8 Major Occupation Of People In Ileogbo Town

 

The primary occupation of people in Ileogbo town is farming. They practice both plantation and arable farming. Cash crops such as cocoa, coffee, kola nuts, oranges and many more are a source of income for farmers in Ileogbo. In Yoruba land, farming has, from the cradle, been the primary occupation of the people. The synergy of agriculture with hunting was tremendous at the early inception of the town. Initially, there was no other occupation than farming. The people planted maize, Okro, tomatoes, and other arable crops. In addition, the people incorporated perennial crops such as palm trees, cocoa, mangos, oranges, and mahogany trees.

The level of devotion to agriculture then was indomitable. And as such, it was lucrative as farmers engaged in cocoa plantations, which is an export crop. The planting of yam and cassava was also high. It was so then because there were no other means of surviving than farming. Today, the major crops grown by the majority of people are cassava and yam. People now engage in commercial agriculture, occasioned by mechanization.

Western education and bicycle riding have drastically changed people’s attitudes towards farming. They left farming for school, while others are interested in daily money, thereby engaging in bicycle riding.

Watermelon has been introduced to Ileogbo and planted by farmers in recent times. In addition, the local government procured ploughing tractors and lent them at a subsidized rate to the farmers to ease people’s lives. As a result, the lives of farmers in the villages are not as miserable as they used to be before. For example, there is a borehole at Laitan village along the Ode-Omu road, Aba-Odan, Momu, etc. But unfortunately, none of these villages enjoys electricity supply. Also, there is a lack of maintenance for those boreholes.

Theoretically and practically, in Ileogbo, farming is not limited to planting crops but also the rearing of animals. Therefore, the Ileogbo people also embrace poultry keeping. Popularly called “Farm Support,” an established modern MEGA POULTRY FARM at Police Station Road, Ileogbo, and Apanpa farm.

The company has employed the youth of Ileogbo and Kuta. The poultry is exporting eggs outside the town and the state. The town supplied them whenever they pressed for staff; thus far, it has been a symbiotic relationship of mutual benefits.

What are the Occupation Of People In Ileogbo?

Apart from farming which is the major occupation of people in Ileogbo, there are many several other occupation practising by the people. Below are some of them;

1. Palm oil processing

Another arm of agricultural practice in Ileogbo is palm oil Processing. Ileogbo is widely known for this as it is reflected in the appelation as ILEOGBO OMO AREPO PONDA. It means that we have it in abundance, to the extent of using it to sharpen cutlasses instead of water. In addition, the town is blessed with palm trees, both traditional and modern. As a result, Ileogbo has become a supplier of pain oil to neighbouring cities such as Iwo, Ibadan, Lagos, and other towns and cities.

Today, there are more than fifteen (15) palm oil processing industries in Ileogbo. Some of them are Fine Boy Palm oil processing industry, Eleja Palm Oil industry, Eso 1 & 2 Palm Oil Industry, Asipa Palm Oil Industry, Adamoga/Aresa Palm Oil Industry, Alapata Palm Oil Industry. Arewe Palm Oil Processing Industry, for example.

Women are the essential factors and participants in palm processing in Ileogbo. The palm tree farms are given to them by owners at a measurable consensus number of kegs of palm oil to be given to them at the end of the season or otherwise stipulated and agreed upon. A non-conformist may be prone to renege or lead to seizure of the farm. These women have a union to agitate for their rights. They have in recent years demonstrated the amount charged by the Association of Palm Kernel Grinders in the town.

2. INDUSTRY OF GAARI PROCESSING

The fertile land is an encouraging factor for agricultural practice in Ileogbo. The farmland is suitable for biennial, bi-annual, annual, and perennial crops. However, the most commonly planted and most demanding annual crop in Ileogbo is cassava. It has made garri processing one of the primary occupations undertaken by women. Records revealed that 10% of the women in the town are engaged in Gaari processing.

There are many garri-processing industries in Ileogbo. The Idi-Ore Gaari processing industry is the oldest and most famous of all. We have two at Asipa, one at Apena, one at Olujogun, one at Ayi’s compound along Yidi road, one at Oladunwo, and another at Oke Odo along Secretariat Road, owned by Mr Kamorudeen Akande, to mention but a few.

It serves as a means of employment for the people of Ileogbo, mainly because of the various stages of processing that require specialization. Most people who engage in this business have customers within and outside of the town. The ‘Ileogbo made gaari’ is transported to Lagos because of its taste and quality and is highly demanded in the neighbouring towns.

The copious processing of gaari in Ileogbo has relieved the gluttonous dwellers of the town. Not only that, but it is also a fast-food restaurant. Ileogbo can be bold and be one of the suppliers of the best gaari in Yorubaland.

