Barrister Muideen Olagunju, who was a former member of the Oyo State House of Assembly, has appealed to Governor Seyi Makinde to have a rethink as regards his intention to convert Trans Amusement Park and Agodi Park to housing estates.
Alatede, in an open letter to Governor Makinde, explained that cosmopolitan city like Ibadan needs parks and green areas to improve physical and mental well-being of the people of the state.
The letter reads:
OPEN LETTER TO GOV MAKINDE
Dear Gov Makinde,
I have heard that both Trans Amusement Park and Agodi Parks & Gardens are going to be mowed down to give way to housing estates for the rich and famous. Abi, is it housing for the poor? Who else can afford the 60 million+ price tag for a plot? Of course, that will be the same people who already have properties in Aerodrome, Kolapo Ishola, Carlton Gate and Jericho and other exclusive GRAs in Ibadan. Sir, I hope you know that plots in BCOS staff quarters that you converted to a housing estate at a price tag of 15-20 million about two years ago are now being re-sold by the allottees for #100 million or more? I am not against seeking barren land for estates. Housing estates are great but when great landmarks are feeding the greed of the rich, it is counter-productive.
You are widely travelled sir. Do you seriously hold the view that a hugely cosmopolitan city like Ibadan doesn’t need parks and green areas? In fact, Ibadan deserves more than the two you are about to obliterate. There should be parks and gardens around Agodi, Bodija, Jericho, Sango/Eleyele, Alao Akala/Elebu, Ring Road and other areas with strong populations of elites and middle class. Each local government should also be mandated to establish and maintain parks or playgrounds so that everyone can improve physical and mental well-being. I guess the benefits of parks and greenery are not as resounding as they should be.
Wherever the advice and avarice that come with the plan emanated from, it is a very backward step in the urban development of a place like Ibadan.
It’s part of proper well-being when people have public parks to take their children to play. Adults too need serene and eco-friendly environments to chill and relieve stress. That is the standard in most progressive cities in the world. Not everything available to the public must be aimed immediately at commercial success.
Those who envisioned Trans and Agodi Parks were not fools. Except you tell us there are plans to re-establish those parks elsewhere, the sensible thing is to allow them stay and thrive. A transparent and thorough search for private investments in the two parks will definitely make them work. Lagos and Abuja are places where parks are not enough to cater for the throngs of patrons. Ibadan shouldn’t be left behind.
You have records of good performance in certain areas but in this particular aspect of the need to see parks as critical part of town planning and urban development, this is a poor show.
Kindly reverse the intent to convert the parks to homes for the super rich.
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