For more than 15 years, residents of Makun Omi, a riverine community in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area of Ogun State, have lived without public electricity. Despite the prolonged blackout and poor road infrastructure, the community has continued to preserve its unique cultural heritage and sustain economic activities through determination and communal efforts.
One of the community’s most remarkable attractions is its traditional nine-day market, where barter trade remains an active part of commerce. Traders from different parts of Nigeria travel to the market to exchange goods such as fish, yam, garri, rice and other farm produce, keeping alive a centuries-old practice that has largely disappeared elsewhere.
Makun Omi, known for its fishing, farming and logging activities, is surrounded by waterways connected to the lagoon and the Atlantic Ocean. Its rich cultural identity is further showcased through the annual Okosi Festival, a colourful boat regatta that celebrates unity, history and community development.
Residents, however, say the area’s tourism and economic potential continue to be limited by inadequate infrastructure. They lament that the absence of electricity and the poor condition of access roads have hindered business growth, discouraged investment and made daily life more difficult.
Community members explained that they now rely mainly on generators and solar power for electricity. While local efforts have led to the installation of solar-powered streetlights across parts of the town, residents insist that a lasting solution is needed to support economic expansion and improve living standards.
The annual Okosi Festival has become a major gathering point for indigenes both within Nigeria and abroad, attracting visitors from several countries and serving as a platform for cultural preservation and community development.
Community leaders praised the role of traditional institutions and local initiatives in driving development projects, including market expansion and improvements to internal roads. They also highlighted the growing popularity of the festival and its potential to become a major tourism attraction if supported with better infrastructure and government investment.
Residents and stakeholders have called on authorities to address the long-standing electricity challenge, improve road connectivity and support efforts to develop the area’s tourism sector. They believe that unlocking these opportunities would strengthen the local economy and preserve the cultural heritage that continues to distinguish Makun Omi from many other communities.
Tourism officials who attended the festival described cultural events such as Okosi as important tools for preserving heritage, promoting domestic tourism and creating economic opportunities for local communities. They encouraged greater collaboration to further elevate the festival and attract more visitors in the years ahead.