There are three main recognized centres for the sale of cassava. They are Idi-Ogun, Idi-Ore and Alagbo at Apena’s compound. These centres are mainly meant for the retail market, where women buy in small quantities depending on their financial strength. Idi-Ogun happened to be the oldest, followed by Idi-Ore, and the latest is Alagbo. People in Alagbo seceded from Idi-Ore for reasons best known to them.

The majority of the women buy in bulk or loads and process them for economic motives. The large turnout of women at this business in Ileogbo unveiled its profitability.

3. TIMBER CONTRACTORS AND PLANK SELLERS

The motto of the union is “no building without wood”. The timber contractor/plank selling business in Ileogbo is as old as its origins in other towns. It is because lleogbo is not left out of the old practice of the hole sawyer of timber. This traditional system can be attributed to the unalloyed commitment of some personalities, such as Late Yisau Alani from Otun’s compound, Late Taiwo Adeboye from Sooko’s compound, Late Adeleke Moshood Akanni from Olukohun’s compound, Pa Adebisi from Olukolo’s compound, Alhaji Suara Ibiyemi from Alawo’s compound, Pa Amusa Afolabi from Alapola’s compound, Pa Muili Akingboye from Abonle’s compound, Baba Aresa, Pa Abel and others.

The union transcended from Hole Sawyer to Timber Contractor circa 1972 to Still Engine in 1973. The late Akinloye Lasisi Agbadisin, from Olukohun’s compound, was the union’s first chairman. Prince Ojo Liadi Adesola was the secretary. Akinlaye Lasis was succeeded by Mr Ajibade from Onibata’s compound in 1992. The late Moshood Adeleke was the chairman between 1994 and 2001.

The association, as a result of three challenges: no plank carrier, disdainful treatment by the neighbouring town, and inadequate electricity, suffered a setback. However, it propelled the union members to brainstorm and appoint delegates to meet Alhaji Adisa Alago and Alhaji Abusi Edumare to ease their plight by procuring plank carriers (Gbegilodo). Alhaji Adisa took the lead, and Abusi later bought his own.

The death of Pa Moshood Adeleke led Alhaji Suara Ibiyemi from Alawo’s compound as the chairman. He was appointed in a meeting of twenty members at Olukohun’s compound. During his tenure, the plank market located opposite Adisa Alago’s sawmill was purchased. One Mr Wakeel Adeboye from Sooko’s compound was the first timber contractor to possess a Property Hammer in Ileogbo.

Delegates were sent back to the duo of Alhaji Adisa Alago and Alhaji Abusi, DUMARE, to look into establishing a sawmill in Ileogbo.

They were encouraged, and we were put up. Later, there was an issue between a faction of the people and the saw millers. The section broke away, and the extensive method (Alamole) was born. Alhaji Suara Ibiyemi is the chairman of the Fimber Contractors Association of Nigeria, Icogbo Chapter. His secretary is Mr Ogundapo Taofeeq from Abonle’s compound.

4. The flickering method

The motto of the union is “ONIPAKO, ATAJERE”. The body established another plank market in 2012. The market is located along Kuta Road, adjacent to Adediran Blocks Industry.

Prince Ojo Liadi was the pioneer chairman in 2012. They became registered flouring contractors in 2013. They are now exporters of timber to neighbouring cities such as Lagos, Ibadan, etc. His Vice is Mallam Dauda Hamzat, the Scribe is Olaoluwa Adigun, Akanni Azeez is the Financial Secretary, Mrs Badirat Adebisi is the Treasurer, the chairman of the Task Force is Mr Ajala Kazeem, Mrs Afolabi Funmilola Aganran is the Assistant Treasurer, and Mr Ojo Olakanmi is the Forest Guard.

5. SAWMILLS

Simple mechanical cutting of logs into different sizes of planks was evident in the town until the early 2000s. Getting planks from carpenters in Ileogbo has been challenging and has tremendously contributed to the hike in the price of upholstery materials they used to buy from Iwo.

The emergence of sawmills in Ileogbo was facilitated by the ideology and progressive brainstorming of a league of friends in which Alhaji Dauda Adisa Alago of Abonie’s compound played a leading role. Although, before establishing the sawmill in Ileogbo, people engaged in the Late Adeleke Moshood Akanni of Olukohun’s compound, Ileogbo used to patronize Iwo every day, not until the day when Late Adeleke was cheated, abused, and delayed by the log carrier.

They collected money from him but refused to do the job as agreed. Also, there was preferential treatment when it came to sawmilling the logs. As a result, the record was neglected for almost a month.

