Aerodrome GRA stands today as a testament to vision, community spirit, and strategic development. Its journey began as an ambitious project aimed at creating a premium residential enclave in Ibadan.
The foundation for Aerodrome GRA was laid under the initiative of then-Governor His Excellency, Senator Rashidi Ladoja. This pivotal step marked the commencement of what would become a highly sought-after estate. The vision fully materialized when the estate was officially commissioned in 2009 by His Excellency, Late Chief Adebayo Alao Akala, who succeeded Senator Ladoja as the Governor of Oyo State. Ownership and oversight of the land were, and continue to be, vested with the Oyo State Ministry of Lands.
The estate soon welcomed its pioneering residents, with Mr. Wale Adediran noted as the very first occupant in December 2010, helping to breathe life into the burgeoning community.
Evolution Through Intentional Community Effort and Leadership
The nascent community quickly recognized the importance of collective action. The inaugural meeting was convened on the 16th of August 2010. This was attended by 18 allottees, who evidently were a congregation of like minds, most of who have neither commence their property construction nor moved into the estate at that time. Early property allottees spearheaded by Arc. Kole Babalola subsequently began mobilizing to form a formal association, setting the stage for gentrification, organized development and mutual support. The subsequent periods saw the initiation of crucial projects driven by the community’s early meetings and interventions, leading to the eventual incorporation of the Residents Association.
These formative years were marked by significant achievements that have now become institutionalized and have progressed till date. These include but not limited to:
- Establishment of monthly general meetings, recurrently holding on every last Saturday of the month.
- The organized naming of streets and systematic house numbering, bringing order and identity to the layout.
- Proactive social interventions, such as the evacuation of destitutes from uncompleted buildings and construction sites, and the rehabilitation of a mentally challenged woman found living in the estate, a noble collaboration led by Professor Augustine Adeolu in conjunction with Pro Labore Dei.
- Enhancements to security and management through the recruitment of facilities managers, engagement of corporate guards, fortification and closure of other access gates, and the construction of a main and befitting gatehouse. Access control was further bolstered by boom lifts at the main entrance gate.
- Preserved the family oriented, serenity and orderliness of the estate by resisting and reversing the attempt by some early settlers to convert their properties to commercial entity.
- Crucial infrastructure improvements, including reviving never-functional streetlights and revamping vandalized transformers to ensure a reliable power supply.
- A strong collaboration with the Sango Police, which culminated in the donation of patrol vehicles, the setup of permanent patrol teams and the sinking of boreholes at the police station, significantly boosting security.
- A commitment to environmental sustainability, evident in the tree planting exercise, known as “the green initiative” and the activation of estate roads setback gardening and daily street cleaning with the recruitment of dedicated gardeners and cleaners.
- Improvements to living standards, including equipping the estate management office, road maintenance and repainting of side kerbs.
- Vital collaboration with Ibadan Disco (IBEDC) to secure a minimum of 20 hours power supply daily.
- Modernizing internet connectivity through collaboration with telecoms operators to facilitate the deployment of a reliable Fiber to the Home (FTTH) infrastructure in the estate.
- Fostering community spirit, seen in the initiation and continuous improvement of the annual end-of-year party.
- Facilitation of annual auditing of estate accounts for robust transparency and accountability.
Leadership Through the Years
The seamless progression and significant achievements of Aerodrome GRA are largely thanks to the consistent and dedicated leadership of its Residents Association. Four successive Executive Councils have steered the association since its inception:
- Architect Kole Babalola led the exco from August 2012 – August 2016.
- Engineer Yele Matthews led the exco from August 2016 – August 2020.
- Colonel Richard Adedeji (rtd) led the exco from August 2020 – August 2024.
- Deacon Solomon Adeleke commenced his leadership as the current exco lead from August 2024 – present.
These continuous efforts, spearheaded by dedicated residents and their elected representatives, have shaped Aerodrome GRA into the organized, secure, and thriving community it is known for today. Its history is a powerful narrative of collective vision turning into reality.
