Youths protest delayed reconstruction of deplorable Ogun road

A group of youths affiliated with the National Youth Council of Nigeria in Ogun West Senatorial District have criticized the Ogun State Government for failing to keep a January 2026 pledge to rebuild the Abeokuta–Olorunda–Imeko Road. The youths expressed their frustration on Saturday as they protested the worsening condition of the road along the Alamala axis, using signs that read "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 NYCN in Ogun West, addressed the protesters on behalf of the group, urging Governor Dapo Abiodun to provide an update on the project and take immediate action to implement it. Abiodun had directed the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure to prepare an estimate for the road's reconstruction during a ceremony for the Afon Township Road's commissioning on January 28, 2026, promising that the estimate would be presented at the next State Executive Council meeting, with construction to start right away.

However, Olorunjubelo noted that several months had passed since then, with the road's condition continuing to deteriorate. He described the road as a vital connection between Yewa North, Imeko-Afon local government areas, and the state capital, emphasizing that its poor state was causing difficulties for residents, traders, farmers, and students, including longer travel times, increased transportation costs, and heightened risks while traveling.

Olorunjubelo called for urgent intervention from both state and federal governments, urging them to assess the road's condition, address the most hazardous sections, provide a clear timeline for rehabilitation and reconstruction, and implement adequate drainage and erosion-control measures to prevent further deterioration. He emphasized that the demand was not politically motivated but aimed at alleviating the hardships faced by communities reliant on the road for transportation, trade, education, and access to essential services.