A New Dawn in Igbogbo-Baiyeku
Beyond Politics, Omooba Aroyewun’s campaign resonated deeply because it addressed not just the symptoms of underdevelopment, but its roots, namely; lack of infrastructure, youth unemployment, weak economic systems, and disjointed governance. The people are not waiting passively. They are hopeful, and are ready to collaborate, but their expectations are unmistakably clear, including Safer and more navigable roads, Youth empowerment and skills development, Transparent governance, Reliable traffic control, Sustainable revenue systems, and an Inclusive economic policies.
Among these priorities, two foundational areas stand out as the engine for all others: transportation planning and effective tax generation. In a community that bridges multiple riverine and mainland settlements, mobility is destiny. Yet for years, residents of Igbogbo-Baiyeku LCDA have struggled with pothole-ridden roads, impassable inner streets, and chaotic traffic management. These are not mere inconveniences, they are obstacles to health, commerce, education, and growth.
The expectation from Chairman Aroyewun is not just patchwork repairs, but a holistic transportation plan that includes Rehabilitation of major roads such as Olu-Odo, Igbe-Afa, Oreta, and Offin corridors, Strategic traffic management, including signage, roundabouts, and parking regulations, Water transport integration, leveraging the LCDA’s coastal advantage, Bus stop infrastructure and routing for safer, more efficient commuting, Drainage planning to mitigate flooding and preserve road lifespan. Omooba Aroyewun has already signaled a readiness to take on this challenge, recognizing that transportation is not merely a project. That it is the foundation of progress.
On Tax Generation. Development requires resources. And while allocations from the state government provide critical support, a truly self-sustaining LCDA must stand on its own fiscal legs. This means one thing. The ability to generate, manage, and deploy internal revenue effectively. In the eyes of residents, the HOA administration must build a fair, transparent, and responsive tax system that inspires civic responsibility and reflects tangible community benefits. This ncludes Digitization of tax records and payments for transparency and accessibility, Widening the tax net by formalizing informal businesses and supporting SMEs, Public education campaigns to explain how taxes fuel development, Visible use of tax revenues in community infrastructure, education, and public services, Elimination of leakages and corrupt collection practices. People are not against paying taxes, they are only concerned about where the money goes, and see what it builds.
Without adequate revenue, even the best ideas become abandoned dreams. Tax is not a burden. It is a partnership. An investment by the people in their own progress. This is the social contract that Omooba Aroyewun is now called to honor. Already, the signs of a new vision are visible. From the HOA Unity Cup, which brought together youths across political and cultural lines, to the CERUD-backed youth empowerment programs in aquaculture, the Aroyewun administration is planting seeds for long-term empowerment.
The people expect more such as a cleaner environments, Upgraded primary schools with proper facilities, Skills acquisition centers for youth and women, Improved waste management and health access, and they expect these not as favors, but as rights, to be delivered with the urgency and empathy of true public service.
Mr. Chairman, Omooba Hammed Olalekan Aroyewun comes into office with goodwill, with history on his side, and with a powerful slogan “Ona Ogo” (the Path of Glory). The people have done their part; they have chosen, supported, and spoken. Now, they await results. Not just in speeches, but in smoother roads. Not just in intentions, but in actualized budgets. Not just in pledges, but in infrastructure, jobs, clinics, and prosperity.
“This is not about me,” Aroyewun said on inauguration day. “This is about all of us, working as one, to write a new story for Igbogbo-Baiyeku.”
The pen is in his hand. The ink is trust. The time is now.
May HOA succeeds. Ameen
