A 70-year-old Mallam AbdulRaheem Saidi took the lead in a protest on Wednesday in Ilorin over the abandoned of Adeta-Oloje road project by the Kwara State Government.
The Yebumoat -Adeta, Adeta -Oloje road project was approved in 2021.
Speaking during the protest, Yusuf Ibrahim, representing the Oloje community, expressed how the abandoned road project has severely impacted local businesses. he said the government had initially pledged to complete the project within 11 months, but almost 24 months have elapsed without any signs of completion. The Yebumoat -Adeta road has been completed and left Adeta -Oloje for almost years without completion
He implored Kwara state Governor Mall AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq CON to intervene and instruct the contractor to go back to site
Mallam AbdulRaheem Saidi, the elderly protest leader, stressed the havoc caused by the uncompleted road project to residents and commuters. He pointed out that the government failed to uphold its promise of completing the road by 2022. He called upon Gov AbdulRazaq to demonstrate empathy towards the affected community members.
Mr. Ahmed Sikiru, the representative of the Ita Nma community, expressed surprise that the governor, who hails from their community, allowed the abandonment of a vital road project in their vicinity. The community had seen shops and houses demolished to make way for the construction, but the anticipated development has not materialized, leaving them in dire need of government intervention.
Mrs Mariam AbdulRasaq, whose shop was among those demolished for the road, shared her disillusionment. She stated that the project had adversely affected her personal life, she said the consequences of the incomplete road project have extended beyond economic concerns.
Ajadi AbdulSalam, a resident directly impacted by the demolition of his father’s house, highlighted the emotional trauma faced by his mother. He appealed to the government for assistance in alleviating distress and for the prompt completion of the road project.
Other Residents have reported health challenges, frequent accidents, and the recent rainy season has brought erosion issues, further exacerbating the situation.
