THE INTEGRATION OF MIGRANTS INTO SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF AWE IN THE 20TH CENTURY

CHAPTER ONE

1.1              STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Awe is the industrial nerve centre in Afijio Local Government Area of Oyo State.1 Unlike other industrial settlement, its enjoy peaceful atmosphere. Not much is written on Awe and Afijio Local Government in general. Needless to say, not much attention had been given to the place of migrants and their role in bringing about socio economic development in the area. This could be as a result of researchers concentration on a bigger communities and settlements like Oyo, Ejibo, Iwo, Egba, llorin, Ibadan among others.

This research work seeks to promote knowledge in the various migrant association that exist, how they operate, their relationship with the indigenous people and probable problems they are encountering. This would provide to the people and the academic, the opportunity to understand the migrants activities and their influence in the socio-economic development of Awe. Since the indigenous population themselves are "restrained" from contributing to the development of the town, due to the peoples cultural belief.2

This essay would serve as a reference point for further knowledge. It is hoped that it will stimulate other researches, probing into the history of Awe and the migrants contribution.

1.2              OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY

The objective of this study is to explore the trends of migrants and discuss effects of immigration on the growth and development of Awe.

It also intends to analyse the collective efforts and activities of migrants to the socio-economic development of the area putting into consideration both negative and positive impact of the activities of the immigrants.

Indeed, activities of specific groups of migrants in their pursuit of excellence would be examined as it affects their host community, for instance, Mrs Giwa, proprietress of Best Legacy International group of schools, Sieberer Herbert former Manager of Amo group of companies, Dr. Kusi, Momoh hospital, Mr and Mrs Olayemi, poultry farmers, among others are individuals that had contributed immensely to Awe's development.

This study aims at positioning the community as a significant settlement enriched with enormous natural qualities and powerful nature's good tidings.

In order to achieve this, primary and secondary sources becomes important element in the reconstruction of the economic contribution of migrants and non-indigenes to the transformation of the Awe community.

1.3              SCOPE OF STUDY

This project work is limited to the period between 1900 - 1999. It basically seek to appraise and analyse the activities of specific groups of migrants in context to their contribution to the socio-economic development of Awe.

1.4              RESEARCH METHODOLOGY AND PROBLEMS

As to effectively carryout this research work, various methods were being employed in order to provide accurate information which could help further research on this field.

Three basic methods were employed for this research work. These include making use of the library, the archive and lastly the field work.

The researcher was able to take timeout as to acquit herself with related books, published works and materials which widened her knowledge on the project topic. She also made use of the electronic sources to collect and verify information's.

Having being familiar with the terrain on which the researcher is writing on, she proceeds to the archives in search of colonial reports, community documentation and other relevant materials. With the visit to both the library and the archive the researcher was adequately prepared to engage in the field work exercise.

It is pertinent to say at this point that the field work exercise is a difficult task. This is because it wasn't easy to obtain appointment so as to interview prominent individuals who might be equipped with information needed by the researcher. Also some individuals were reluctant to give out information.

However, "house arrest or barge-in" approach was employed by the researcher to carry out interviews, this was to a large extent much more effective as the interviewed individual were glad and willing to share information with the researcher during such times.

1.5              LITERATURE REVIEW

This literature review intends to critically appraise the existing body books, articles in journals and other forms of writing that exist so as to give a clearer picture of Awe community. It is important to mention at this point that the core of this study is based on oral source. Even though study have shown its limitations.

In the book Kingdoms of the Yoruba by Robert Smith. The author took time to discuss the diverse kingdoms of the Yorubas. He examines their historical origin and importance. In the book the author was able to give a clear indication that all Yorubas believed they originate from lle-ife3. But the author failed to pay attention to smaller communities in the Yoruba kingdoms. This study seek to improve on the writing of the author. Thus paying particular attention to Awe community.

Ajisafe A. K in his book History of Abeokuta made frantic efforts to examine the historical origin of Abeokuta. He was able to periodise his work in relation to the course of events in the Egba kingdoms. His book was useful to the researcher in dating the historical origin of the fore bearers of Awe. This is because the early fore bearers migrated out of the Egba gbagura forest during the Lisabi revolt. Ajisafe is of the opinion that "...Awe, Nora, Fiditi and Akinmorin,..." were some of the Egba gbagura towns in the Egba forest. The author did not give any pre-eminence to the history of Awe nor the activities of its inhabitants. This study intends to share more light on the historical origin of Awe and the activities of it peoples.

Revd. Samuel Johnson in his book History of the Yoruba tried to give analytical study of the Yoruba's exploring the areas of convergence and divergence, but he his of "the church mind" regarding to certain issues. He his of the view that "Oyo was connected with the village of Awe by a wall. This outer wall was called 'Odi Amola' or by some 'Odi Amonu'. The former town indicates 'The wall of safety' used by the to whom it had proved a source of safety and the latter term "wall of loss" used by those to whom it had proved unavailing for safety5." Samuel Johnson in his book did not make Awe a focal point. This study seeks to portray Awe as a significant settlement, discussing the relationship between Awe and Oyo.

Prof. J.I Olaifa in his book History of Afijio towns discussed the various history of towns under the Afijio Local Government Area. In his analysis of Awe town, he took timeto discuss the historical origin of Awe. He paid attention to the lists of Baale that had reigned in Awe. He also examine relationship between Awe and Oyo town. Also the author gave an appraisal of Awe successful indigenes.

Olaifa failed to acknowledge the presence of migrant nor their contributions to the growth and development of the town. This study seek to address the authors limitation on these perspectives.

Iwe itan Oyo, Ikoyi ati Afijio, a book by S.O Ojo. He examined the history of Ikoyi, Oyo and Afijio Local Government of Oyo state and the relationship that existed between these towns. He also gave a list of Baales who had ruled Awe and a brief commentary on the reigns of some of them. The author however failed to make the economic history of the community his focus. As a result, this study will discuss the economic organization of Awe community.