Located behind the state-owned AGODI gardens in the heart of Ibadan, lies an expanse of land that has long been a refuge for criminal activities, shrouded in darkness and angst. This land, with its minimal traffic and the grim discovery of human remains, has cast a shadow of fear and trepidation over the surrounding community.
However, there is a beacon of hope on the horizon – the proposal to repurpose this land into the magnificent Baywood Estate. This proposition is met with opposition from some quarters, citing concerns about deforestation and the potential loss of a recreational park. Yet, it is essential to debunk these misconceptions and shed light on the transformative potential that the Baywood Estate offers to the community.
The area behind the AGODI gardens currently serves as a hotbed for criminal elements due to its secluded and unmonitored nature. I dread driving through that axis and the adjacent Parliament road in the evening because of too scanty traffic. The minimal traffic and the grim discovery of human remains have instilled a sense of fear and unease among the residents. The transformation of this area into the Baywood Estate will not only eliminate this breeding ground for criminal activities but also bring about positive change and rejuvenation to the community.
Opponents of the conversion express concerns about deforestation and the purported loss of a recreational park, but it’s crucial to emphasize that the Baywood Estate will not only preserve the natural beauty of the area but also enhance it. By incorporating sustainable green spaces and landscaping, the Baywood Estate will accentuate the natural allure of the surroundings while providing a safe and welcoming environment for residents and visitors.
The Hon Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Hon William Akin-Funmilayo took Journalists through the Agodi Gardens and the perimeter of the proposed forest meant for the Baywood Estate but despise the massive clarification through the Mass Media, some people who are now becoming a nuisance have insisted on opposing the noble idea. The question is: would they rather have the forest as the hideout of killers and criminal elements than transformed into a beautiful estate with well-nurtured woods and landscapes?
Moreover, the introduction of the Baywood Estate will bring about economic and social prosperity to the community. The development of residential and commercial spaces within the estate will create employment opportunities, foster community engagement, and contribute to the growth of the local economy. By transforming an area of fear and trepidation into a hub of growth and prosperity, the Baywood Estate represents a catalyst for positive change in the heart of Ibadan.
I think rather than raising opposition to this great idea, these people should appreciate Governor Seyi Makinde for the insightful project and channel their idle energies to ensure the Baywood Estate has enough greens to just the conversion. It is an absurdity to ignore the claims of the Governor that the remains of some human beings were found in that forest that has become an ungoverned space in the heart of Ibthe Adan metropolis.
In conclusion, the conversion of the area behind the AGODI gardens into the Baywood Estate is not only imperative but transformative. It will not only eradicate criminal elements and instill a sense of security and well-being but will also bring about economic growth and sustainable development. The Baywood Estate represents a beacon of hope and progress, poised to revitalize the heart of Ibadan and inspire a brighter future.
Leadership Quote: “Leadership is not about being in charge. It is about taking care of those in your charge.”
– Simon Sinek
Hon Rotimi Johnson Ojasope, PGDPA, ANIPR, FD-CRM.
rotisbon2@gmail.com
