alangwa, unveiling of his autobiography and his 106th birthday celebration.
The centenarian said anyone who has witnessed the urban renewal projects of Gov. Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq would naturally desire similar transformation in the rural communities.
“I therefore wish to respectfully appeal to the state government to kindly consider the reconstruction of the Panada-Agbeyangi-Yarun road to accelerate socio-economic development within the axis.
”This is because development is a shared responsibility between the people and leadership; and during our early years, development in Agbeyangi was built on communal cooperation.
“In the 1980s, many illustruos sons and daughters of Agbeyangi also used their positions and influence to advance the development of our town.
“During the fourth republic, government presence also increased in our community, however, despite these achievements, the pace of development has gradually slowed,” he said.
Aliyu also called on all sons and daughters of the community to become more deliberate and united in addressing the developmental challenges confronting the community.
He urged them to think beyond individual success and work collectively for the development of their ancestral home.
In his remarks, the President, Agbeyangi Community Development Association, Alhaji Shuaib Oba, commended Alhaji Aliyu’s reign and managerial abilities which have been of great benefits to the community.
He said that since the ascension of Aliyu to the throne, the community has not had any crisis, but rather the community has experienced growth in various fields of human endeavours.
The traditional ruler also appealed to the state government for the construction of Panada-Agbeyangi-Yarun road, which he said was in a deplorable state and negatively affecting socio-economic life.
“About 30 communities are living along the road which falls between Ilorin East and Ifelodun Local Governments.
“These communities find it extremely difficult to travel or transport their farm produce using this road, thus stunting our economic growth and development.
“On behalf of the 30 communities living the road corridor, please consider starting the construction of the road before you handover the baton to your successor which we believe will complete it once started.
“Substantial work could be done between now and the completion of your tenure,” he said.
Reports that highlights of the occasion include unveiling of the autobiography and post humous recognition awards and conferment of chieftaincy titles on some sons and daughters of the community.(NAN)
