_…Call for govt intervention
Songbe has been described as an autonomous community with a rich history and several villages under its authority.
The community is also described as town that superintends various communities but in need of government attention in terms of social amenities.
These was revealed at a Press Conference organised by Forum of Civil Society Organisations for Democracy and Good Governance in Nigeria, held at Songbe palace on Tuesday.
Songbe is a town located in Ejigbo South Local Development Authority in Osun State.
According to the Press Statement read by leader of the group, Glorious Akpan, residents of Songbe called on the state government to intervene in the ongoing power tussle over the villages under Songbe.
He further revealed that nine out of the 16 villages have stopped associating with the town, adding that despite the contribution of the community to the growth and economy of Osun State, Songbe is still lacking basic amenities.
In their separate remarks, traditional chief, community leader and residents of Songbe also expressed concerns over the lack of essential infrastructure in their town.
Motorable roads, medical supplies and staff for their Primary Health Centre, and better classrooms for the only secondary school in the community were listed as their most pressing needs.
Taiwo Ojetokun, Chairman of the Songbe Community Development Association, stated that the town’s primary healthcare centre was last renovated in 2020, lamenting the poor condition of the only secondary school, noting that many buildings were dilapidated or had collapsed, and the school was facing a shortage of teachers.
According to him: “We are in dire need of development and urge the state government to remember us. The only road connecting this town to other communities was built during the military era and has now become a death trap. Our agricultural produce often goes to waste because of the bad roads, and we are really suffering.
“Also, the only maternity centre lacks both amenities and staff. There are no drugs, and the facility cannot cater to the growing population of Songbe. The last time it was renovated was during Oyetola’s administration.
“Our secondary school buildings are in terrible shape. Some are dilapidated, while others have completely collapsed. There is also a shortage of teachers, and the government needs to address this urgently,” Ojetokun said.
While responding, Osun State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, advised the Songbe community to submit a formal request to the government detailing their needs.
In his words; “Regarding the health centre, I will investigate why it lacks drugs because there is an autopilot system in place that should ensure regular supply to all health centres in the state.
“We will look into the issue and take necessary action. As for the other demands, the community must formally write to the government since not everything can be done at once.
“Once they submit their request, a delegation will be sent to assess the situation, and the government will address the most urgent needs immediately while others will be handled progressively,” Alimi assured.