It was hours of robust brainstorming centered around proffering solutions to societal problems as a group known as Ogbeni Labzy Alternative on Saturday held its first ALT café 1.0.
The group which consists of young and brilliant minds primary based in Oyo state with membership spread across the universe. The group with sole objective of being a leading policy Think-Tank in Oyo State with the vision to become one of the leading think-tanks in Nigeria by the year 2030.
ALT café 1.0 with the theme: Harnessing Opportunities in Oyo State: Potentials, Policies and Politics, gathered young minds from diverse fields for a hybrid event that blended physical participation with virtual engagement.
The duologue session was led by Adeola Adelabu and Prince Damola Layade while the roundtable discussion featured Dayo Ogunbowale, Michael Ogunsina, Prince David Adeoye, Prince Ademola Oyeledun and Stephen Ademola.
Four cores issues were deliberated upon at the event; emerging real estate and land acquisition issues in Oyo State, appraising agriculture and food security in Oyo State, tourism in Oyo: carcass or phoenix, local government autonomy: a resistance in good faith?
After roundtable sessions and interactive conversations and deliberations, the group submitted in its communiqué made available to FRESHPAGE.
On the first issue bothering on emerging real estate and land acquisition issues in Oyo State, the gathering highlighted various land acquisitions by the Oyo State government, with specific focus on the ongoing Ibadan Circular Road project.
‘’There was a robust discussion about the demolition of structures obstructing the project, and participants debated the fairness of compensation and allowances made for affected property owners.
‘’The issue of transparency in communication and citizen engagement was also raised, as several participants emphasized the need for better community involvement in developmental projects to promote trust between the government and the people. The Ibadan Circular Road, meant to enhance connectivity and boost economic activities, was seen as a necessary project, but with concerns over how the land acquisition process was handled’’.
For the issue on agriculture and food security, the participants at the event called for urgent need for the Oyo State Government to invest more in agriculture value chains. Specific concerns were made over rising food prices and the threat to food security, particularly due to climate change, poor infrastructure and insufficient support for farmers. The gathering recommended a bottom-up approach.
The discussion on Tourism in the state was centered on the missed opportunities for the state’s development. The group frowned at how expanse of land earlier planned to host a media city was converted to Lere Adigun Estate. Participants saw this as a setback to the film and media industry and the huge benefits Oyo state would have derived from such project.
To improve governance at the grassroots following the Supreme Court judgment granting autonomy to Local Governments, participants suggest introduction of e-governance to streamline LG operations, making approval for funds more efficient and reducing risks associated with physical document handling.
