Ogun youths demand action on road repair promised by governor

Some youths from the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Ogun West Senatorial District, have called on the Ogun State Government to keep its promise made in January 2026 to fix the Abeokuta, Olorunda, Imeko Road. They are worried that the road has become worse in the months since the announcement.

The youths gathered on Saturday along the Alamala section of the expressway to protest the bad state of the road. They carried signs with messages like “Good road is our right, not a privilege”, “Our road is a death trap - FG save us” and “No good road, no progress.”

Kehinde Olorunjubelo, the State Vice Chairman of NYCN in Ogun West, spoke for the protesters. He urged Governor Dapo Abiodun to provide an update on the road project and take real steps to start the work.

Olorunjubelo reminded everyone that Abiodun, during the opening of the Afon Township Road in Imeko-Afon Local Government Area on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, told the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure to prepare a cost estimate for fixing the road. He said the governor planned to present this estimate at the next State Executive Council meeting, with work expected to start right away.

But Olorunjubelo noted that many months have gone by without any visible work on the promise, and the road is now in worse condition.

“Several months have passed since that announcement, and the deplorable condition of the road has become worse without any action as pledged to the good people of Imeko-Afon and the general public,” he said.

He described the road as a key link between Yewa North and Imeko-Afon local government areas and the state capital. He pointed out that the poor condition of the road is hurting residents, traders, farmers, and students.

He added that commuters have tough journeys, and the damaged parts of the road are increasing transport costs, vehicle repairs, and the dangers of traveling on that route.

Olorunjubelo urged both the state and Federal Governments to take urgent action. He asked the relevant authorities to inspect the road, fix the most dangerous areas, and give a clear timetable for repairs and reconstruction.

He also called for proper drainage and erosion-control measures to stop further damage.

“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.

The NYCN official said their demand is not about politics but about helping the communities that rely on the road for transport, trade, education, and essential services.

He urged the government to keep everyone informed about the project’s status, the steps being taken, and the expected timeline.

Olorunjubelo also appealed to the media to keep focusing on the road issue. He encouraged youths in the area to stay peaceful and pursue their demands through constructive talks with the authorities.

He said the council will keep engaging the relevant authorities until real progress is made on the road repairs.

The Abeokuta-Olorunda-Imeko road connects Nigeria to the Benin Republic via Ilara town in Imeko-Afon LGA and is vital for trade.