Youths protest delayed reconstruction of deplorable Ogun road

The Assurance Grassroots Organisation distributed vocational equipment and safety gear to 120 residents in Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State on Thursday. The non-political group handed out ten sewing machines, sixty motorcycle helmets, and fifty knapsack sprayers to help beneficiaries cope with current economic pressures and improve their livelihoods. The ceremony took place in Ayetoro, within the Yewa North Local Government Area. Yinka Alade, the chairman of the Assurance Grassroots Organisation and Senior Legislative Aide to the senator representing Ogun West, led the distribution. Speaking via a statement released on Thursday, Alade stated that the initiative was designed to complement existing federal and state government efforts. He noted that the program aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun’s ISEYA development agenda, and the infrastructure projects of Senator Solomon Adeola, who represents the Ogun West district. Alade emphasized that supporting individuals at the grassroots level is an effective method for raising living standards and fostering sustainable development. He described the intervention as practical assistance for residents facing financial difficulties. Political figures attended the event to observe the handover. Wahab Elegbede, an ex-officio member of the All Progressives Congress in Ogun State, was present alongside Alhaji Ganiyu Tijani, the APC Ayetoro Zone Chairman. Also attending were Oyede Oke, a consultant to Governor Abiodun, and Adebayo Ipinrereoluwa from Odeda. These officials praised the organization's effort, describing it as a commendable step that supports broader governmental goals. They highlighted the value of providing direct equipment to aid small businesses, agriculture, and other income-generating activities. Beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the timely support. Abdullahi Omobolanle, one of the recipients, thanked the organizers for recognizing the needs of grassroots residents and supplying tools for their daily work. Abiodun Adeniji, the Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Teachers in Yewa North, and Wole Olaleye also voiced appreciation. Both men pledged their support for government initiatives aimed at enhancing resident welfare and prayed for the continued success of the Assurance Grassroots Organisation and its leadership. Beyond the material distribution, the program included a civic sensitization session. Organizers informed attendees about the ongoing collection of Permanent Voter Cards. Eligible voters were encouraged to visit designated offices of the Independent National Electoral Commission to retrieve their cards and prepare for upcoming elections. The hosts stressed the importance of active civic participation in the democratic process. Separately, a group of youths protested the condition of the Abeokuta-Olorunda-Imeko Road on Saturday. Members of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Ogun West Senatorial District, gathered along the Alamala axis of the expressway to demand action from the state government. They carried placards bearing messages such as "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 the youth council in Ogun West, spoke on behalf of the demonstrators. He urged Governor Abiodun to provide an update on the road reconstruction project and take concrete steps toward implementation. Olorunjubelo recalled that on January 28, 2026, Governor Abiodun commissioned the Afon Township Road in Imeko-Afon Local Government Area. During that event, the governor directed the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure to prepare a cost estimate for rebuilding the Abeokuta-Olorunda-Imeko Road. The governor indicated that the estimate would be presented at the next State Executive Council meeting, with construction set to begin immediately thereafter. Olorunjubelo stated that several months have elapsed since that announcement without visible progress. He claimed the road's condition has deteriorated further. The youth leader described the route as a vital connection between Yewa North, Imeko-Afon, and the state capital. He argued that the poor state of the road negatively impacts residents, traders, farmers, and students. Commuters face arduous journeys, while damaged sections drive up transportation costs, increase vehicle maintenance expenses, and heighten travel risks. The protesters called on both state and federal authorities to intervene urgently. They requested that officials assess the road, prioritize the most dangerous sections, and establish a clear timeline for rehabilitation. They also demanded adequate drainage and erosion control measures to prevent further damage. Olorunjubelo asserted that the demand is not politically motivated but aims to alleviate hardships faced by communities relying on the road for commerce, education, and essential services. He appealed to the media to maintain focus on the issue and urged local youths to remain peaceful while engaging constructively with authorities. The council stated it will continue pressing relevant bodies until meaningful progress is achieved. The Abeokuta-Olorunda-Imeko Road serves as a critical commercial artery, linking Nigeria to the Benin Republic via Ilara town in Imeko-Afon Local Government Area.