FEATURE ARTICLE |
Babs Ajayi | Monday, August 7, 2006 |
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[email protected] Toronto, Ontario, Canada | ANNOUNCE THIS ARTICLE TO YOUR FRIENDS |
DRIVING THROUGH THE FARMLAND OF SOUTHERN ONTARIO
t was a fascinating journey, a trip through some of the best farmlands and greenbelt of Southern Ontario. The sweet breeze of the early morning drive from Toronto through the ever-expanding and smooth Queen Elizabeth Way popularly called QEW, a major link between Canada and the United States, and a friendly temperature that soothes the skin and delights the day. This was a ride done with pleasure and with ease. The sun was absent and thankfully so, the face of the earth white, its hands spread out to touch the end of Lake Ontario. The Lake Ontario has remained blue ever since I came in contact with it.
The journey into this part of the greenbelt of Southern Ontario led to some previously heard about but unseen truths about the farmlands and the huge development taking place there. Here is a major part of the food basket known to this land. The idea of the greenbelt was focused on securing, protecting and safeguarding the areas from urban development and environmental degradation. It was a model established by the government of the Province of Ontario even as the province experience rapid development due to immigration, technological advancement and economic prosperity. The Greater Toronto Area (GTA) is expanding from all sides and had eaten away farmlands as far flung as in Brampton, Guelph, Vaughan, Maple, Aurora and New Market. St. Catharines and the Durham region have not been spared the rapid encroachment into farmlands by urban development and the phenomenal growth in the housing market.
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We took highway 4 to Delhi leaving Brantford behind. The striking thing is that the roads were very good and these areas are no less modern with every necessity of life. There are schools for the children and colleges are not too far from these small towns and cities. It is difficult to refer to them as villages because they far outshine some of the settlements we refer to as cities and towns in Nigeria. We took care of business at Delhi and drove to Simcoe and later to Port Dover on Lake Erie, another of the Great Lakes. The beach at Port Dover was so clean and the water so blue that I was tempted to take off my shoes. I dipped my feet in water and bent down to feel the water. The water was cool and clean as the breeze brushes my face and caress my body. I watched my beach goers swim, play, run and generally have fun in the lake. I was not in a hurry to leave; the environment was so wonderful no one will be in a rush to move on. The soft sand at the edge of the lake was so clean and dirt-free as families, friends and lovers either sit on it, hold hands or play games. The parking areas around were well organized and managed. We did not have the time to stay long at the Port Dover Beach and I was not happy when we drove off. I suddenly realized that the whole land space between Hamilton and Port Dover and St. Catharines cum Niagara-On-The Lake and Crystal Beach were bordered by Lake Ontario and Lake Erie.
The farm cash receipts for farm income in 2003 were put at Canadian $8.5 billion by the Ontario Farmers Association. Of this amount, the Ontario government provided $529 million, which represent 6.2% of gross income. The farmers received $90.94/ton in 2005 for corn and $224.87/ton for Soybeans. The development as well as the situation of farmers along the greenbelt should provide a good lesson and examples for Nigerian farmers and the federal and state governments. Farmers need a lot of help if they are expected to feed the nation. As we drive back to Toronto through highway 6 and along communities such as Jarvis, Garnet, Hagersville, Caledonia and Mount Hope I knew there is hope for our nation as long as we are prepared to move mountains out of our way and take the right steps. We have the land and the good weather to sustain food production.
DONATIONS FOR AKIN AROWOLO
Akin Arowolo is still battling his eye conditions. The detachment of the retina from one of his eyes is a huge challenge for him. His second eye is also now plagued by this serious and deadly medical condition. He needs about N600,000 to get the very bad eye operated at the National Eye Foundation as soon as possible. Some help came his way a few days back when Mr. Chidi Ozurigbo, a US-based Computer Consultant called me and made a vow of $500 towards Arowolo's treatment. More help is needed and we ask our kind-hearted friends, brothers and sisters all over the world to stand up with this fellow in great need. If you are a Nigerian-born eye specialist and can be of help, please send me an e-mail and come forward to support this young man.
Bose Odueke's Birthday |
It was a special evening on July 29, 2006 at the Rembrandt Banquet Hall in Toronto, Canada when Bose Odueke celebrated her fortieth birthday in grand style and with all the trappings of success. Amiable and very likeable, Bose and her hubby, Dr. Bayo Odueke hosted friends from all walk of life. Bose's mother and her brothers Femi & Soga Odumabo came from Nigeria to grace the occasion. Also in attendance were family friends from the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, including the Owotomos, the Odetundes, Mr. & Mrs. Gbenga Alade, Dr. Odusanya, Mr. & Mrs. David Adejuyigbe, Mr. & Mrs. Dayo Clem Oshinyimika, Mr. & Mrs. Segun Aina, Mr. Olu Sholaja, and several clients of Bose. Others are Mr. & Mrs. Toyin Oloko from Chicago, Ms. Bola Odueke, Deola Akinsanya, and Ronke Ladejobi.
Bose Odueke dancing and giving thanks to God during the praise & worship session at her 40th birthday.