Rural Communities Need Investment and Government Support, 106-Year-Old Traditional Ruler

The Alangwa of Agbeyangi in Ilorin East Local Government Area, Alhaji Aliyu Oladaride, has called for stronger local governance and renewed investment in rural development.

He spoke at an event in Ilorin where he launched his autobiography titled, "Faith, Leadership and Legacy: My Journey Through Agbeyangi History". The occasion also included the award of chieftaincy titles to deserving indigenes to celebrate his 35 years on the throne.

The gathering included traditional rulers, religious leaders, academics, government officials, and indigenes from both inside and outside the country.

The 106-year-old monarch emphasized the role of traditional institutions in driving community progress and national unity.

He used this milestone event to reflect on years of community progress. He warned that rural communities in Nigeria risk being left behind without proper investment and better collaboration between the government and traditional institutions.

He described traditional rulers as "indispensable partners" in development. He said their closeness to the people makes them key players in promoting unity, mobilization, and cultural preservation.

Oladaride noted that the town's history shows that real progress comes from collective effort, not just individual leadership.

He remembered how early development projects were achieved through the community's shared contributions of labor, resources, and time.

He mentioned important achievements like the building of the community’s first Central Mosque and the establishment of its primary school in 1950. He called them lasting symbols of unity-focused development.

The monarch, however, warned that the spirit of collective responsibility that once defined Agbeyangi is fading.

He urged residents, especially the youth, to revive this spirit as they face modern development challenges.

"Development is a shared responsibility between the people and leadership," he said. He emphasized that both the government and citizens must be active if rural communities want to keep up with urban areas.

Oladaride urged the people of Agbeyangi to reconnect with their roots and help in community development. He pointed out that many infrastructure gaps still hold back economic and social growth in the area.

On the government's side, he asked the Kwara State Government to focus on fixing the Panada-Agbeyangi-Yarun road. He called it essential for opening up economic opportunities in the area.

He stressed that rural development must not be an afterthought in government planning. He warned that national development will remain uneven without targeted investment in rural infrastructure and social services.

"Anyone who has seen urban renewal in Kwara State would want the same for rural areas," he said. He added that balanced development is key for long-term stability and growth.

The monarch also challenged the newly installed chieftaincy title holders to see their roles as a call to serve, not just for personal gain.

He urged them to support education, youth empowerment, and economic development initiatives.

Among the proposals he mentioned were the planned Darul Kitab University and the NALDA Integrated Farm Estate. He said these require strong community and elite support to succeed.

Professor Ibrahim Gambari, former Chief of Staff to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, reviewed the book. He called it a rare contribution to local history.

He praised the monarch for documenting community history from a leadership perspective that is rarely written down.

He noted that the book gives useful insights into Agbeyangi’s growth in education, infrastructure, healthcare, and governance participation. It also looks forward to a future based on stronger rural development policies.

Dignitaries at the event described the monarch’s reign as one of peace, continuity, and community progress. Many praised his long-standing commitment to unity and service.

In his sermon, the Grand Mufti of Ilorin, Sheikh Sulaiman Onikijipa, urged residents to focus on community development and ensure their contributions are recorded for future generations.

He warned against behaviors that hinder collective progress. He stressed that development cannot thrive in a selfish or resentful environment.

"We should stop thinking that if we don’t benefit, then no one else should, or that things should be destroyed. Communities don’t grow like that. Those of us running away from our communities because we fear for our lives should return. Come back home and develop your community, so you can leave a legacy, because only Allah has the power over life and death," he said.