The Kwara South Youth Congress (KSYC) has issued a heartfelt appeal to Mallam Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, the Executive Governor of Kwara State, urging him to take immediate action to address the deteriorating infrastructures in over seven towns within the Oyun Local Government Area. This call for action was articulated by the group’s Publicity Secretary, Adejare Bashir, during a recent on-the-ground assessment of communities such as Ira, Ijagbo, Ilemonna, Igbona, Ipe, Igosun, Ojoku, Ikotun, and Inaja Alaro, among others.
In a statement made available to the media, Bashir expressed gratitude to the Kwara State Government (KWSG) for its ongoing road rehabilitation efforts in the state, particularly in the capital, but emphasized the urgent need for similar attention to be directed towards the towns in Oyun Local Government. He lamented that after 34 years since the local government was established, many of the roads connecting these communities are in a deplorable state. “It’s unfortunate that 60 percent of the roads linking these towns are in disrepair, and the infrastructure of primary and secondary schools in many areas leaves much to be desired,” Bashir stated.
Highlighting the critical situation, he pointed to the town of Inaja Alaro, which is located near Irra. The road connecting this community to Osogbo in Osun State has fallen into severe disrepair, once serving as a vital thoroughfare but now hardly resembling its former state. Bashir noted that neighboring towns, such as Inaja Maliki, have been entirely without electricity throughout their existence, significantly affecting the quality of life for residents. He added that living conditions in these communities are exceedingly challenging.
While the KSYC acknowledges and appreciates the collaboration between BUA and KWSG in facilitating the 49-kilometer road project linking Eyenkorin-Afon-Ojoku-Offa-Odo Otin, they expressed concern that the abandoned Rondo-Ikotun Ile road in Oyun LG seems increasingly like a distant hope for completion. This road is essential for connecting the agrarian community of Ikotun to the broader region. Bashir mentioned that Senator Lola Ashiru had previously undertaken repairs on a portion of this road, but stressed that concerted efforts from the state government are essential for a sustainable solution.
Furthermore, in the town of Ipe, the main access road from Offa requires urgent rehabilitation, as it becomes nearly impassable during the rainy season. Another road in dire need of attention is the stretch linking Ilemonna to Erin-Ile. Historically, this road was last maintained in 1999, and as a result, it has severely deteriorated over the years.
Bashir elaborated further on the challenges faced by the residents, particularly highlighting Igosun town as a notable concern. He pointed out that the approximately one-kilometer stretch leading into Igosun from Offa has deteriorated into a significant danger zone for motorists and pedestrians alike. Despite numerous appeals and public outcry from the local community regarding the urgent need for repairs, this road remains in disrepair.
In Igosun, the educational situation is equally alarming. The sole primary school in the town is severely under-resourced, staffed with just two teachers to cater to the educational needs of all the children. This scarcity of qualified educators has left many parents with no alternative but to enroll their children in private schools, which often come with prohibitive tuition fees.
In Igbona town, Bashir noted the contrast in infrastructure. The road leading to Igbona, which spans over three kilometers, was constructed solely by a local family seeking to facilitate access to their business situated along the adjacent express road, the statement concluded.