By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta

A United States-based engineer, Chief Afisu Olabimtan, has identified lack of proper planning, poor leadership vision, poverty and decaying infrastructure as major factors hindering Nigeria’s socio-economic development.

Olabimtan, founder of Yewa Frontier Amusement Park and Yewa Frontier Radio, 109.2 FM, stated this at the commissioning of the amusement park and radio station in Ilaro, Ogun State. 

He called for effective public-private partnerships to address the nation’s infrastructural and economic challenges.

According to Olabimtan, the establishment of the projects in Yewaland was his way of giving back to his roots and reciprocating the love his community had shown him over the years.

“We are all meant to make something meaningful out of our lives. My plan was to be an engineer and an innovator. I am not cut out to be a politician. I have lived almost 50 years in the United States, and I am fulfilled. There is no political ambition in my agenda,” he said.

He explained that his decision to invest in his hometown was driven by a long-term vision rooted in community development.

“When I was given the opportunity to do something for the community, I realised I could do more as my capacity increased. I have a grand plan, and what we are witnessing today is part of that plan,” Olabimtan added.

The engineer identified lack of infrastructure as a major obstacle to balanced development, especially at the grassroots, though he noted that some improvements were beginning to emerge.

 These projects are not for profit. I have never profited from anything I have done in Nigeria. My reward is the fulfilment that comes from giving back to my roots,” he said.

Advising the Federal Government, Olabimtan lamented Nigeria’s over dependence on a single source of revenue, stressing that the country is not as rich as many assume.

“Nigeria is a one-source country, and that source is no longer sufficient. When I left Nigeria, our population was about 57 million; today, we are over 200 million. Corruption is not our only problem; poverty and lack of infrastructure are major issues,” he said.

He compared Nigeria’s trajectory with that of China and India, noting that all three countries were once classified as third-world nations.

“China and India are moving upward, while Nigeria is going downward. This is due to poor planning and lack of vision. The Bible says, ‘Without vision, the people perish,’ and that is what has happened to Nigeria,” he stated.

Olabimtan also urged Nigerians in the diaspora to discard the fear of being attacked spiritually when they return home to invest, describing such concerns as self-created myths.

He said his motivation for establishing the projects was purely driven by love for his people.

“It’s about love for the people. I left this land almost 50 years ago in search of education and a better life, but I always knew I would give back to my roots. That is what continues to motivate me,” he said.

He expressed satisfaction with the impact of the radio station, noting that feedback from residents during its test broadcasts had been encouraging.

“There is a need being met here, and the appreciation from the people uplifts my spirit. This is a long-awaited development,” he added.

Speaking at the event, the Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, Oba (Dr.) Kehinde Olugbenle, urged indigenes of Yewaland, both at home and in the diaspora, to work collectively for the development of the area and avoid actions that could cause division.

The monarch commended Olabimtan’s vision and commitment, describing the amusement park as a spectacular project that would enhance recreational activities for youths across Ogun West Senatorial District.

He also described Yewa Frontier Radio, 109.2 FM, as the first of its kind in the axis, noting that it would provide a platform for the people to tell their stories and promote sustainable development.

Oba Olugbenle described Olabimtan as a pride of Yewaland, adding that the projects would create employment opportunities for youths and urged residents to patronise the facilities.

In her remarks, the wife of the Senator representing Ogun West Senatorial District, Chief Mrs. Temitope Adeola, praised Olabimtan for what she described as a “big and laudable project.”

“While coming in, I said this place looks like Little London. This is a massive project. Even areas around Abuja do not have facilities like this,” she said.

She commended the quality and maintenance of the facilities and described the radio station as a vital platform that gives Yewa people a collective voice.

“This radio station gives us a voice as a community. I encourage everyone to use it positively, especially in this era when social media is often used negatively,” she added.

Mrs Adeola urged the people of Yewaland to utilise the projects for the overall development of their communities.