A community leader in Igboye Town, Epe Division, Mr Musiliudeen Awoga, has appealed for government intervention in infrastructure development and youth empowerment in the community.
Awoga made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Thursday.
The community chieftain said improved infrastructure would contribute significantly to the socio-economic development of the Igboye community.
According to him, major infrastructural needs include a modern town hall, library, research, tourism, sports and healthcare centres.
He said the facilities would provide residents, particularly youths, with opportunities for learning, research, healthcare, recreation and skills development.
“Our community needs government intervention in critical infrastructure such as a town hall, library, research centre, healthcare centre, tourism centre and sports centre.
“These facilities will greatly improve the quality of life of our people,” he said.
Awoga said the proposed town hall would provide a suitable venue for community meetings, public engagements and other activities aimed at promoting unity and development.
“A functional town hall will give us a proper place to hold meetings, programmes and developmental engagements.
“It will also strengthen unity and cooperation among residents,” he said.
He said a library and research centre would support education, learning and research among students and youths in the community.
“Our students and researchers need access to a conducive environment where they can read, learn and conduct research.
“A library and research centre will be a major investment in the future of our young people,” Awoga said.
The community leader also called for a healthcare centre to enable residents to access basic medical services without travelling long distances for treatment.
“Healthcare is a fundamental need. A functional healthcare centre in Igboye will help residents, particularly children, women and the elderly, access basic medical attention within the community,” he said.
Awoga said a tourism centre would help unlock the economic potential of the area, given its cultural heritage and other attractions.
“Igboye has cultural and tourism potential that can be developed to attract visitors, create jobs and generate income for the community.
“Government support in this area will help us preserve our heritage while promoting economic development,” Awoga said.
He appealed for a sports centre to provide youths with opportunities to develop their talents and engage in productive activities.
“Our youths have talents in different sporting activities.
“A well-equipped sports centre will give them opportunities to develop these talents and keep them away from negative influences,” Awoga said.
He also urged the government and relevant agencies to introduce empowerment programmes to equip youths with vocational and entrepreneurial skills.
“Our youths are energetic and willing to work, but they need opportunities, incentives, training and access to start-up support.
“Government empowerment programmes will help them become self-reliant and contribute positively to the development of the community,” he said.
Awoga urged elected representatives and political office holders to prioritise grassroots development by regularly engaging residents and identifying their most pressing needs.
“Those elected to represent us should always remember that development begins at the grassroots.
“They should listen to the people and ensure that projects and programmes reach communities such as Igboye,” he said.
Awoga urged politicians to conduct their campaigns peacefully and respectfully, while promoting unity and understanding among members of the community.
He also appealed to politicians to respect the traditional institution and work with traditional leaders to promote peace, unity and development in the community. (NAN)
