Oko Idogo: The role of railway in the socio-economic transformation of parts of Egba and Egbado areas of Ogun State, Southwestern Nigeria, 1930 – 1990

Abstract

This paper examines the impact of railway transport on the society and the economy of Idogo and the villages situated along the Ifo/Idogo railway corridor in present day Ogun State in South-western Nigeria from 1930 to 1990. The paper highlights the factors that led to the extension of the railway to Idogo by the British colonial government. It also examines the factors responsible for the decline of the railway transport services and its impact on the communities along this railway corridor. The study adopts a historical methodology. Primary data such as oral information, archival records and periodicals were consulted. In addition, information was obtained from secondary sources such as books, journal articles and other unpublished works. The study notes that the railway system had tremendous impact on the economic and social life of the agrarian communities situated along this axis. At the same time, the decline of the railway transport services contributed to the economic setback of the communities located along the railway route.