By Olalekan Shoyinka
The announcement by the Ogun State Government on Tuesday, that it will commence a comprehensive road repair that will cover every local government area is, without doubt, a welcome development. I commend His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun, MFR, for this proactive step to rid our dear state of the unflattering tag of “State with the Poorest Roads in Nigeria.” The decision to mobilize maintenance teams across urban and rural communities is a positive signal that government has heard the cries of its people.
However, while we appreciate the swift statement by Engr. Babatunde Adesina, Special Adviser on Public Works, we must remind the administration that actions—not press releases—repair roads. Ogun residents have endured too many potholes, collapsed drains, and abandoned stretches to take comfort in promises alone.
To rebuild trust and ensure accountability, the government should:
1.Publish a Comprehensive List of Targeted Roads: Clearly announce which specific roads in each local government will be repaired or reconstructed and provide realistic timelines for completion. Transparency will allow residents to monitor progress rather than speculate
2.Disclose Contractors and Project Details: Reveal the companies or agencies handling each project. Citizens deserve to know who to hold responsible if quality is compromised or deadlines are missed.
3.Report on Past Commitments: In July last year, the Honourable Commissioner for Works, Engr. Ade Akinsanya, assured that 120 roads across the 20 LGAs would undergo massive rehabilitation and reconstruction. To date, no comprehensive report has been shared on the status of that pledge. Before rolling out another round of promises, the government should update us on what has been achieved under the previous declaration.
4.Adopt Community Monitoring: Engage local leaders, community groups, and professional bodies (engineers, civil society, media) to monitor works. Visible, verifiable projects—not paperwork—will convince Ogun people that their taxes are working for them.
The people of Ogun State are not against this administration; rather, they yearn for physical evidence of progress. Let the roar of graders and the sight of asphalt on long-neglected roads replace the echo of political assurances. This is how to restore confidence, stimulate commerce, and truly make our roads “accessible and durable” for all.
Ogun State deserves roads we can drive on, not just roads we can read about.
Hon. (Chief) Olalekan A. Shoyinka (Ayinla Egba), is Community Advocate and Convener, United Premier Movement (UPM), Abeokuta
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