.….Decries Poor Planning, Infrastructure Decay as Major Threats to Nigeria’s Development
A United States-based engineer and founder of Yewa Frontier Amusement Park, Chief Afisu Olabimtan, has lamented the slow pace of Nigeria’s socio-economic growth, attributing it to poor planning, weak leadership vision, and decaying infrastructure.
Olabimtan stated this at the weekend during the commissioning of Yewa Frontier Amusement Park and Yewa Frontier Radio, 109.2 FM, in Ilaro, Ogun State.
According to him, the challenges confronting Nigeria are rooted in leadership gaps and the absence of long-term national planning frameworks.
“Nigeria’s biggest problem is not just corruption. Lack of proper planning, poor leadership vision, poverty and infrastructural decay are holding the country down,” he said.
He emphasised that sustainable development is impossible without coordinated public-private initiatives aimed at rebuilding the nation’s sectors.
“We need effective public-private partnerships. Government alone cannot fix everything. The private sector must be empowered to contribute meaningfully,” he added.
The engineer explained that his investment in Yewaland was not motivated by financial profit, but by a desire to give back to the community that shaped him.
“This is my own way of reciprocating the love my people showed me. These projects are not for profit. My reward is fulfilment,” he said.
He noted that he has lived in the United States for almost five decades and has no political ambition.
“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 declared.
Olabimtan stated that grassroots development remains difficult due to infrastructural decline across Nigeria.
“Infrastructure is a major obstacle to balanced development. There are improvements here and there, but it is not enough to support national growth,” he said.
He advised the Federal Government to diversify the economy and reduce reliance on a single source of revenue.
“Nigeria is a one-source country, and that source is no longer sufficient. Our population has grown drastically. Lack of infrastructure and poverty are major issues,” he noted.
Reflecting on global development trends, he compared Nigeria’s situation to that of China and India.
“China and India were at the same level with Nigeria years ago. They are moving upward while Nigeria is going downward. This is due to poor planning and lack of vision,” he stated.
He quoted scripture to reinforce his view on national direction, saying, “The Bible says, ‘Without vision, the people perish,’ and that is what has happened to Nigeria.”
Speaking on fears among Nigerians in the diaspora, he urged citizens abroad not to be discouraged by myths about spiritual attacks or hostility.
“Some people abroad worry that they will be attacked spiritually if they invest at home. That fear is self-created. It should not stop anyone from giving back,” he said.
He reiterated that his motivation remains driven by the desire to uplift his hometown.
“It’s about love for the people. I left almost 50 years ago for a better life, but I always knew I would return to give back,” he added.
Olabimtan also expressed satisfaction with the public response to the radio station, describing the feedback as encouraging.
“The appreciation from the people uplifts my spirit. There is a need being met here, and it shows this development is long overdue,” he said.
In his remarks, the Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, Oba (Dr.) Kehinde Olugbenle, commended the investment and vision behind the project.
“This amusement park is a spectacular project and a huge milestone for youth engagement across Ogun West,” the monarch said.
The monarch further described the radio station as a tool for cultural identity and developmental advocacy.
“Yewa Frontier Radio, 109.2 FM, is the first of its kind in this axis. It gives our people a voice to tell their stories and promote development,” he added.
Also speaking, Chief Mrs. Temitope Adeola, wife of the Senator representing Ogun West, praised the facilities as world-class.
“While coming in, I said this place looks like Little London. The maintenance here is outstanding. Even some parts of Abuja do not have this,” she said.
She urged residents to maximise the opportunities created, saying, “Let us use these projects positively. This radio station gives us a collective voice, and we must use it for community progress.”
