The newly inaugurated Esa Oke Central Union (ECU) came at a time when development indices were practically moribund in our community. One could note with utter sadness that many indigenes of the community were showing lesser interests in how stop the malady of high student-drop outs in the schools, drug abuse, underage pregnancy, bad roads and dilapidated infrastructures, complete breakdown of the educational infrastructure, where six teachers have to cater for two secondary Schools (Esa Oke Grammar School and Saint Joseph’s Secondary School) and about 15 teachers to handle 7 primary schools in Esa Oke! As a matter of fact, the common saying on the lips of many was: “Kosi Ase l’aarin Ilu Esa Oke”. (No power/authority in the town of Esa Oke).
Young men and women of like minds, with radical impulses for development, therefore decided to come together to form the Esa Oke Indigenes at Home and the Diaspora (EIHD) platform sometime in September 2023 to harness people of Esa Oke origin for better appreciation of our community’s predicaments, and to create avenues to stem the myriad of problems, through collective initiatives.
An early success recorded at the EIHD platform was the provision of Solar Power Street light along major streets in Esa Oke, which was dubbed “Light Up Esa Oke for Christmas. This propelled us to initiate the EIHD – which then sponsored the famous Esa Oke Conference of 30th March 2024.
Our journey has been challenging, but the progress we have made together is a testament to the strength, resilience, and unity of the Esa Oke community. The ECU has been instrumental in reviving the spirit of collective action in Esa Oke, ensuring that our community’s interests, rights, and privileges are upheld and advanced.
Resuscitation of the Esa Oke Central Union (ECU)
One of the most critical charters discussed at the 30th March Conference was the resuscitation of the Esa Oke Central Union. The ECU is not just an organization; it is the engine room for fashioning out policy directions for our community. In strategic instances where the interests, rights, and privileges of Esa Oke are at risk of being short-changed, the ECU, in consultation with the Council of Elders, the Iwarefa, and His Majesty Oba Adeyemi Adediran Atipa Owaji II, Owa-Omiran of Esa Oke, steps in to ensure that our community’s voice is heard and respected.
Revival of Esa Oke Day
Another significant achievement has been the revival of Esa Oke Day, a cultural and communal celebration that had been dormant for years. The preparations for this event have been intense, and I can assure you that our team is working tirelessly to ensure its success. This year, Esa Oke Day will be a week-long celebration, running from November 3rd to 9th, 2024, at the OSCOTECH Main Field. This event will not only showcase our rich cultural heritage but also serve as a platform for addressing key developmental issues and financial challenges in our community through the Five hundred million Naira (N500,000,000:00) Appeal Fund
Power Supply Improvement
Power supply has long been a challenge in Esa Oke. I am pleased to report that we have successfully addressed this issue. Our community now enjoys improved electricity supply, thanks to the concerted efforts of the ECU and the support of our people. However, we are not resting on our laurels. Plans are underway to further upgrade and replace old infrastructure, which has been in place since 1975, to ensure a more reliable power supply for all.
Educational Advancements
Education has always been a cornerstone of our community’s development. Our parents laboured to ensure its presence in Esa Oke. Now the ECU has made significant strides in this area. We have recently conducted interviews for the employment of 50 new teachers to bolster the teaching staff in our schools. Support from members of the EIHD has been phenomenal. Their financial contributions and resources have played a crucial role in these efforts, ensuring that our children receive the quality education they deserve. The family of Late Pastor Ezekiel Daramola has undertaken the renovation of a block of classrooms at The Apostolic Primary School, Odo Ese, Esa Oke to commemorate and immortalize late patriarch as part of radical reforms through collaboration with our members in the Diaspora.
Restoration of Banking Facilities
The banking sector in Esa Oke has also seen remarkable improvements. The NIRSAL microfinance bank, which was on the verge of leaving our community due to poor patronage, has been revitalized. Through the concerted efforts of the ECU and the community, we have not only retained the bank but also improved its services. This restoration has had a positive impact on the local economy, providing residents with better access to financial services.
Collaboration with OSCOTECH
Importantly, our collaboration with the Osun State College of Technology, Esa Oke (OSCOTECH), has been a significant achievement. We successfully resolved the fracas between the Esa Oke community and Hon. Diran Odeyemi, the Chairman of the OSCOTECH Board of Trustees. This resolution has fostered a more harmonious relationship between the community and the institution, paving the way for future collaborations that will benefit both parties.
Health and Sanitation
The health and well-being of our community members have been a top priority for the ECU. In response to a pressing issue at our Primary Health Centre, formerly known as the Maternity Home, we took swift action. The facility had reported that they were forced to carry out deliveries in darkness due to lack of electricity. Understanding the gravity of the situation, the ECU Executive Committee levied its members, raising funds to purchase a Generator for the health centre. This initiative has ensured that mothers and newborns receive the care they need in a safe and well-lit environment.
In addition, the ECU responded to the urgent needs of the Market Women Association by rehabilitating the only public toilet at the Esa Oke Central Market. This facility had been vandalized for years, causing great distress to the market women and the wider community. The rehabilitation of the public toilet has not only improved sanitation but also restored dignity and convenience to those who depend on this essential service.
Infrastructure and Safety
The poor state of the Esa Oke road leading to Oke Imesi in Ekiti State had become a serious concern. The road was overtaken by weeds and became a hotspot for kidnappers and bandits, endangering the lives of travellers and stifling economic activities. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the ECU embarked on an emergency rehabilitation of the road. Thanks to these efforts, the road is now passable, restoring safety and facilitating movement between Esa Oke and neighbouring communities.
Social Welfare
The ECU has also demonstrated its commitment to social welfare by addressing the needs of vulnerable members of our community. A particularly heart-warming case is that of Mr. Olusegun Aderibigbe, an Esa Oke indigene who had special health challenges. The ECU took it upon itself to support his rehabilitation, ensuring he received the medical care he desperately needed. Through financial assistance from the EIHD platform and other stakeholders, the ECU paid for all his medical bills and upkeep. I am pleased to inform you that Mr. Aderibigbe has since been discharged from the hospital. He now participates in our community as a healthy individual, and continues to receive periodic medical check-ups to maintain his well-being, in addition to payment of N20,000:00 monthly stipends and additional provision of a monthly allowance of between N10,000 to N20000. With an Appeal Fund, ECU raised, through EIHD platform, N1,280,000:00 fir this purpose.
(See a special article on Segun Aderibigbe on this edition of ESA-OKE TODAY online)
Conclusion
The achievements of the Esa Oke Central Union are a reflection of what we can accomplish when we come together with a shared vision and determination. As we continue to work towards the betterment of Esa Oke, let us remember that our strength lies in our unity. Together, we can overcome any challenge and build a prosperous future for our community.