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“Dream and deed are not as different as many think. All the deeds of men are dreams at first…”

Theodor Herzl, the man who dreamt of and pursued the creation of the Israeli State.

In 1901, Theodore Herzl had launched the birth of the Jewish National Fund (JNF) as a non-profit organization to buy land and encourage Jewish resettlement. Five years earlier, on February 14, 1896, he had expressed his vision for an Israeli State, which met with mixed reactions from his Jewish people. While some bought into his vision, others condemned him and even disowned him. He was called names and rebuked. But he believed in his vision and mission. He was persistent and determined.

On September 3, 1897, a few days after the First Zionist Congress, held in the Stadtcasino Basel in the city of Basel, on August 29–31, 1897, Switzerland, Theodor Herzl entered the following in his diary:

“Were I to sum up the Basel Congress in a word — which I shall guard against pronouncing publicly — it would be this: At Basel, I founded the Jewish State. If I said this out loud today, I would be answered by universal laughter. Perhaps in five years, certainly in fifty, everyone will know it.”

50 years after writing this in his diary, the state of Israel was established. That is a manifestation of the power of conviction.

The creation of the Jewish National Fund (JNF) four years later in 1901 was in pursuit of that dream, and vision as well as that mission. As at 2015, the JNF revenue was estimated at $2.583 billion. Its operating income was $511 million. In 2015 alone, its net income was $398 million. This organization which has 950 employees as at the end of year 2015, has a total asset worth $12.720 billion.

Therefore, critically examining the Ijesa Development Fund that is being championed by our leaders, under the guidance of Chief Olayinka Fasuyi, the Asiwaju of Ijesa land, one is greatly exhilarated. One is very excited. There is renewed hope that Ijesa land is on the brink of something wonderful and great. Something substantive, enduring and rewarding. A beautiful future is in the offing for our children and the generation coming behind. Now, one has so many “dreams” that would hopefully become “deeds.” One is genuinely enamoured about this development.

The operational template as put forth by Asiwaju Fasuyi would take care of the most important concern of Ijesa people – accountability and openness. It also mandates compulsory participation by the contributors to the Fund. The contributors at their local level would determine the project to be embarked upon. They monitor it from start to finish. Everyone must and would have a say. The template also has embedded in it, decentralization in order to ensure that every part of Ijesa land is touched with the light of development.

To build further confidence and trust in this project, the team put together by Asiwaju Fasuyi, the management team, comprises great sons and daughters of Ijesa land. We speak of Prince Lowo Adebiyi, Alagba Wale Idowu, Chief Afolabi Igbaroola, Dr. Toyin Olalemi, Chief Akin Olatunbosun, Erelu Jumoke Olafadehan, Mr. Bukola Fadipe, Engr. Busayo Aluko, Chief (Mrs.) Yemisi Falope, Mr. Akin Ajayi-Obe and Bobagunwa Remi Oyeyemi.

The sensitization efforts that are on-going is the right step to take. Propagating the concept is a beautiful thing. The participants ought to understand what they are getting involved in. It is aimed at carrying the grassroots along. It is to make them belief in their land and that Ijesa land could progress as much as they buy into it. It is to underscore the fact that they could not stand aside and watch without being actively involved.

As in all societies, there would be nay sayers. There would be those who would trivialize this. The non-believers and doubters. There would be those who anxiously wait for the project to fail. But this one would not fail. The integrity of the leadership would be the vehicle to drive this forth. The openness in managing the affairs would be its armour. The accountability of the leadership would insulate against distraction and detraction. The involvement of all would be its sustainable strength. Openness in management and the accountability of leadership are the tools to building enduring trust and confidence. The Ijesa would follow those who have consistently demonstrated these qualities.

This is a clarion call to all Ijesa sons and daughters all over the world. Let us get involved in this great positive. Let us show the world that what has been happening in Ijesa land in the last several years in forms of development are not flukes. Let us infused our unity with new strength. Let us rally around the future of our children. Together, let us imbue Ijesa land with new hope and energy. If the Jews could do it, one is confident that Ijesa could do the same.

It is one’s personal hope that in fifty years or hundred years from now, these efforts to plant this seed of Ijesa Development Fund would be a point of positive reference. It would be something beautiful to remember. It would be fantastic for our children to point at, protect, and sustain. This is a movement from the despair of the past to a very encouraging future. Bob Nesta Marley once advised “In this great future, you can’t forget your past, so dry your tears…”

Let our past remind us of the great things we could accomplish as Ijesa. Let it drive us to greater heights. Let it propel us to a higher level. One is convinced that on this path, the Ijesa shall shed no more tears. Developmental efforts are always works in progress. But with our little efforts we could inspire others and the generation coming after us.

The Ijesa who want progress for their land shall achieve their objective. The legacies would be the vindication. The history of their efforts would never die and would not be vulnerable to revisionism. Ijesa land would be liberated by their fortitude, courage, vision and the mission of its people, enriched by their commitment, determination and wealth, amplified by their innate as well as congenital potency.

Please, let’s get the ball rolling.