Historical Impact of Migration on the Economic and Social Development of Esie in the Twentieth Century

Abstract

The people of Esie, Kwara State, Nigeria, have gained so much popularity for their stone images. However, there have been no comprehensive attempts to document other aspects of the people’s lives. This study therefore is aimed at exploring the impact of migration on the economic and social development of Esie in the twentieth century. At different times throughout the twentieth century, the people of Esie had cause to migrate outside of their homeland to find greener pastures. The migration paid off in the long run as remittances and returns from the trip impacted positively on the economic and social progress of the town, and the impact is still felt today. In terms of methodology, this paper obtains information from primary and secondary sources of historical research. The study finds that development of transportation and communication in the early part of the twentieth century played a major role in the migration of Esie people. Additionally, the success of returnees motivated more people to migrate for trade and educational purposes. Eventually, the returnees brought Islam and Christianity to the homeland and engaged in several infrastructural developments which are still very relevant today.