– calls for urgent Government intervention
From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
The Elerinjare community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, has called on the state government to urgently address the deteriorating condition of the 3.7-kilometre Idofian-Elerinjare road, which has remained in a deplorable state for years.
Speaking on behalf of the community, Oba Tajudeen Olanrewaju Bello (Olaitan II), the Olushabi of Elerinjare Ibobo land, lamented the suffering of residents, especially during the rainy season, when the road becomes virtually impassable.
“It is always a challenge yearly for indigenes who travel far and near to access the agrarian community as rain usually floods the way leading to the area, thereby forcing indigenes to park their vehicles along the roadside for days without gaining access to the community, while others would rather turn back,” Oba Bello stated.
According to a statement by Abdulhakeem Garba, Publicity Secretary of the Elerinjare Ibobo Descendants Union (EIDU), the road has never been fully constructed despite being awarded for construction twice, first during the tenure of Governor Bukola Saraki in 2003 and later during the administration of the immediate past Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed.
The community underscored the importance of the road, noting that once completed, it would serve other nearby agrarian communities such as Oko-Okuta and Okoya, while also linking Ojoku in Oyun Local Government Area and Offa in Offa Local Government Area.
Oba Bello revealed that the community has had to resort to self-help, with residents annually contributing to prevent the road’s total collapse. These contributions have also funded key infrastructural projects in the community, including the construction of schools, electricity, and boreholes since 1984.
Despite their strong support for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), the people of Elerinjare expressed disappointment that the dividends of democracy is yet to reach them.
“We are, therefore, appealing to our able Governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, to consider our plight and intervene urgently,” the statement concluded.
