Residents of communities along the Agbado-Ijoko Road in Ogun State's Ifo Local Government Area have expressed frustration over the road's deplorable condition, which has crippled businesses and disrupted transportation. The road has been in a poor state for several years, making it difficult for motorists and commuters to access their homes and workplaces. The situation has persisted despite previous reports and promises of repair.
A recent visit to the communities revealed that some sections of the road had been abandoned, with vehicles unable to use the affected portions. Potholes and stagnant floodwater have taken over parts of the route, while some vehicles were seen stuck in the muddy portions. Motorists are struggling to navigate the road, and some have resorted to using alternative routes through adjoining streets, which are also in poor condition.
Jamiu Raimi, a resident of Itoki, has lived in the community for 20 years and recalled that the road was previously passable. He said a journey from his residence to Agbado used to take about 10 minutes but now takes over an hour due to the road's condition. Raimi, who works in Ojota, attributed the transportation difficulties to the scarcity of buses, forcing residents to rely on motorcycles, which he described as unsafe.
The road's condition has affected not only transportation but also businesses and the rental market. Raimi, a landlord, claimed that some residents are leaving the community, while prospective tenants are reluctant to rent houses in the area. He appealed to the government to rehabilitate the road, citing the rising cost of transportation as a burden on residents.
Mrs. Modupe Olaniran, a trader in Rafco, said the road's condition has negatively impacted her business and those of other traders in the area. She now spends more on transporting her goods, adding that the additional cost has affected her business. Olaniran also raised concerns about the abandoned Idiroko Road, which has become waterlogged and difficult to use.
Other residents, including Alubarika Yinka, a commercial vehicle operator, and Tayo Odusanya, have also expressed their frustration with the road's condition. Yinka said buses have stopped using some sections of the road, while Odusanya noted that the situation has worsened during the rainy season, affecting businesses and vehicle operators.
Ogun State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Ade Akinsanya, has assured that the Akute-Agbado section of the road is undergoing reconstruction, with other sections to be rehabilitated subsequently. He said the project is expected to be completed before December, weather permitting, and that the second layer of asphalt has commenced from the Akute end.
Key points
- The Agbado-Ijoko Road in Ogun State has been in a poor state for several years, affecting businesses and daily life.
- Residents are calling on the government to rehabilitate the road, citing the rising cost of transportation and its impact on the rental market.
- The Ogun State government has assured that the road is undergoing reconstruction and is expected to be completed before December.
