The Concerned Indigenes of Owa-Onire Community have expressed their disappointment and concern over the recent decision by the Kwara State Government to construct a new road to Owu-Falls, a popular tourist destination in the state.
In a press release jointly signed by coordinator of the group, Mr Debola Ogunbiyi and spokesman of the group, Mr Sunday Akanbi on Monday and made available to media in Ilorin, Kwara State Capital and obtained by Just Event Online TV
The community stated that the decision is a result of internal manipulation by some political culprits who are using their position to deceive the government into taking a wrong decision that will not only waste the state’s resources but also jeopardize the social, economic, and political development of the people.
The community argued that the 12km Oba-Isin – Owa-Onire – Owu-Falls road, which has been in use by tourists, including the state governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrasaq, is the shorter and more economical option.
They pointed out that the road has already been opened up to the foot of the waterfalls and only requires completion, which would be less costly and laborious compared to the proposed 21km road.
The community also highlighted the strategic importance of Owu-Falls to the socio-economic development of the state, noting that it has the potential to bring Kwara State into international tourism limelight and generate revenue for the state.
They appealed to the state government to revisit the issue and award the construction and completion of the 12km Oba-Isin – Owa-Onire – Owu-Falls road to a competent contractor to avoid a repeat of the abandonment it suffered during the former Governor Bukola Saraki administration.
The community praised Governor Abdulrasaq for his prudence and fairness but expressed disappointment that he seems to be an exception in this case, and urged him to fulfill his commitment to the community by completing the road project.
They also prayed that Almighty Allah will continue to support and guide the governor’s administration to take the right decisions that will benefit all and sundry towards taking Kwara State to an enviable height among the committee of states in the federation.
