Youth's Cry: Polyamide Plant by Amosun Devours Farmlands

The youths from the Ipokia community within Ipobia Local Government Area in Ogun State raised their concerns on Thursday about an abandoned government-run polytechnic located in their area. The institution has since been converted into farmland, with locals cultivating crops such as cassava, maize, and groundnuts there.

According to Daily Trust, during the waning days of his term as governor, Ibikunle Amosun elevated the Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY) in Abeokuta to become the Moshood Abiola University of Science and Technology (MAUSTECH). Additionally, he founded a new polytechnic in theIpokia area within theOgun West Senatorial District.

Several buildings such as auditoriums, office complexes, and lodging facilities were erected at the polytechnic campus in Ipokia prior to the conclusion of Amosun's term in May 2019.

Upon taking office as governor, Dapo Abiodun overturned the decision to elevate MAPOLY to university status, leaving the Ogun State Polytechnic in Ipokia neglected.

On two occasions during election campaigns in Ipokia, Abiodun toured the location promising not to eliminate the polytechnic. Instead, he vowed to ensure its success for the betterment of both the local community and Ogun West.

Angered by the neglect over six years during Abiodun's tenure, young people in Ipokia demonstrated at the polytechnic’s entrance on Thursday. They voiced their frustration about the ongoing postponement of the institution's launch.

They specifically voiced concern over Abiodun visiting the polytechnic twice with assurances to make sure the institution starts operations, yet he hasn’t followed through on those promises.

Under the leadership of the Ipokia Youth Development Council (IPYDC), young people held up signs with different messages, including 'A Long Wait Wears Down Patience,' 'Do Not Neglect the Polytechnic in Ipokia,' 'Governor Abiodun, Keep Your Promise for Ogun Polytechnic in Ipokia,' 'Ipokia Local Government Deserves Better Educational Facilities,' and more.

Speaking to journalists, Ajibade Tunji, the chairman of IPYDC, urged the governor to keep his pledges regarding the launch of the polytechnic.

He says that the institution is ideally situated and offers significant socio-economic advantages not only to the local and surrounding areas but also to international students.

Tunji stated: "Our communities are tranquil and eager to collaborate with the administration to guarantee a seamless establishment and operation of the organization."

'In view of the above, we kindly appeal to Your Excellency to consider prioritizing and expediting the processes necessary for the commencement of the Polytechnic's operations. Your support and decisive action in this regard would not only fulfill a long-standing promise but also transform the lives of countless individuals in Ipokia and surrounding areas.

'We believe that with your leadership and commitment to the advancement of our State, the successful take-off of the Polytechnic is within reach. Your intervention would indeed be a monumental step towards realizing the educational and developmental aspirations of our community.'

Also speaking, a lecturer at the Lagos State University, Dr Yakub Tunde Oyebo, said Ipokia community is long overdue for a higher institution of learning going by its years of existence.

'This Polytechnic is going to attract international students if it becomes operational.

'Other communities like Agosasa, Ihunbo, even Badagry is a stone's throw from here. People can move in from Badagry, Cotonou and Ado-Odo/Ota LG. This place is central to the international community and the immediate communities in Ogun State,' he said.

Upon reaching out, Kayode Akinmade, who serves as the Special Adviser on Media and Strategy for the governor, chose not to provide any remarks.

He stated that Professor Abayomi Arigbabu, who holds the position of Commissioner for Education, Science, and Technology, is ideally suited to speak on this issue.

Nevertheless, Arigbabu has not been responsive to calls and messages sent to his phone up until the reporting moment.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).