A retrospective view of my residential area some decades ago

Is it surprising to say that I have stayed in my environment for three decades? That is a 30-year duration. I remember moving into the Tanke community in 1993. I was under five years old, and though I was small in age, I have vivid images of the area, at least right before it got stamped in my brain. I had older siblings, so it was easy to follow them around the environment.

My elementary school was about 6 km away from my place of residence, and occasionally, we trekked the whole distance back home after school. Thus, I could relate the old Tanke environment to what it has become right now. Certainly, there have been a number of developments; some infrastructure has even ceased to exist. But let's take a look at the few changes that have occurred in the Tanke area. By the way, Tanke is one of the most common residential areas in Ilorin, the capital city of Kwara State, here in North Central Nigeria, West Africa.

One of the major reasons that transformed the Tanke area from the bushy-looking area was the relocation of the 'better by far' institution, the University of Ilorin. The temporary site was in town, while the permanent site was a long tanke area. Late in the year 2000, the main campus was brought back to the Tanke area, and this was an eye-opener for the area. The university was still a distance from Tanke, but the area was the only closest place of residence. The presence of students and instructors living in the Tanke area soon made the area one of the hotcakes to live in Ilorin City.

Also, many schools have erupted in the last few years, mostly high and elementary schools. Since the area has become densely populated, it is only right to have children in school within the vicinity. Reputable elementary and high schools are quite available in the Tanke area.

Houses were relatively cheap many years ago, but because of the dense population and the majority of people desiring to live in the area, demand shot up, necessitating a lower supply and, hence, a high cost of purchasing land and houses. Practically, we got two plots of land where our house is now built for N750,000 ($550). Do not get me wrong, this amount was equally significant when comparing it with the cost of living back then, in 2005, when the two plots of land were procured. But, as of last year, a plot of land in the same area goes for nothing less than N7,500,000 ($5,500). It was quite an investment if one had the opportunity, foresight, and resources. You will agree with me. Right now, I wish I had some parcels of land for my own house in this area. Anyway, beautiful mansions have overcome the old, rugged, and scanty apartments. There are quite a number of beautiful houses in the Tanke area right now.

When social amenities arrive in any community, there is bound to be development, and sometimes it comes rapidly. My mom and I often went to the farm to fetch firewood. There used to be many trees, and even my older brothers would go hunting for sparrows in those areas. Suffice it to say that there is no longer a forest in Tanke! The area I am particularly interested in is just behind Mount Olives Church. My mom and I often went farming in that area before my dad sold his plots of land that he had in that area, only if he knew. So, we can say that there has been massive deforestation in the Tanke area, and only in residential houses can you find pockets of trees. Of course, this means fewer incidents of reptiles, which were quite common back then.

I remember waiting for specific days when the government released water through the taps that supply homes and streets in Tanke. I am not sure I can find functioning pipes crossing apartments in Tanke again. The government could not sustain this, and residents have had to seek out alternatives. This has led most households to own a well or a borehole. My fear is the destabilization of the water table level since many houses are drawing from the same table water.

The most recent road network development is the construction of a bridge to cushion the occasional traffic that occurs in Tanke. I didn't envisage that Tanke could have a bridge, but, with the population explosion and students and instructors condensed in the area, the traffic needed to be addressed. The bridge construction was begun about three years ago and, till today, has not been launched for plying. However, the expansion of the roads has helped to significantly reduce traffic in the area. Tanke is always bubbling with activities, especially when students from the campus are around.

Tonight, I took a drive around Tanke, reminiscing on the good old days when it was just a small round about where tippers are parked, and that fetched the mid-point of Tanke as Tipper Good. The name has held up to date, even though the tippers have relocated.

Investing in areas with prospects is a good choice if it's long-term. You can imagine buying plots of land at cheap prices and having to resell them much later in the future for higher prices.

You're welcome in my neighborhood. Tanke.

You can participate in the #inleo monthly and daily prompts HERE

ALL IMAGES ARE MINE

Thank you for reading. I would love to have your comments and contributions.