Our visit to Agura Gberigbe community in Ikorodu, Lagos, was both eye-opening and impactful.
The Plight of Agura-Gberigbe
Ikorodu is a nucleated settlement in Lagos State, Nigeria. It is located to the North-East of Lagos, along the Lagos Lagoon and shares boundary with Ogun State. With a population of over 1 million inhabitants, Ikorodu is currently the 12th largest city in Nigeria and growing at a rate of 5.26% annually, it is projected to reach 1.7 million inhabitants by 2035. It is the 2nd largest local government in Lagos State
During our survey, we captured images of abandoned and damaged buildings that stand as a stark reminder of the area’s neglect.
The pictures show children walking barefooted, which isn’t healthy for them as sharp objects like nails and irons can pierce into their foots It highlights the severe lack of basic amenities like good portable water.
Our team conducted an interview with the community chief, gaining deeper insights into the pressing needs and challenges faced by the residents and locals. The community chiefs pleaded for our help and intervention as helping the community will bring great relief to the students who travel as far as 5-10kilometer to attend school in other neighbouring community.
Access to clean water is a daily struggle. Residents often go to great lengths to secure safe drinking water, which is neither sustainable nor healthy. This scarcity of quality water supply poses significant health risks and further diminishes the quality of life in the community.
These images and stories reflect the urgent need for support and development in Agura Gberigbe.
In the heart of Ogun State lies Mowe, a community that is strategically positioned near the city of Lagos struggles with basic infrastructure and government support. Among the many residents facing these challenges is Mrs. Adeola, a determined woman whose story highlights the urgent need for intervention in Mowe.
Mrs. Adeola’s Plight
Mrs. Adeola’s home lacks the basic amenities that are needed for the daily smooth running of the home. It’s a house without a proper toilet, bathroom and kitchen making daily life a constant struggle for her. She and her family have had to resort to makeshift solutions, which pose significant health risks and compromise their dignity. This situation is not unique to Mrs. Adeola but is a common plight for many in Mowe, where proper sanitation facilities are scarce.
Adding to these challenges, most villages around Mowe does not have a secondary school. Children in the community must travel long distances to neighboring areas to receive a education. This doesn’t not only places a financial and physical burden on families but also results in many children dropping out of school altogether. The lack of educational facilities limits the opportunities for the younger generation, perpetuating a cycle of poverty and underdevelopment.
The Community’s Struggles
The absence of government support has left Mowe in a state of neglect. Basic infrastructure, such as roads, clean water supply, and healthcare facilities are inadequate or non-existent. The community’s needs are pressing, and the residents’ resilience is tested daily as they strive to create a better life with limited resources.
Despite these hardships, the spirit of Mowe’s residents remains unbroken. Community members like Mrs. Adeola continue to work hard, supporting each other and finding innovative ways to cope with their challenges. Their resilience is inspiring, but it also underscores the need for external support to bring about meaningful change.
Joshua Breakthrough Missions Steps In
Recognizing the urgent need for intervention, Joshua Breakthrough Missions has taken steps to support Mowe. Our recent visit to the community allowed us to witness firsthand the challenges faced by residents like Mrs. Adeola. We met with community leaders and listened to their stories, gaining a deeper understanding of their needs and aspirations.
Our mission is clear: to bring hope and tangible support to Mowe. We are committed to providing sanitation facilities, establishing educational infrastructure, and improving overall living conditions. However, achieving these goals requires collaboration and the support of our partners and well-wishers.
A Call for Support
To make a lasting impact in Mowe, we are calling on our partners, donors, and anyone willing to help to join us in this mission. Here are some of the ways you can support:
Sanitation Projects: Contributions towards building proper toilets and bathrooms will significantly improve the health and dignity of residents like Mrs. Adeola.
Educational Infrastructure: Donations to establish a school in Mowe will help provide the community’s children with the education they deserve, paving the way for a brighter future.
Basic Amenities: Support for clean water projects, healthcare facilities, and improved roads will enhance the overall quality of life in Mowe.
Conclusion
The story of Mrs. Adeola and the Mowe community is a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the critical need for support.
At Joshua Breakthrough Missions, we believe that with collective effort, we can transform Mowe into a thriving community where residents have access to the basic amenities and opportunities they deserve.
Join us in making a difference. Together, we can bring hope to Mowe and help residents like Mrs. Adeola live with dignity and optimism for the future.
Nestled in the heart of Ilesa, Nigeria, lies a rural village that once thrived with vibrant community life and bustling agricultural activities. Today, however, this village faces a daunting reality: a dwindling population and deteriorating infrastructure. The challenges are many, but so too are the opportunities for revival and support.
The Plight of the Village
Over the past few decades, the village has experienced a significant decline in its population. Younger generations, seeking better opportunities, have migrated to urban centers, leaving behind an aging population struggling to maintain the once-thriving agricultural practices. The departure of the youth has not only reduced the labor force but has also led to a loss of cultural heritage and traditions that are integral to the village’s identity.
The village’s infrastructure tells a story of neglect and decay. Roads that were once well-trodden paths are now barely passable, with deep ruts and overgrown vegetation. Public facilities, including the village school and health center, are in dire need of repair and modernization. Limited access to clean water and reliable electricity further exacerbates the villagers’ struggles, affecting their health and quality of life.
Economic Hardships
Agriculture, the mainstay of the village’s economy, has suffered tremendously. Without adequate resources and manpower, farms have become less productive, leading to food insecurity and financial instability. Many villagers rely on subsistence farming, barely producing enough to meet their own needs, let alone generate income.
The lack of economic opportunities has created a cycle of poverty that is difficult to break. With few prospects for employment or business ventures, villagers are left with limited means to improve their living conditions. This economic stagnation further drives the younger population to seek better opportunities elsewhere, perpetuating the cycle of decline.
Community Spirit and Resilience
Despite these challenges, the village community remains resilient. Elders and community leaders continue to uphold traditions and provide guidance, fostering a sense of unity and shared responsibility. The village’s cultural heritage, rich in music, dance, and storytelling, remains a source of pride and identity for those who remain.
Villagers come together for communal activities, such as farming cooperatives and cultural festivals, demonstrating their commitment to preserving their way of life. The spirit of cooperation and mutual support is evident in their efforts to maintain the village and care for one another.
A Call for Support
The plight of this rural village in Ilesa calls for urgent attention and support. Revitalizing the community requires a multifaceted approach that addresses both immediate needs and long-term sustainability.
Infrastructure Development: Investment in repairing and modernizing roads, schools, and health facilities is crucial. Improved infrastructure will enhance the quality of life for villagers and attract potential investors and tourists.
Agricultural Support: Providing resources such as seedlings, tools, and training in modern farming techniques can boost agricultural productivity. Initiatives to establish cooperatives and access to markets will help villagers generate income and achieve food security.
Youth Engagement: Creating opportunities for the younger generation to stay and contribute to the village is essential. Vocational training programs, scholarships, and small business grants can empower youth to build a future within their community.
Cultural Preservation: Supporting cultural activities and initiatives that celebrate the village’s heritage will strengthen community bonds and attract interest from cultural tourism.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the story of this rural village in Ilesa is one of a struggling settlement but with the help of your partnership, hope will be restored to them.
With targeted support and collaborative efforts, it is possible to reverse the decline and foster a thriving, sustainable community. By investing in infrastructure, agriculture, youth, and culture, we can help this village regain its vibrancy and ensure a brighter future for generations to come.
Joshua Breakthrough Missions is committed to being a part of this journey, working hand in hand with the villagers to bring about meaningful and lasting change. Together, we can make a difference.