It, coupled with cheating resources of indignation, prompted him to approach Alhau Adisa of Abonle to please Tani p with his friends to establish sawmill inchoate in Ileogbo. It propelled them, and they pulled resources to develop a

The first sawmill to start operation was owned by Alhaji Rabu Akamnu Abusi Edumare from Lusisove’s compound. It was established around December 2001. It was located directly opposite Ajet Block Industry along Iwo Road. The owner’s death (Wha Rabiu Abusi) adversely affected its operation. It was given on rent to one Mr Ezekiel. After a while, it could not function properly.

Albay Dauda Adisa Alago is a company that was founded and is owned by Albay Dauda Adisa Alago.It was founded in February 2001 and started operations in 2002. Mr Tayo Agunbiade from Mojiga’s compound was the Managing Director between 2003 and 2006. Mr Moruf Ogundapo succeeded him. Mr Monil is the current Managing Director.

Mr Oyetoke from Baate’s compound established the third sawmill. It was located directly opposite the Alamu Ni Oluwa Sawmill. Unfortunately, the functioning of Oyetoke’s sawmill was halted when fire gutted the sawmill and burnt everything. However, because of the manageable proximity, Alhaji Adisa and Mr Oyetoke contributed money to procure a transformer that caters to the two sawmills’ electricity supply.

The most recent of all is the one established by Hon. Ismail Avodele of Asipa’s compound. It was established in 2012. Mana Ni Oluwa Sawmill is the only functioning sawmill now.

6. BLOCK INDUSTRIES

The nearness of a quality sand mining site (quarry) has given the block industries in the town a rare advantage. It has assisted in making vibrated, quality blocks and concrete. There are numerous block industries in the city responsible for

The blocks and concrete demands of the Ileogbo people. The transition from the band making blocks (manual) to the machine ones made the business more commercialized. Some block industries have gone into extinction, while others are still booming to this date.

BA, Adediran Blocks Industry is located at Yidi-Akosa junction along Kuta Road, Ileogbo. It learned that the owner, Alhaji Chief Basiru Adediran, from Araromi’s compound, had travelled out of town and established a block industry. Still, he returned home when the business failed to progress. However, he reports that his company is doing well when he returns home.

Ajet Block Industry is also one of the prominent industries in the town. It is located along Iwo Road, directly opposite Abusi Sawmill.

It is owned and managed by Alhaji Ajetunmobi from Otun’s compound, Ileogbo. Some of these block industries operate daily as they employ people and pay them based on an agreed price. In addition, some have private business vehicles such as tippers and vehicles to aid their business performance through self-delivery.

Another prominent name is SEGMA Blocks Industry, a Segun Quick Technical Service subsidiary. The firm is owned by Surveyor Akomolafe Segun from Agbaleke’s compound. Ileogbo. It is located along Col. Oye Ogunkanni Road, Ileogbo. Hosanna Block Industry is situated beside Star Union Petrol Station owned by Mr Segun Al-Gaayah; the block industry is the latest. Mr Adebiyi Amidu manages it.

7. BREAD INDUSTRIES INC.

Apart from agricultural produce, bread is one of the primary foods consumed by the people of Ileogbo. The first bread industry was located at Oke-Odo Telemu road, Ileogbo, directly opposite Olopo Merata, owned by Mr Alli Olahanloye of Akinmoyero’s compound. The manual pounding was applicable then, but the flour grinding machine was later introduced.

The second bakery industry was located at Olodo’s compound, but we could not trace the owner’s name. The third one was situated at Jore and managed by Alhaji Adekiigbe of Sooko’s compound.

Later, they established another one at Oludo’s compound, owned by Alfa Idrisu from Sooko’s compound. The next found was at Aresa and was managed by Alhaji Yisa Akanji from Ogbaagba.

The transition from band pounding to machines led to the proliferation of the industry. One Alhaji Najeem Aroona established one at Igbinje’s compound. Mr Adiatu Adegun of Alawo’s compound was also found. Alhaji Akinbayo from Balogun’s compound launched another one at Mojiga’s compound, followed by the one at Idi-Ape, established by Mr Liadi of Agbo’s compound. Finally, Alhaji Murana Dendendu found one at Oke Odo along the old Iwo road.

Another was also established at Asipa’s compound (O Oluwa Special Bread) by Mr Musa of Onijayi’s compound. The next to be found is Kobiowu’s compound, owned and managed by Mr Ajayi Najeem Totoola (Opeyemi Special Bread) and followed by the one established Muniru Isamotu from Sooko’s compound (Omo Ade special bread) along the Yidi praying ground. Finally, another noteworthy was established by Mr Dada Rasidi of Elewuro’s compound located along Gada Road.

