The Shrinking “Igbos” and its Extincting “Erankos”. An Explication of Cooperativism as a Rescue Mechanism

Mr Ajibola Anthony Akanji¹

¹Lead City University, Ibadan,nigeria, Ibadan, Nigeria

This paper reflects on the phenomena of ecological loses characterizing responses to housing demands imposed by population growth and rapid urbanization in the Lagos-Ogun-Oyo conurbation in Nigeria, where there exist lost or diminishing “Igbos” forest, such as “Igbo Elerin”,” Igbo Efon”, “Igbo Ajola” which literally means forest of elephants, buffalos and pythons respectively. These “Igbos” were also natural sanctuaries for various species of other animals.

Deficient responses to demands for housing facilities led to encroachment on the “Igbos”, resulting in reduced size and quality,in place emerged housing areas. The “Erankos” animals ,respond by moving in search of new habitats, a practice immersed in consequences such as their gradual extinction. Thus raising the question of which model best addresses housing demands with minimal encroachment on the natural habitat.

With the research methods of physical observations and normative analysis of empirically generated data,this paper makes the following verifiable claims: responses to housing needs on the paths of public and private initiatives are largely deficient; this deficiency is taking toll on the natural environment through habitat loss and forced movements of animals; the third responds by proposing Cooperativism to address these challenges.

Cooperativism, the philosophy of cooperatives, cooperation and solidarity economics is conceptualized and presented as a development mechanism, to address the deficit of housing, allied infrastructural development and environmental management.

The seven cooperative principles as espoused by the International Cooperative Alliance, particularly principles five and seven: Education, Training and Information; and Concern for community (environment), analyzed to address the challenges.

Biography:

Ajibola Anthony, Akanji holds two bachelor’s degrees, one in Law and the other in Public Administration. He holds a Masters degree in Public Administration and currently a doctoral candidate and Assistant Lecturer in the department of Politics and International Relations ,Lead City University.

His doctoral research and academic interest covers economics ,environment, social and political issues.

He has identified Cooperativism, the philosophy of cooperatives ,cooperation and solidarity economics as a viable mechanism for development administration, this within the framework of his doctoral research and academic interest.

He teaching among others; Urban and Local Government Administration, Political Economy ,Public Policy and Analysis, Manpower Planning and Utilization, and Technology,Ecology and Environmental Issues in World Politics.

He is a member of the Lead City University-Sustainable Development Goal Academy, a research initiative dedicated to the actualization of the SDGs.

He lives in Ibadan, Nigeria.