Residents of Imala, located in the Abeokuta North Local Government Area of Ogun State, are calling on Governor Dapo Abiodun to address the dire condition of a 7-kilometer road leading into their community. This road, built by the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo in 1959, has fallen into disrepair over the years, becoming a significant burden for its daily users.

Community members expressed their frustrations about how the road’s poor condition has hindered socio-economic development and made everyday life challenging. One local leader, Steven Adetomiwa, reached out to PUNCH Metro, highlighting the urgent need for action, stating, “We can no longer remain silent about the hardships we endure daily because of this road.”

Adetomiwa emphasized that residents have repeatedly contacted relevant authorities about the road’s condition, yet no substantial improvements have been made. He further noted that the community has taken it upon itself to patch the road in an attempt to make it more navigable.

ALSO READ: Ogun NIPR Targets Nigeria’s Food Security Crisis at 2024 Colloquium

“We are pleading for the urgent intervention of Governor Abiodun regarding this road,” Adetomiwa urged. “The 7-kilometer stretch crossing through Imala township should be prioritized, as it is considered one of the worst roads in Ogun State.”

Residents have also appealed to the Honourable Commissioner for Works, Engr. Ade Akinsaya, to include their community in road construction and rehabilitation efforts. Adetomiwa stated that the residents overwhelmingly supported Abiodun’s re-election in 2023, reinforcing their hope for his assistance.

Another resident, Johnson Olabode, expressed his concerns about the daily challenges posed by the road’s deterioration. The 83-year-old retired Director from the state civil service lamented the road’s neglect by past administrations and the lack of response to their requests for repairs.

“Every time I venture to Imala, I find myself visiting the mechanic upon my return to Abeokuta due to the road’s condition,” Olabode shared. “This road’s terrible state has stunted our community’s growth.”

He further explained that many residents depend on agriculture, struggling to transport their produce to markets due to the road’s poor state. “It feels as if we have been cut off from the rest of Ogun State,” he said.

Both Adetomiwa and Olabode reiterated their urgent plea for Governor Abiodun to prioritize the reconstruction of the Imala road, stressing that revitalizing this vital infrastructure could lead to significant economic improvements in the region.