Road construction: Ota residents appeal to Nigerian government to address worsening gridlock in town

Residents of Ota town in Ogun State under the aegis of Ado-Odo/Ota Citizens Engagement Platform have petitioned the Nigerian government on the urgent need to address the worsening gridlock at Oju-Ore, Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area

Penpushing reports that the platform led by its Coordinator Mrs. Olajumoke Odeyemi made this known at a press conference in furtherance to the petition earlier submitted to Minister of Works.

The coordinator disclosed that the petition, endorsed by 1,127 citizens, raised urgent concerns over the socio-economic hardship caused by the ongoing Federal Government construction of the Oju-Ore Flyover.

Penpushing further reports that the residents while noting that the long-term benefits of the project are commendable, emphasized that the current implementation has created severe challenges, including unbearable traffic gridlock that paralyses daily commuting, heightened accidents and safety risks for motorists and pedestrians.

The platform added that other challenges are severe delays resulting in loss of productive hours and higher transport costs; restricted movement of goods and services, harming businesses and traders, as well as escalating economic stress and health burdens on residents

Penpushing also reports that the complainants pointed out that to mitigate these impacts, however, recommended the urgent rehabilitation and upgrading of seven critical alternative routes that serve as bypasses.

The platform identified the routes as include Iya-Ijebu Junction through Afobaje to Obasanjo Road, Papa-Aro to Itele Road Corridor, All for God Road connecting Ahmadiyya Road via Papa-Aro, Babyo Bus Stop Link Road to Jendol, traversing Ilogbo Road

Penpushing reports that others are Access Road beside Grocery Bazaar (GB) connecting Papa-Aro Road, Oloko–Onimalu Road linking to Ilogbo Road, Borehole Ilogbo Road through Martins/Salvation Estate to Idiroko Road via Mobil and Petrol Station/Ambassadors School

The petitioners emphasized that if these roads are urgently rehabilitated and cleared of encumbrances, congestion at OjuOre will be eased, journey times reduced, safety improved, and economic activity in Ogun State’s busiest industrial hub restored.

Penpushing further reports that the coordinator disclosed that copies of the petition were forwarded to Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Commissioner, Ogun State Ministry of Works and Infrastructure and Managing Director, Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA).

The petition stated that others recipient of the petition includes Senator, Ogun West Senatorial District, Member, House of Representatives (Ado-Odo/Ota Federal Constituency), and Member, Ogun State House of Assembly (Ado-Odo/Ota Constituency 1)

Penpushing also reports that they include Executive Chairman, Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Council, Olota of Ota, Oba (Prof.) AbduKabir Adeyemi Obalanlege and Project Supervisor/Contractor, Oju-Ore Flyover Project.

The residents in same vein acknowledge the Member of the Ogun State House of Assembly representing Ado-Odo/Ota for reading the petition on the floor of the House, thereby drawing legislative attention to the plight of our citizens.

Penpushing reports that the platform said it reaffirms that this advocacy is a demonstration of civic duty, not confrontation, however, emphasized that the ultimate responsibility lies with the Federal Ministry of Works, Ogun State Government, and implementing agencies to act without delay.

‘Our demand is simple: inclusive, responsive, and accountable infrastructure development that serves the people.

We express our gratitude to the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Independent Online Chapel, Ota, for supporting this advocacy as part of their Community Social Responsibility and fo amplifying the voices of citizens in pursuit of public good’, Odeyemi stated

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