Residents petition Aiyedatiwa over abandoned World Bank projects
Residents of Yaba, a local community in Idanre Local Government Area of Ondo State, have petitioned Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa over the alleged abandonment and mismanagement of key infrastructure projects in
- From Tosin Tope, Akure
Residents of Yaba, a local community in Idanre Local Government Area of Ondo State, have petitioned Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa over the alleged abandonment and mismanagement of key infrastructure projects in the area.
In the petition obtained by The Nation in Akure yesterday, the residents said the projects - executed under the World Bank-supported Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP)- had been stalled for over three years, despite significant financial investment.
The petition, signed by community leaders: Adegoke Fredrick Boluwaji, Araghaye of Idanre & Head of Yaba Community: Fola Samuel Adeghate- General Chairman, Yaba Administrative Committee and Olagidi Francis Akinyode- Secretary, Yaba Market Development Committee, Odode, Idanre, expressed “deep concern” about the state of the projects, which were designed to boost rural mobility, enhance trade and stimulate economic growth.
According to the aggrieved residents, initial progress was recorded when Governor Aiyedatiwa kicked-off the Bajare road project on August 15, 2024, alongside work on the Ojota - Ala road, while a market development project also commenced, with site mobilisation and early construction activities.
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However, the residents alleged that the market project was abruptly halted following a dispute between contractors.
They claimed that a rival group forcefully took over the site, removed the original contractor, and left the projects abandoned.
The petitioners further noted that the Odode-Bajare Road and Ojota-Ala Road have since become impassable, disrupting the movement of people and goods, while the stalled market project has denied residents anticipated economic benefits.
Describing the situation as unacceptable, the community warned that it undermines public trust and threatens the welfare of thousands who depend on the projects.
They urged Governor Aiyedatiwa to intervene by visiting the project sites, resolving the contractor dispute, and ensuring the immediate remobilisation of construction teams.
The residents also called for the establishment of a monitoring committee to guarantee transparency and accountability in the execution of the projects.
“We respectfully appeal to Your Excellency to visit the project sites to assess the level of abandonment. Resolve the contractor dispute and ensure the rightful contractor resumes work.
“Re-mobilise construction teams to complete the road and market projects. Establish a monitoring committee to ensure transparency and accountability.
“We remain hopeful that your intervention will restore progress and dignity to our commanity,” their petition further read.
They, however, expressed hope that swift government action would restore progress and improve living conditions in the community.
