By Ayodeji Okuwa
The Ijebu Boys’ Association (IJBOYS) fondly recalls the golden era of Ijebuland, a time of economic vibrancy and industrial success. However, alongside these cherished memories comes a profound sense of duty, as we recognise the urgent need to restore and surpass the economic glory of the past years. The current economic realities demand immediate and strategic action.
Historically, the Ijebu people are renowned for their commercial acumen and entrepreneurial prowess. In our youth, Ijebuland was home to numerous thriving industries that provided employment, sustained families, and fuelled economic growth. Along the old Lagos Road en route Okun-Owa, we boasted of the Ikangba Industrial Estate that housed the following firms: Gateway Pharmaceutical Company, Odutola Food Industry, Novelty Lace, Waddai Shoe Factory and Sunrise Bottling Company, among others. SOESON Company, manufacturers of Refrigerators at Irewon. Aiyepe flourished with its lace factory, while Imagbon proudly housed the renowned beer factory that produced the iconic ‘33 Export Lager Beer.
Ijebu-Igbo was a hub for timber and forestry products, alongside Shokas Lace Industry and the legendary Haruna Ishola Phonodics Recording Studio on the Oru-Ibadan Road. Ijebu-Imushin thrived with the Temple and Golders Industry, S. T Nigeria Limited, manufacturer of ST antiseptic and laundry soap, while Ijebu Waterside was home to the Iwopin Paper Mill. The J4 axis served as a major labour market for Ijebuland. Unfortunately, most of these industries have become moribund, leading to a significant economic downturn that has persisted for decades.
The famed Odutola Stores once stood as the pride of Ijebuland, offering a shopping experience comparable to that of the renowned Kingsway and Leventis stores in Ibadan and Lagos. There were Lennards Shoes and Bata Shop among other chains of stores in Ijebu Ode.
The decline mirrors the larger economic stagnation that must now be addressed with decisive action.
A call for industrial renaissance
IJBOYS is committed to spearheading the revitalisation and industrialisation of Ijebuland through strategic private and public sector collaboration. Ijebu is blessed with an abundance of human capital and vast natural resources that remain largely untapped.
Take, for instance, Garri-Ijebu, celebrated worldwide for its unique quality. Instead of limiting ourselves to subsistence cassava farming, we must develop a full-fledged value chain that transforms raw produce into finished products, creating a thriving labour market and fostering mechanised farming on a large scale.
Creating a conducive environment for investors
For Ijebuland to attract and sustain industrial investments, we must prioritise the development of critical infrastructure.
This includes:
A comprehensive ring road network: Connecting all towns and villages for a seamless movement of goods, services and people.
Reliable electricity and water supply: Essential for both industrial and residential sustainability.
A Digital Infrastructure framework that will connect Ijebu to the technological world.
A modern railway system: Linking Ijebu-Ode to key commercial cities like Abeokuta, Ibadan and Lagos, ensuring efficient transportation of farm produce and industrial goods to broader markets.
With such infrastructure in place, not only will businesses thrive, but major cultural events like the Ojude Oba Festival will also gain international prominence, attracting more tourists and economic opportunities.
Prioritising health for economic growth
A healthy society is a productive society. Through our annual medical outreach, IJBOYS remains committed to providing healthcare services to the underprivileged. We shall continue to expand these initiatives and introduce a new Medical Insurance scheme, ensuring that every Ijebu indigene has access to quality healthcare.
A healthier community translates to a stronger, more prosperous economy.
Towards a prosperous Ijebuland
Our vision is clear: a reindustrialised Ijebuland that fully leverages its natural resources, fosters innovation, and empowers its people. We seek to eradicate poverty, elevate prosperity and restore Ijebuland to its rightful place as a beacon of economic excellence.
Idagbasoke dede Akile Ijebu, re je eni n’ogun!
Okuwa, a retired major in the US Army, wrote in from the United States
Views expressed by contributors are strictly personal and not of QEDNG
