Adeleke Adeyinka, Adegoke Oluwatoyin, Ganiyu Titilope & Soyoola Odunayo
The pathetic story of Debionre is synonymous to a land so close to the power house, yet left behind in almost everything.
Shockingly, barely 15 minutes from the Ogun State Government Secretariat in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, lies Debionre — a settlement of over one million people whose daily lives are defined not by opportunity but by neglect.
PLATFORM TIMES’s visit revealed that despite being surrounded by major communities like Gbagura, Efuyee, Dega, Melegun, Molusanya, Agboke, and Okoro, Debionre remains trapped in poverty and underdevelopment.
It was observed that residents live in the shadows of government buildings whose lights they can see at night but whose presence they do not feel.
“We can see the lights of Oke-Mosan from here, but we live in darkness,” an elder, Chief Rafiu Adebola Adeboye, lamented.
Founded generations ago by a settler who declared “Mo ti de bi mo n re” (I have reached where I am going), Debionre is fertile, vibrant, and productive. But today, it struggles with broken infrastructure, lack of schools, absence of health facilities, and worsening insecurity.
… Agriculture: A Giant in Chains
Agriculture is Debionre’s heartbeat. The community produces cassava, maize, bananas, plantains, and vegetables that feed major markets in Abeokuta. Women roast cassava into garri that is sold in bulk across the state.
But their sweat rarely translates into profit. The roads are nearly impassable; in the rainy season, trucks sink in the mud and harvests rot in the fields.
“We could feed not just Ogun State but neighboring states too. But how can we, when our harvest cannot leave our farms?” asked 64-year-old farmer, Baba Olalekan.
Young people, frustrated by the lack of infrastructure, are abandoning farming and migrating to urban areas. Agriculture — once Debionre’s pride — is now carried on the backs of the elderly.
… Education: Learning Under Shadow Of Death
PLATFORM TIMES can report that the only government primary school in Debionre was built largely through communal efforts.
Findings showed that classrooms are overcrowded, desks are broken, and only four teachers now struggle to teach hundreds of pupils.
Secondary education presents a deadlier challenge. With no secondary school in the community, children cross the busy Kobape highway daily to access schools in neighbouring towns.
It was gathered that in the course of seeking education, several children have died in the process.
Mrs. Akinlade, a mother of three, broke down in tears as she spoke to PLATFORM TIMES: “each time my children cross that road, I hold my breath. It is like gambling with death.”
For many families, education — the supposed path to a better life — has become a dangerous gamble.
… Water, Electricity: Broken Promises
Residents told PLATFORM TIMES that a borehole once brought hope to Debionre. But when the pumping machine broke down, the dream of clean water collapsed.
According to them, today, our children fetch water from unsafe streams and wells, fueling outbreaks of typhoid and cholera.
… Electricity Tells Same Story Of Betrayal
PLATFORM TIMES ‘s visit to the community also revealed that despite a 33kV power line running through the community, thousands remain in darkness. An overstretched transformer barely serves a fraction of homes.
Chief Adeboye, who once donated 10 concrete poles from his personal resources to extend connections, expressed frustration: “We live within sight of government offices, yet we light lanterns in the shadow of power lines.”
… Healthcare: When Distance Equals Death
Debionre has no functional healthcare center, only a poorly equipped maternity post. For childbirth complications, snakebites, or severe illnesses, families must travel to Abeokuta.He said many do not survive the journey.
A local health worker told PLATFORM TIMES: “We try our best to take care of the sick, but without equipment, drugs, or electricity, our hands are tied. Lives are lost, not because we cannot help, but because we have nothing to help with.”
… Infrastructure, Security, Connectivity
The road network in Debionre is in ruins. During heavy rains, entire sections of the community are cut off, farmers lose income, and ambulances cannot reach patients.
Telecommunication is weak; calls drop frequently, internet connectivity is faint, and digital opportunities bypass the settlement.
Security is fragile, with the only police presence being a post in Buhari Estate several kilometers away. Response times are slow, leaving residents vulnerable to theft and violent attacks.
… Culture, Identity: Fading Glory
Debionre’s once-thriving Egungun Festival, known for its masquerades, drumming, and communal celebrations, is slowly fading due to economic hardship and neglect.
Some.of the residents who spoke with PLATFORM TIMES lamented that what was once a rallying point for unity and identity now exists only in memory.
… Youth: Dreams on Hold
PLATFORM TIMES further gathered that Debionre’s younger generation who carries big dreams; to become doctors, teachers, and engineers have their dreams dashed as most have never seen a science lab or library.
“I want to study engineering,” said 15-year-old Wale Omojuyi. “But how can I, when I have never seen a science lab in my school?”
The result is a brain drain, with ambitious youths leaving for the city. Those left behind remain trapped in poverty.
Policy experts and community leaders argue that Debionre can be transformed into a model rural settlement if the government shows political will. They propose construction of a well-equipped secondary school, rehabilitation of rural roads, repair and maintenance of borehole systems and connection to a stable power supply.
Other steps proposed to end the suffering of the residents of Debionre include ; establishment of a functional healthcare center and srengthening of security presence a d revival of cultural festivals to boost tourism and unity.
“We are not asking for luxuries but for life itself,” Chief Adeboye said.
PLATFORM TIMES reports further that Debionre’s tragedy is not distance but neglect. It sits at the edge of Abeokuta, within sight of government power, yet lives like a forgotten outpost.
The cry of the community is simple: water, light, roads, schools, and healthcare.
The question that remains is whether the government will continue to overlook Debionre — or finally listen.
This Special Report was produced by Transformative Media Group, 6th Set, Mass Communication Department, Al-Hikmah University, in conjunction with Ebenezer Obey Music Life and Institute Study Centre, Abeokuta, Ogun State.
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