Kayode Olabanji, Okitipupa

Good road networks play a crucial role in the growth of a nation’s economy  as they aid efficient movement of people and goods from one place to another. It is the joy of everyone in a society to have access to good roads, especially in the commercial environment, to ease the movement of their goods and services.

The benefits of a good road network also include but are not limited to how it links producers to markets, students to school, the sick to hospitals, and workers to offices. Roads are vital to any development plan, and this has been taken into consideration. Hence the determination of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, led administration in Ondo State in providing a good road system for the citizens of the state.

No doubt, the governor knew the impacts of good roads on the growth of the state economy in our society, which made him focus more on road construction and other infrastructural projects in the state. His administration has recorded giant strides in road construction and other infrastructural development projects in the state since its inception in 2017. More recently is the completion of the 10 km Okitipupa-Igbokoda road, which was commissioned by Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

In a statement released and signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Olabode Richard Olatunde, “Over 274.11km of roads across the 18 local government areas of the state have been completed, while 120km are ongoing across the three senatorial districts. Among the completed roads awaiting commissioning are 4.5 kilometers of Agadagba Obon, New Ajapa Road in Ese-Odo Local Government area; 3 kilometers  Oke Igbo township Roads in Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo Local Government; 16.65 kilometers of Ikaramu-Akunnu Oke-Agbe road in Akoko Northwest Local Government area; 1.6 kilometers of Ikaro township road.

The Okitipupa-Igbokoda Bye-Pass road is one of the numerous landmark road projects completed by the Akeredolu-led administration across the state to provide an alternative route to ease heavy traffic in Okitipupa town. The purpose of the road is to divert traffic from Okitipupa town and reduce vehicular traffic through Okitipupa, particularly from the market to Igbokoda.

Speaking on the development, the Jegun of Idepe-Okitipupa, Oba Micheal Obatuga commended the Governor over the construction of the 10km Okitipupa-Igbokoda Bye Pass Road. Obatuga appreciated him and said the massive infrastructural development of his administration had impacted so much in changing the look of many towns and villages in the state. “On behalf of the good people of Okitipupa, I say a very big thank you,” Obatuga said.

The Jegun further appealed to the governor to give the second phase of the bye-pass a kind consideration, which he said would ease all the congestion at the New Garage /Army barracks junction in Okitipupa.  If the second phase is  constructed, it would ease all congestion at the New Garage and Army barracks junction in Okitipupa, and with this, Okitipupa has begun to witness the implementation of the Okitipupa development plan put in place by the federal government.”

Also, some market women who emphasized the impact of good roads appreciated the governor for a job well done.

According to Mrs. Kehinde Iwatan, roads are the arteries through which the economy grows. Good road networks should be seen as agents of national cohesion.

“For instance, here in Okitipupa, the only road that leads to Igbokoda before this bypass that was just commissioned was the road at the old garage, where some times we spent hours in the hold up. But now that we have an alternative, nothing of such will happen again”

As for me, Akeredolu has done us well, I appreciate him, and also wish he do more for us, Iwatan said.

A motorist, who doesn’t want his name in print, also acknowledged the fact that with the bypass road, passengers getting to their destination would be faster and easier, compared to the road at the market.

“Our commercial activities will boom more than it is now, because of the smooth drive, and our vehicles will be more protected. Therefore, I commend the governor for this,” he said.

Also, Mary Ipinsanmi, another resident  praised the government for this benevolence. According to her “good roads are just one of the benefits that a good government should provide for the citizenry, and some, due to negligence, give an uncaring attitude to this; however, the Ondo State government has proven to be exceptional and a government that has the love and concern of her people at heart.”

Furthermore, Mr. Sola Eniku, who lives in Erinje, said that the road and its commissioning came just in time. He told our correspondent how important the road network is to the people of Igbokoda, especially the traders in Okitipupa, Erinje, and the neighboring towns.I am thanking the government, especially because of the traders. I know this because my wife is one, as she goes to Igbokoda. I would be concerned about her safety at times, and I believe this is normal for anyone who cares for a loved one, even if they are aware of how dangerous a route can be. This initiative by the government has helped to allay some of the fears that I always have.”

 Mr. Oluwole Adunwo, a retired principal said, the 10 km road is a welcome initiative, but  said that the government can do more. “While we appreciate the government for what it has done, we must also tell them about the pending work that still needs to be done. For example, I am aware of the Aiyetoro sea incursion because I used to live there. The State government has been pleasantly surprising, but long-standing issues such as the sea incursion should be addressed for an all-around praise.