By Adeboye Ado

Residents of Olokun and Similoluwa, situated in Agbaluku Arigidi, Akoko North West Local Government Area of Ondo State, have urgently called on the state government to mobilise contractors to begin work on the rural roads that were earlier promised for rehabilitation.

In an exclusive interview with Weekend Hope, Chief Tayo Origbemisoye, a prominent community member, said that rehabilitating the crumbling roads would revitalise the area’s economy and generate much-needed revenue for the state government.

Origbemisoye praised Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for including the roads in the government’s planned rehabilitation projects. 

He stated: “We call on the state government to hire contractors to fix our roads, as their current condition is making travel difficult and affecting daily life. Good roads are important because they help connect people and businesses, allowing goods and services to move easily and making life better for everyone. Fixing the roads will also make transportation safer and more accessible for everyone in the community.”

He continued: “Fixing the roads will also help boost the local economy by making it easier for businesses to operate and for people to trade. With better roads, businesses can grow, attract new customers, and create more jobs. 

“This will lead to more money coming into the government, which can be used to fund other projects that will further improve life in the community.”

In the same vein, another concerned resident, Oladuni Awolumate, pleaded for the prompt repair of the dilapidated section of Ugbe Road, highlighting the health hazards posed by the constant dust generated from vehicles passing over the road.

He noted: “The government can’t do everything, but they should assist because of the dust in our area. Every time vehicles pass, we have to wear nose masks because the dust is harmful to our health.”

Meanwhile, in a related development, residents of Sosan, in Akoko South East Local Government Area, have raised concerns over the migration of youths to urban centres, urging the government to provide modern amenities in the area.

In brief interviews with two residents, Mr. Gbenga Bernard and Pastor Apejoye Olatunji, they commended the federal government’s efforts in rehabilitating the Orita Ipele to Idoani road, which runs through Ifira, Sosan, Isua, and extends to Ayere in Kogi State.

Both residents expressed hope that the improved road would help to reduce crime rates in the region.