.A stitch in time saves nine, says an English proverb. This is a shrill call to the Oyo State Government under the ebullient, indefatigable and goal – getter Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, to as a matter of urgency, takes a proactive steps to safeguard the untimely destruction of the newly constructed/commissioned Ogbomoso – lseyin road.
The present deplorable condition of the Ogbomoso federal highway, the nexus between the South West and Northern States of Nigeria has no doubt, been a source of grave concern for the residents of the surrounding areas, travelers, and road users at large. Once a significant artery for economic and social activities, the highway has deteriorated to the point where it is no longer fit for use by heavy-duty vehicles, including articulated trucks and lorries. Consequently, these vehicles have resorted to using the newly constructed Ogbomoso- lseyìn state road, which has been informally christened the “Alao-Akala way,” as an alternative route to link Ibadan and Lagos states respectively.
While the Alao-Akala way may have initially seemed like a suitable detour, the increasing volume of heavy vehicles using this new road poses a serious threat to its integrity. Constructed to facilitate light vehicular and pedestrian traffic, the road was not designed to withstand the burden of constant use by large, weighty trucks. If proactive steps are not taken to regulate the types of vehicles allowed on the said road, it will not be long before this road, too, becomes worn down and riddled with potholes, making it unusable for cars, motorcycles, and other light vehicles.
Residents of the Ogbomoso-lseyin axis are expressing deep dissatisfaction with the current situation. They argue that if articulated lorries continue to use this newly constructed road, its rapid deterioration is inevitable. This, in turn, would render the road impassable and diminish the overall aesthetic and functional quality of the town. A road that was once a source of pride and joy, beautifying the community and enhancing connectivity, could soon become a liability, dragging the town’s infrastructure down into a state of neglect and disrepair.
Beyond the physical state of the road, the broader impact on the towns of Ogbomoso and lseyin cannot be overstated. Potholed roads not only slow down traffic but also pose safety risks to road users, causing accidents, vehicle damage, and, in some cases, loss of lives. Moreover, these potholes will impact the local economy by reducing access to markets, schools, and other vital facilities, ultimately limiting the economic prospects of the towns that were once thriving.
The situation calls for immediate and decisive action from the Oyo State government, led by the incumbent governor who has received widespread praise for the construction of the Alao-Akala way. While the new road has indeed been hailed as a blessing, this blessing is at risk of turning into a curse if preventive measures are not taken. The government cannot afford to sit back and watch as the investment made into constructing the road is squandered by neglecting its maintenance and failing to regulate the kinds of vehicles that use it.
One viable solution that has been proposed by concerned citizens is the installation of heavy-duty barricades or poles at strategic entry points along the road in question. These barricades, particularly at the entry from Ogbomoso to Iseyin, would serve as a deterrent to articulated vehicles and lorries, effectively limiting their access to the road. By implementing this measure, the government would preserve the road’s condition and ensure its continued use by light vehicles and pedestrians, thus maintaining its role as a crucial link between Lagos, lbadan, Oke Ogun and Ogbomoso respectively.
If the government fails to act swiftly, the people of Ogbomoso and lseyin may soon be faced with a return to the deplorable road conditions they sought to escape by constructing the new way. The entire region could be bedecked with potholes, further burdening road users and detracting from the overall beauty of the towns. This would not only lead to public dissatisfaction but would also reflect poorly on the administration that once enjoyed the goodwill of the people for its infrastructure projects.
In conclusion, the people of Oyo State, particularly those from Ogbomoso and lseyin, are calling on their leaders to take proactive steps to prevent heavy-duty vehicles from destroying the newly constructed way. Barricading the road is essential to ensuring its longevity and safeguarding the investment made by the government. Failure to act could lead to regrets and the unnecessary wastage of public funds, with the road, once a source of pride, becoming another symbol of infrastructural decay.
Sayo Àlàgbé, a media practitioner, author and publisher, is the CEO: Timfred Communications Nig Ltd and could be reached on sayoalagbe64@gmail.com. 07039535757.
