Residents of Imala, a community in Abeokuta North Local Government Area of Ogun State, have called for immediate intervention to address the deteriorating condition of a 7-kilometre road that leads to their town. This road, originally constructed in 1959 by the late Premier of the Western Region, Obafemi Awolowo, has been left in disrepair for decades, causing daily frustration and suffering for those who depend on it.
The residents revealed that the road has been neglected by successive governments, and its terrible condition has hindered the development of the area. They explained that the poor state of the road has made transportation difficult, negatively affecting the socio-economic activities of the community. Farmers, traders, and other road users are constantly burdened by the damage it causes to vehicles and the difficulty in transporting goods to and from the market.
One of the community leaders, Mr. Steven Adetomiwa, voiced the community’s frustration, explaining that they could no longer stay silent about the hardship they face daily. He noted that the road’s current state is unbearable and that the community has taken steps to maintain it over the years, but their efforts have been insufficient. Adetomiwa pleaded with the government, particularly Governor Dapo Abiodun, for immediate intervention to end their suffering.
“We have written countless letters to relevant authorities, hoping for action, but nothing has been done,” Adetomiwa stated. He emphasized that the community has done what they can to make the road passable, including patching up sections of it to allow vehicles to navigate. However, he stressed that without a proper intervention, the road’s condition will continue to deteriorate, making life even more difficult for the residents.
Adetomiwa continued, “We are appealing to Governor Abiodun to help us. This road, which was constructed by Chief Obafemi Awolowo before independence, now needs urgent attention. It is one of the worst roads in Ogun State, and we, the people of Imala, are pleading for help. Our community falls under Ward 14, where we strongly supported the governor’s re-election in 2023, and we believe it is time for him to intervene and fix this road.”
He also called on the Honourable Commissioner for Works, Engr. Ade Akinsaya, to extend the ongoing road construction projects to their community. The residents believe that rehabilitating the road will not only improve transportation but also bring economic growth to the area.
An elderly resident, Mr. Johnson Olabode, who is a retired civil servant, shared his concerns about the road. At 83 years old, Pa Olabode expressed sadness over the continuous neglect of the road, which he says has isolated the community from the rest of the state. He explained that every time he travels to Imala, his car suffers damage, requiring immediate repairs. According to him, this road has been a source of constant frustration for all residents, especially farmers, who struggle to transport their produce to nearby markets.
Olabode added, “This road has been abandoned for too long. We have tried, over the years, to get the attention of the government, but nothing has been done. I am pleading with Governor Abiodun to intervene and reconstruct this road. It will make a huge difference to the lives of everyone in this community.”
The residents believe that if the road is reconstructed, it will lead to significant economic transformation for Imala and surrounding areas. They argue that the poor state of the road has stalled development and made it difficult for businesses and farmers to thrive. They are hopeful that Governor Abiodun’s intervention will not only fix the road but also open up opportunities for growth and progress in their community.
The people of Imala are calling for a swift intervention to repair their road, as it has become a critical issue for their daily lives. They are confident that with the government’s support, the road can be restored, bringing relief and hope for a brighter future.