There was also a bread industry beside Ayedire Local Government secretariat by a man from Alagbaa’s compound, followed by one established by Mr Sunmaila Oyinlola from Onijayi Igbo’s compound (Dr B). Oluwa Ni

Sola bread at Oke Odo along station road, Ileogbo, is also noteworthy. The bakers in Ileogbo have a union called the Master Baker Association, and the incumbent Chairman is Mr Ajnyi Najeem Totoola of Kobiowu’s compound.

8. Transportation

The movement of people from one place to another within and outside the town is aided by the mechanical means of trains (railway). Vehicles and motorcycles on the road. To bolster trains, the railway station that the town enjoys is situated along Gbongan Road, very close to the Osun River. It was learnt that the first man to observe the pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina came back to Ileogbo by train, and people thronged to the railway station to give him a rapturous welcome.

Apart from that, the emergency of both vehicles and motorcycles has drastically eased the stress of trekking from home to Farin and vice versa. Many who can afford to do so do, while some cannot hear the cast. Later, the proliferation of the duo led to their commercialization. They started forming unions. They became united, buying motorcycles in cash and on loan, paying by instalment.

The two notable unions, the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and the Road Transport Employees Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), exist in Ileogbo. The Late Lasis Opayele, popularly known as Ayomeye, from Oladunwo’s compound, was the first to start commercial transportation. After that, the business increased as more people joined the trend.

This renewed interest triggered the establishment of an umbrella through which it could hear its voice and demands channelled. As a result, the motor owners’ Association of Nigeria, the lleogbo chapter, was established in 1975 with a membership capacity of eleven (11) people. The pioneer chairman of the union was Mr Yisa Alabi, from Oladunwo’s compound. Mr Liadi Adedokun and Alhaji Rashidi Omorere have been appointed the chairman’s assistants. There were eight other members.

The union secretariat was situated at the old court hall, where our present post office is built. The Motor Owners’ union took Iwo road maintenance upon themselves. They thus agreed to clear and fill potholes every five to seven days. They later aligned with Iwo and formed the Road Transport Employees Association of Nigeria, and Baba Raimi Akangbe Onitipa, from Oladunwo’s compound, became the chairman. The Vice-Chairman was Mr Kareem Adigun from Gbako’s compound. Liadi Adedokun remained the secretary, and Adebisi Adigun from Olukolo’s compound was the Treasurer.

The National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) was later established. When he retired from the Nigerian army, Mr Akinola Muili (Sankoro) became the chairman. Abiu Akanmu (Abusi Edumare) was his Vice, Liadi Adeokun was his Scribe, and Musibau Amia was the Treasurer. It created more ants based on the passenger’s destination. They are Lagos, Sadan, Oke-Osun, and Iyo. Memudu Olukolo was the Chairman. Kamila Adedokan (Alban Agba) was head of the Thadan unit. Raji Akanke (Baba Epo) from Yetu’s compound was head of the Ondo-Ore unit. There were also vehicles for those farming at Oke-Osun, but no motorable roads. The cars conveyed them to the railway station, thus completing the journey.

Mr Memudu Olalekan succeeded. Olukolo Memuda Afolab became the chairman after Olalekan. Liadi Adedokun retired as the secretary during this period. Asim Akinsoji from Omoforilu’s compound was the predecessor to Asimi Akinsoji. In this report, Mr Asimi Akinsoji (Oma Ogun) is the chairman of NURTW in Ileogbo.

The union acknowledged Bayo Success from Ijebu-Ekiti. Raimi Agbede, Ojewu, and Olola Tawa (Babao) allied Lleogbo.

OKE OSUN UNIT OF THE NATIONAL UNION OF ROAD TRANSPORT WORKERS

The pioneer chairman of the Oke-Osun unit of the union was the late Menudu Afolabi (Nina Lowo) of Oloode Igbo’s compound. Asifat Oyedeji (Loss) from Balogun’s compound took over from him. His secretary was Alli Sabina Adewale (Fine Boy) from Oladunwo’s compound. Mrs Oyedeji was succeeded by Wakilt Ajala (Perepe) from Gbogbo’s compound.

An order from the then Olu of Ileogbo, Oba Musa Adisa Akintomide, restricted drivers from carrying raw palm kernel. The union debated the order on August 25, 2003. It was agreed to a fine of one thousand nairas before any driver that breaches the order is given the green light. Mr Sunday Akande took over from Perepere. Mr Sunday was succeeded by Mr Ibraheem Adesoye (Olope) from Sooko’s compound. Adeniran Abass is the scribe. Wonuade Kazeem is the interim chairman of the Oke-Osun unit of NURTW, Ileogbo.