Expert Advocates Comprehensive Regional Planning For Devt

Professor Babatunde Agbola, an expert in regional planning, has called for a comprehensive master plan that incorporates local communities for even development.

Agbola, who spoke with newsmen at Ikinyinwa-Ijesa shortly after the annual general meeting of Mesinyinwa Supreme Club, Ikinyinwa in Obokun local government area of Osun State, said making plans for each city in isolation is not good enough.

He noted that when we have a regional plan, each town would know its location and boundary and prioritise projects for execution.

He added that local and state governments must champion the development of master plans.

For the local communities, Prof Agbola disclosed that there is village or rural planning, which ensures everything is in its rightful place for a colourful environment and harmonious neighbourliness.

His words: “In the Ikinyinwa community in Obokun local government of Osun State, we have a master plan. What we are doing now is a regional plan that will incorporate the Iponda, Ilase, and Ikinyinwa communities. The drone has been flown; it is only one aspect we have not consummated, which will be done this dry season.

“Obokun local government can have a master plan for Ibokun and the regional governments as a whole, likewise other local governments of the state. And don’t forget, these three towns I am talking about are already inter-merged.

“Doing a plan for each city is not good enough, but when you have a regional strategy, each town knows its location and boundary, and we come together and do it. That is the essence of regional planning.

“Ordinarily, it is the duty of the local government, more so now that they will be getting their allocations direct from the federation account as of January. The regional and state governments can now help execute the plans, including roads and other infrastructures.

“Each master plan is comprehensive, and the government can now ask each community which amenities should be prioritised in its execution.

Professor Agbola stressed the need for communities to channel a course through which they can help themselves to complement government efforts, adding that the government cannot do everything required by all communities simultaneously.