By Adesakin Adefemi
The Paata Abiodun community in Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State is crying out for help, pleading with Governor Dapo Abiodun to intervene in the construction of an access road to their community. The community leaders lamented that the lack of a motorable road has hampered the socio-economic development of the community and foisted untold hardship on rural dwellers.
The traditional ruler of the community, the Olu of Paata Abiodun, Oba Martins Akanni, stated that the community has the potential for rapid development but is being slowed down by the lack of a motorable road. He explained that the community is agrarian, with residents farming cocoa, kolanut, and plantain, but the absence of a road makes it difficult for them to transport their produce.
The only alternative is a risky waterway, where residents use canoes to connect to Paata Ajegunle. Oba Akanni appealed to the state government to construct a link road from Iro to the community, which is less than 5km, to ease the suffering of the people.
The Otunba of Paata-Abiodun, Kamorudeen Adenekan, also appealed to the government to facilitate proper linkage roads to the town, stating that using water as a route is not sustainable. The Baale of the community, Sopeju Ladipo, echoed the same sentiment, pleading with the government to intervene.
The Chairman of Ifo Local Government, Idris Kusimo, acknowledged the community’s concerns, stating that efforts are ongoing to liaise with the state government to address the issue. He noted that the council has done some road construction projects in the area, but the government cannot do everything at once.
Kusimo assured the community that the government has not abandoned them and is thinking of ways to open up the community once the Papalanto-Sagamu road construction is completed. The community leaders are hopeful that Governor Abiodun will intervene and provide the much-needed access road.
The lack of a motorable road has indeed foisted hardship on the community, affecting their economic activities and daily lives. The community’s plea for help highlights the need for improved infrastructure in rural areas.
The state government is urged to heed the call and provide the necessary infrastructure to support the community’s development. With the Papalanto-Sagamu road under construction, this is an opportunity for the government to link up the community and boost economic activities.
The people of Paata Abiodun are counting on Governor Abiodun to deliver on his promises and bring development to their doorstep.
