The search for a more robust and sustainable economy continues in the face
of the persistent drop in the global price of oil, which has unequivocally continued
to affect revenue generation capacity of the country.
Taking a reactive measure to salvage the current situation seems to be the only
logical option.
The state of Osun, southwest Nigeria, is apparently not left out of the financial
downturn that hit the Africa’s largest economy,
Most states of the federation are now financially crippled.
As expected, most of these states, including Osun, have started to look inward
to see how the current financial crunch plaguing the system can be tackled.
To this end, the need to invest in local businesses and empower the brains
behind such enterprises, becomes imperative, to improve the internally
generated revenue of the state and complement the little accrued from the falling
federal allocation.
One of such businesses is ‘DODO IKIRE’ a special appetizer /plantain spice made
in IKIRE, a community in IREWOLE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA of Osun state.
A gate way to the state, and a close boundary to Oyo state.
Obviously, named after the town ‘DODO IKIRE’ the economic value of this locally
made appetizer to the community and the state at large should not be
underestimated.
Ajilo compound in Ikire plays host to
the major producers of DODO IKIRE in the
community.
Both young and old in this compound, participate in the production of this
product that is made from mostly plantain and other suitable bananas.
A 70year-old Madam Wulemotu Olaniran , has been in the business for a very
long time. She speaks on the production of Dodo Ikire and its level of patronage.
'' We use plantain, and other suitable bananas. We use Palm oil and
vegetable oil to fry it. And we have clients abroad, who usually request for
it, from time to time’
She said her children are not fully into the business, but they help while
they are around before seeking greener pasture.
``our children help us here, when they are still looking for another job. we
use the money realized from the selling of Dodo ikire, to send our children to
the school``
Most sellers of Dodo Ikire hawk along ife\ibadan express way to sell to the
travelers.
Abidogun shayo, is a young able boy, and he’s engaged in the selling of DODO
IKIRE alongside other young people, who make their legitimate money from the
business.
He said "We make at least three to four thousand Naira daily as profit, and we
often safe the money for our education and new business"
Buyers and lovers of this great spice believe there is need for the
producers to extend their scopes of business beyond the shore of ikire and osun
at large.
If the state government could empower Dodo Ikire producers in order to attain
large production /quantity, this might as well be a hidden treasure which will
improve the internally generated revenue of the state.
Since, the state government is already going above and beyond to ensure a
better living condition of its citizenry and meet the financial yearnings of
all, perhaps diversification of the economy would be a good thing in this
trying time.
Empowering the people involved in this business, might just be a good start
towards enlarging their coasts, which may eventually bring about a drastic boost
in their earnings, and as such contribute to the economy of the state.
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