Kunle Adelabu
-Say economic, social activities paralyzed
Concerned residents of Imota Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Ikorodu Division area of Lagos, Southwest, Nigeria, have, again, sent a ‘Save Our Soul’ (SOS) appeal to both the Lagos State and the Federal Government, over the deplorable state of the 32 kilometer Ikorodu – Itokin road.
The road, which has been in a terrible state for years, has caused residents of Ikorodu and other road users terrible experiences, with several accidents which had claimed lives.
In an SOS to the Governor of Lagos State, titled, ‘SOS: Appeal On The Deplorable State of Ikorodu – Itoikin Road and Related Matters’, signed by Comrade Folarin Adegboyega Awal, for the Imota Development Crusader, the group said that the neglect of the road for many years, has caused its current dilapidated and impassable state.
The Ikorodu – Itoikin road is one of the many deplorable roads all over the Ikorodu Division, which residents have been appealing to the local, state and federal governments to intervene in order to save the businesses and social lives of residents.
The group also called on the federal representatives from Ikorodu, to ensure quick intervention on the road to make lives bearable for the residents.
“The deplorable state of the 32-kilometer Ikorodu-Itokin Expressway, which has become a shame and embarrassment to both the State and Federal Government of Nigeria, serves as the primary route for transporting goods to towns along the Ikorodu-Itokin axis. Unfortunately, the inter-state highway has been neglected, leading to its current dilapidated and impassable condition due to a lack of proper maintenance”, the statement stated.
“The 32-km Ikorodu-Itokin road connects Ikorodu to Imota, Agbowa, Epe, Ijebu-Ode, and other parts of the country. It was constructed in 1975 by Julius Berger, during the military regime of General Yakubu Gowon. Regrettably, the road has deteriorated significantly, especially during the rainy season, causing immense hardship to road users. Despite numerous complaints and public outcry from residents living along the road, the situation continues to worsen, resulting in accidents and a host of other issues”.
The Imota Development Crusader stated that many public and private institutions are located along the road, and are adversely affected by its deplorable state.
The group charged the government at the state and federal levels, to take prompt action to prevent the road from worsening further snd causing more hardship to the people who voted them into power.
“The road is of critical economic importance, with various institutions, including Mile 12 market, Caleb University, Ikorodu North LCDA Council Secretariat, Lagos State Polytechnic 3rd gate, divisional police stations, Ikeja Electricity Distribution Transmission Centre, Imota Rice Processing Mill (the 3rd largest rice mill in the world), and others located along its route. Countless commercial activities also thrive in the area, such as urban markets, hotels, filling stations, bakeries, pure water companies, relaxation centers, block industries, and Small and Medium Scale (SMEs) businesses”, he said.
“Despite the economic significance of the road, its current state has paralyzed economic activities, deterring potential investors. It is crucial for governments at all levels to take action promptly to prevent the situation from worsening further. A well-maintained road network is essential for development and the prosperity of an area, as evident in other parts of Lagos.
“We urgently appeal to both the State and Federal Governments, to address the plight of the people by initiating the reconstruction of the Ikorodu-Itokin Expressway. Such intervention would alleviate the suffering of commuters and restore economic activities in the region. Emphasizing the importance of prioritizing road infrastructure for economic development, we believe that prompt action in reconstructing the road would not only benefit the government but also earn appreciation from the residents”.
While commending the efforts of the government, the group also charged representatives at the state and federal levels to do more in facilitating the reconstruction of the road.
“We earnestly request the government representatives in Ikorodu Division, to use their influence to expedite the reconstruction process, ensuring lasting peace for commuters in the area. While we commend the efforts of the State and Federal Government of Nigeria, we emphasize the urgency of this matter and call for immediate action to save our souls and fix the Ikorodu-Itokin road”, he said.
Recall that in April 2021, Senator Abiru raised a motion on the floor of the Nigerian Senate on, “The Urgent Need For The Rehabilitation Of The Ikorodu-Sagamu And Ikorodu-Itokin- Epe Roads To Further Bridge The Infrastructure Gap And Enhance Economic Growth In Nigeria”.
Upon this and other interventions, the road was approved by the Federal Executive Council, and expected to commence this year, but yet to.
Meanwhile, attempts to get updates on the reconstruction of the road through SUKUK V funding as facilitated by the Senator representing the Lagos East Senatorial District, Sen. Tokunbo Abiru, proved abortive as his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Enitan Olukotun was not reachable as at the time of compiling this report.
