Politics
A Lagos-based constitutional lawyer and development advocate, Mr Jide Ologun, has commended Ondo Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa for his swift response to the deteriorating Iwaro-Oka road, in Oka-Akoko, Akoko South West Local Government Area.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Ondo State Government has started mmediate remedial intervention on the damaged portion of the road following outcries from the youth and traditional institutions.
Ologun, a public affairs analyst, in a statement on Tuesday in Lagos, described the governor’s intervention as a demonstration of responsive governance and concern for the welfare and safety of residents.
He said the prompt directive to the Commissioner for Infrastructure, Lands and Housing, Mr Abiola Olawoye, to inspect the road and commence remedial works was commendable.
“I am very proud of the commendable response by Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa and the relevant stakeholders to the concerns raised over the deplorable condition of the Oke-Oka–Iwaro road,” he said.
Ologun said the response showed that government could act swiftly when citizens raised genuine concerns about issues affecting their communities.
He also commended the Oka Youth Forum and other stakeholders for drawing attention to the dangerous condition of the road through peaceful and constructive engagement.
“The Oka Youth Forum deserves commendation for bringing this matter to public attention and seeking intervention before the situation became a major disaster,” he said.
He said the reported erosion and damage to the road posed serious concerns for movement, commerce, access to schools and healthcare facilities, as well as emergency response.
“This is the kind of engagement that should strengthen the relationship between government and the people because citizens have a responsibility to draw attention to issues affecting their communities,” Ologun said.
He urged Aiyedatiwa to sustain the responsive approach and extend similar attention to other pressing challenges confronting residents across Ondo State.
“I appeal to the governor to give similar attention to other challenges facing the people of Ondo State, particularly those requiring urgent government intervention,” he said.
According to him, timely intervention in critical infrastructure and other areas of public concern will strengthen public confidence in government.
Ologun also urged residents to continue supporting government efforts while constructively highlighting areas requiring attention.
“The people should continue to engage government responsibly, while government should remain accessible and responsive to legitimate concerns,” he said.
He expressed optimism that the intervention would restore the affected portion of the road and prevent further deterioration.
Ologun said the development should serve as an example of what could be achieved when citizens, community groups and government authorities work together to address public concerns.
“We must continue to encourage responsive governance and ensure that genuine concerns raised by the people receive appropriate and timely attention,” he said.
NAN reports that the Oka Youth Forum had earlier raised the alarm over the worsening condition of the road, calling for urgent intervention to prevent its complete collapse.
The Oke-Oka–Iwaro Road is an important link connecting communities in the area and facilitating the movement of people, vehicles, agricultural produce and goods.
The road also provides access to schools and healthcare facilities, while supporting commercial activities, security operations and emergency response.
Its continued deterioration could therefore disrupt movement and adversely affect the socio-economic activities of residents in the affected communities.(NAN)
M.P
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