RESIDENTS URGE AIYEDATIWA TO RESTORE NEGLECTED W’BANK PROJECTS

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By: Muftau Fatimo

Residents of Yaba Community in Odode Idanre, Idanre Local Government Area of Ondo State, have appealed to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to intervene and revive abandoned projects in their area.

The residents highlighted that some of the neglected initiatives include the World Bank/Ondo State Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Projects.

The appeal was made through a petition addressed to the governor, jointly signed by the Head of Yaba Community, Chief Adegoke Boluwaji; the General Chairman of the Yaba Administrative Committee, Elder Fola Adeghate; and the Secretary of the Yaba Market Development Committee, Olagidi Akinyode, on behalf of the community.

In the petition, the residents noted that the projects, valued at billions of naira, were launched by the governor in 2024 but have since been abandoned due to a dispute over which contractors would execute them.

According to the petition, the abandoned projects include the Odode-Bajare Road, Ojota-Ala Road, and the World Bank Market at Yaba/Ojotu, among others.

The petition stated, “At present, the Odode-Bajare Road and Ojota-Ala Road are completely impassable, greatly hindering the movement of people and goods.

“The market project has also stalled due to ongoing contractor disputes, leaving the community’s hopes for development and improved livelihoods unfulfilled.”

“This situation is unacceptable, especially for a World Bank-funded initiative entrusted to the Ondo State Government.
“It undermines public confidence and jeopardises the welfare of thousands of residents.”

They lamented that the projects were intended to improve rural mobility, facilitate trade, and unlock economic opportunities for the people of the community, but had been abandoned.

“We were encouraged when Your Excellency flagged off the Bajare Road project on August 15, 2024, and work commenced promptly on the Ojota-Ala Road.

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Similarly, the market project had commenced with site mobilization and block-moulding activities. However, work was abruptly halted when another group arrived, claiming ownership of the contract and forcibly removing the original contractor.

“This dispute has resulted in the complete abandonment of the market, despite plans to begin full construction in February 2024,” the petition stated.

The residents appealed to the governor to visit the project sites to assess the extent of the neglect, resolve the contractor dispute, and ensure that the rightful contractor resumes work.

They further urged the governor to re-mobilize construction teams to complete both the road and market projects, and to establish a monitoring committee to guarantee transparency and accountability.

“We remain hopeful that your intervention will help restore progress and dignity to our community.”

Responding, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Strategic Communications, Mr. Allen Sowore, stated that the issue would be presented to the governor for appropriate action.

“The governor has always assured that no project in the state will be left unfinished, and this case will be no different.

“I can assure you that this concern will be brought to his attention, and all related challenges will be addressed promptly.

“The community can therefore remain confident,” Sowore added.