.....Ogun West Youth Leader Reminds Governor of January Pledge, Cites Worsening Road Conditions, Rising Transport Costs and Safety Risks
By Solanke Ayomideji Taiwo
The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Ogun West Senatorial District, has called on the Ogun State and Federal Governments to urgently rehabilitate and reconstruct the Abeokuta–Olorunda–Imeko Road, warning that its deplorable condition continues to impose severe hardship on residents, motorists, traders, farmers and students who depend on the route for their daily activities.
The call was made by the State Vice Chairman of the NYCN in Ogun West Senatorial District, Comrade Kehinde Damilola Olorunjubelo, during a press address in which he appealed to the relevant authorities to translate previous commitments to reconstruct the road into concrete action.
Olorunjubelo described the road as a critical transportation link connecting communities in Yewa North and Imeko-Afon Local Government Areas to Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, stressing that its poor condition has become a major concern for the socioeconomic well-being of the affected communities.
According to him, the road serves as an important route for commerce, agriculture, education and access to essential services, making its rehabilitation a matter of public safety and economic necessity rather than mere convenience.
He lamented that commuters travelling along the corridor continue to contend with difficult journeys, while farmers and traders face increasing challenges transporting agricultural produce and other goods to markets.
The youth leader also highlighted the difficulties experienced by students travelling to school and residents seeking access to essential services, noting that the situation has contributed to increased transportation costs, vehicle damage, delays in business activities and other avoidable hardships.
He said the continued deterioration of the road was particularly troubling because of its strategic importance to the two local government areas and the wider Ogun West Senatorial District.
“As young people, we cannot remain silent when the condition of critical public infrastructure continues to affect our people. Our responsibility is to speak up, engage constructively, and demand the attention that these challenges deserve,” he said.
Olorunjubelo, speaking on behalf of the youth leadership in Ogun West, urged both the Federal Government and the Ogun State Government to intervene urgently and provide a lasting solution to the road's deteriorating condition.
He emphasised that the situation requires a comprehensive and sustainable response that would address the immediate dangers confronting road users while ensuring the long-term durability of the infrastructure.
Governor's January Commitment
The NYCN leader recalled that on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, Governor Dapo Abiodun, during the commissioning of the Afon Township Road in Imeko-Afon Local Government Area, directed the immediate reconstruction of the Abeokuta–Olorunda–Imeko Road.
According to Olorunjubelo, the governor announced at the event that he had instructed the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure to prepare a cost estimate for the project and present it at the next meeting of the State Executive Council, with construction expected to commence immediately.
However, he expressed concern that several months after the announcement, the road's condition had reportedly worsened, while the expected construction work had yet to materialise.
He therefore appealed to the governor to revisit the commitment and ensure that the necessary administrative, financial and technical processes are completed to facilitate the commencement of the project.
“Your Excellency, the people of Ogun West have heard your promise, and they are looking forward to seeing it translated into action. We respectfully appeal for urgent intervention because the safety, livelihoods, and well-being of our people cannot continue to wait,” he said.
He also called on the state government to provide an update on the project's status, including the steps already taken, the authorities responsible for its implementation and the expected timeline for the commencement of construction.
Youth Council Seeks Immediate Relief
Beyond the demand for full reconstruction, Olorunjubelo urged the relevant authorities to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the road and prioritise its most dangerous sections to reduce the risks faced by motorists and other road users.
He called for immediate remedial measures where necessary, alongside a clear implementation plan for the rehabilitation and eventual reconstruction of the entire route.
The NYCN official further stressed the importance of incorporating appropriate drainage and erosion-control systems into the project to prevent further deterioration and ensure that the road remains serviceable over time.
While acknowledging that major infrastructure projects require adequate planning, funding and coordination, he maintained that such processes should be accompanied by transparent communication with the communities affected.
He said residents deserved to know what progress had been made towards fulfilling the reconstruction promise and when they could reasonably expect work to begin.
The youth leader's demands reflect growing concerns over the condition of the road and its implications for economic activities and mobility in communities across Yewa North and Imeko-Afon.
Economic Consequences for Rural Communities
Olorunjubelo noted that the road's poor condition affects different categories of residents, particularly farmers whose livelihoods depend on transporting produce to markets, traders who require reliable transportation for their businesses and students who must travel regularly to educational institutions.
He warned that prolonged delays and difficult journeys could further increase the cost of moving people and goods, with consequences for household expenses, commercial activities and the economic prospects of communities along the corridor.
He added that a functional road network is essential to connecting rural communities with markets, public institutions and other economic opportunities.
According to him, rehabilitating the route would not only ease transportation difficulties but also strengthen economic connections between the affected local government areas and the state capital.
He maintained that the road should be treated as an essential public infrastructure project deserving urgent attention from the relevant authorities.
'This Is Not Political Confrontation'
The NYCN vice chairman clarified that the press address was not intended to provoke political confrontation but to draw attention to a pressing public concern and encourage responsible action by the authorities.
He said the council's position was motivated by the welfare of residents and the need to ensure that public infrastructure commitments produce tangible benefits for the people.
“This is not about political confrontation; it is about the welfare of our people. It is a call for attention, accountability, and action on an issue that affects the everyday lives of our communities,” he stated.
He also appealed to media organisations to amplify the concerns of residents living along the road, saying sustained public attention could help ensure that the issue receives the necessary consideration.
Olorunjubelo urged youths in Ogun West to remain peaceful, disciplined and united in advocating for the reconstruction of the road, emphasising the importance of constructive engagement with government institutions.
He reaffirmed the council's readiness to engage with the relevant authorities until meaningful progress is achieved.
A Call for Accountability and Development
The NYCN's intervention adds to calls for urgent attention to infrastructure challenges affecting communities in Ogun West, particularly those that depend on major roads for access to the state capital and other economic centres.
For residents and businesses along the Abeokuta–Olorunda–Imeko corridor, the central concern remains when the promised reconstruction will commence and how quickly the authorities can address the immediate difficulties confronting road users.
Olorunjubelo concluded by restating the council's demand for urgent action, saying the objective was to secure safer journeys, protect livelihoods and restore reliable connections between communities.
“Our demand is simple: Fix the Abeokuta–Olorunda–Imeko Road. Give our people a safer journey. Protect our livelihoods. Restore the connection between our communities,” he said.
He stressed that the people were not asking for a favour but demanding responsible attention to essential public infrastructure and the welfare of communities that depend on it.
The NYCN leadership in Ogun West expressed hope that the renewed appeal would prompt the Ogun State and Federal Governments to take decisive steps towards fulfilling the reconstruction commitment and bringing relief to residents affected by the road's condition.
