.. Government Cannot Do Everything, But.- LG Chairman
For over 80 years, a community in Ogun State has been surviving without any hospital as it lacked the attention of the state government, but survives on its own.
ISRAEL ADELEKE writes on the painful ordeals of the residents of Molegede in the Obafemi-Owode local government area of Ogun State, whose clamour for access to a healthcare, accessible road and public schools has remained a forlorn dream, amid suffering from avoidable death and accidents on the roads, with their accompanying complications.
Mologede, a quiet community located in the heart of Ogun State, witnessed an unforgettable and heart-wrenching incident on what seemed like a perfectly clement day.
..The spot where the incident happened (photo credit: Israel Adeleke)
… Lack Of Healthcare Plague Ogun Community
In the quiet community of Mologede in Ogun State, tragedy struck when David lost his life in an incident that could have been prevented.
This heart-wrenching tale, recounted by Mummy Samuel, a neighbor of the victim’s mother, and corroborated by the community chairman, Mr. Taiwo Mubarak, sheds light on the dire need for healthcare facilities in this remote region.
Mummy Samuel’s voice quivered with grief as she lamented, “He could have been treated if there was a hospital in the community, and if the road was better, he wouldn’t have fallen off the truck.” David’s death serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing Mologede and countless other communities in Ogun State.
For over 80 years, the people of Mologede have endured the absence of healthcare facilities. With no medical center to cater to their health needs, residents have been forced to resort to self-medication and patronize patent medicine stores for treatments.
The lack of accessible healthcare has cast a shadow over their lives, leaving them grappling with inadequate medical attention and insufficient road infrastructure.
They also face the daunting task of enrolling their children in expensive private schools due to the unavailability of affordable options.
Speaking with this reporter, Mr. Taiwo Mubarak, the chairman of the community, emphasized the dire situation, saying, “Our community lacks even a single clinic or hospital, stretching up to Magbon.”
The absence of vital healthcare services continues to take its toll, leaving these communities in a state of perpetual struggle, yearning for basic medical care and improved infrastructure.
Mr. Taiwo Mubarak. (Photo Credit: Israel Adeleke)
PLATFORM TIMES observed that from Mologede to Magbon is a 20 minutes journey when on motorcycle.
He however said “The nearest clinic for Public is at Oke-Ilewo, and the nearest for private is Korede hospital at Panseke.”
Mubarak explained that the lack of hospitals in their community make them suffer a lot and not only Mologede Community that suffers this, but also some other communities around them.
… Pregnant Women Face Deadly Dilemma: Lives Lost in Absence of Healthcare
In the heart of Mologede Community, a somber narrative unfolds, where the absence of a local hospital has tragically claimed the lives of pregnant women, leaving a trail of grief and anguish in its wake.
The financial secretary of the Mologede Community Development Association, Mrs. Oke Abibat, bears witness to the painful incidents that unfolded in their community due to the stark absence of medical facilities within their reach.
Mrs.Oke Abibat. (Photo Credit: Israel Adeleke)
These heart-wrenching stories serve as stark reminders of the urgent need for accessible healthcare in this remote corner of the world.
Two cases stand out as poignant examples of the dire consequences of the absence of a hospital.
The first is the tragic tale of a pregnant woman who perished during childbirth, a devastating outcome solely attributed to the lack of a nearby medical facility.
The agony of the situation is palpable, as Mrs. Oke recalls, “She died before she could be moved to the town, and we lost both the mother and the child in this case,” her voice trembling with sorrow.
Mrs. Oke firmly believes that the presence of a hospital within the community could have rewritten the story, potentially sparing the life of the young mother.
“If there is a hospital in the community,” she laments, “it would have been a different story, and she might not have died.”
The second tragedy casts a spotlight on the critical role of transportation infrastructure.
A second pregnant woman, experiencing only a mild stomach ache, found herself caught in a harrowing predicament.
The absence of a nearby hospital left her with no recourse, and her life slipped away. Mrs. Oke poignantly recounts, “The second pregnant woman complained of a little stomach ache, but there’s no nearby hospital to rush her to, and from there she gave up.”
In contrast, an old man who experienced a similar ordeal in the middle of the night was fortunate. Prompt action, buoyed by a nearby hospital in the town, meant that he received the necessary medical attention in time.
This sharp contrast underscores the critical need for not just healthcare facilities but also adequate road infrastructure, which can be a matter of life and death.
The untimely deaths of these pregnant women have ignited a fervent plea for change in Mologede Community.
The community, and especially its women, yearn for the assurance of accessible healthcare, where the journey to motherhood doesn’t lead to despair and tragedy.
Mrs. Oke’s words echo the collective sentiments of her community as she underscores the urgency of the situation, “It’s a matter of life and death. We cannot afford to lose any more lives due to the absence of a hospital in our community.”
The poignant stories of these women and the undeniable need for healthcare accessibility and improved infrastructure serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle faced by many communities worldwide.
It is a call to action, urging governments, organizations, and individuals to come together to ensure that no one has to face such perilous circumstances due to the absence of essential healthcare facilities.
… Another Tragedy Strikes In Mologede: A Father’s Heartbreaking Tale
In the community of Mologede, the absence of essential social amenities has taken a heavy toll, not only on expectant mothers but also on the unborn. It’s a story that highlights the urgent need for change and improvement in this forgotten corner of the world.
A heart-wrenching incident unfolded in the life of Mr. Adekunle Oluremi, the General Secretary of Mologede Community Development Association (CDA).
Mr. Adekunle Oluremi. ( Photo Credit: Israel Adeleke)
His wife, who had recently relocated to Mologede, experienced a devastating loss—a pregnancy that ended abruptly, just a few months after their arrival.
As newcomers to the area, they were unfamiliar with the treacherous condition of the roads in Mologede. Mr. Oluremi recounted how these poorly maintained roads became the tragic backdrop to their ordeal.
“We were new to this community and did not know how things worked here. Our frequent journeys to the hospital and back along these unforgiving roads ultimately led to the loss of our baby,” he shared with a heavy heart.
Prior to this heart-wrenching incident, Mrs. Oluremi used to brave the hazardous roads on a motorcycle to reach the General Hospital Ijaiye, a facility where she could access the healthcare she needed.
Their story is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by those who reside in communities lacking even the most basic infrastructure.
Mr. Oluremi’s plea to the government is heartfelt and urgent. He appeals for immediate attention to the dire circumstances in Mologede, fearing that the situation may worsen if left unaddressed.
His heartfelt call is for the government to take action, not only for his family but for the entire community.
He further beseeches the government to consider constructing a hospital in the area.
This vital facility would not only benefit Mologede but also serve the needs of neighboring communities, offering hope and healthcare to those who have long been overlooked.
The story of Mr. Oluremi’s loss is a poignant reminder of the devastating consequences that can befall individuals and families in communities without adequate infrastructure and healthcare services.
It underscores the pressing need for change, compassion, and action from the authorities to prevent further tragedies in Mologede and similar areas.
… Forgotten and Neglected: The Struggles of Mologede Community
In the heart of Mologede community, a small enclave tucked away from the bustling urban centers, a myriad of challenges have been silently unraveling.
Beyond the serene facade, this community finds itself grappling with a multitude of issues, including a severe lack of hospitals, well-maintained roads, and the absence of government schools.
Bad Road In Mologede Community (Photo Credit: Israel Adeleke)
Amidst these adversities, the resilient residents of Mologede have a collective voice, one that speaks of abandonment by both local and state authorities.
They recount the miles they tread to cast their votes, only to return home to a reality far removed from political promises.
The roads leading to Mologede and neighboring communities are marred by potholes and disrepair, exacting a heavy toll on residents and traders alike.
A Trader, Mrs. Akintoye Taiwo, (Photo Credit: Israel Adeleke)
For Mrs. Akintoye Taiwo, a determined trader who has weathered these hardships, the bad road is more than just an inconvenience; it’s a burden that affects her livelihood.
She recounts the exorbitant charges imposed by motorcyclists when her destination is mentioned as Mologede. Such added expenses have eroded profits, leaving her with no choice but to persevere and adapt within the confines of her community.
“I can’t stop selling, because if I stop selling, what will I be doing, so I have no choice but to keep on managing,” she states, putting the blame squarely on the deteriorating road. “All these challenges we are facing are due to the bad road,” she laments.
Mrs. Oke Abibat, another trader in the community, echoes the sentiment.
The cost of transporting goods to Mologede compounds the challenge of already expensive merchandise, as drivers levy excessive fees to compensate for the wear and tear inflicted by the treacherous roads. She emphasizes, “We face a lot of challenges selling here.”
The road’s detrimental effects extend beyond the realm of commerce; it also takes a toll on the well-being of the community.
Mrs. Oke Abibat expresses concern that the poor road conditions are impacting the health of residents.
With a deep sense of self-reliance, the community has resorted to patching the potholes with stones and sand, using meager funds collected from within their ranks.
Their pleas to the government have fallen on deaf ears, leaving them to struggle with makeshift road repairs, which are often washed away by the rains.
Mrs. Oke Abibat discloses that they have channeled their grievances through the community development corporation (CDC), seeking assistance, but to no avail.
In the face of these obstacles, the residents appeal to the state government, under the leadership of Dapo Abiodun, to extend a helping hand to their beleaguered community.
They earnestly implore for the attention and support that has long been withheld, so they can finally traverse the path to a brighter and more accessible future.
… LG Chair Highlights Challenges, Solutions In Community Development
When PLATFORM TIMES contacted the chairman of the council, Lanre Ogunsola
said the local government plays a pivotal role in the lives of over 25,000 residents spread across more than 600 diverse communities.
Ogunsola who spoke through the director of information and council spokesperson, Segun Soleye explained the intricate balance between community expectations and government capabilities.
Addressing the issue, Ogunsola emphasized that each community has its own distinct set of priorities. Some may grapple with water scarcity, while others face issues related to roads or healthcare.
This diversity of needs can be a daunting task for the local government to manage comprehensively. Ogunsola acknowledges that while the government cannot do everything, it can still make a meaningful impact.
In an effort to bridge the gap between communities and the local government, Ogunsola highlights a structured approach.
He said communities are encouraged to channel their requests through the Community Development Committee (CDC), but there’s also the option to engage directly.
“Residents can send a representative to the local government or work through the director of information’s department to arrange a meeting with the chairman, vice chairman, or a supervisor, allowing for one-on-one discussions.”
Ogunsola underlines the importance of efficient communication and requests residents to ensure their plights and needs are conveyed to the right authorities.
He reassures communities that “we would fix a date with them,” promising that the chairman will personally address their concerns.
This approach seeks to empower local communities and foster a more collaborative relationship between the government and the people it serves.
While the challenges of meeting the diverse needs of numerous communities remain, Chairman Ogunsola’s message is clear: local government is committed to making a positive difference, one step at a time.
He added that “we would fix a date with them. The representative of the area should come so that the chairman can tell them what he’ll do.”
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