Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Leaders and residents of the Yaba Community in the Idanre Local Government Area of Ondo State have formally petitioned Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, expressing deep frustration and concern over the alleged abandonment and mismanagement of critical infrastructure projects funded through the World Bank-supported Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP). The community says the stalled works — including major rural roads and a market development scheme — have left local residents without promised improvements in mobility, trade, and economic opportunity.
In a petition addressed directly to the governor, community leaders including the Araghaye of Idanre and Chief Adegoke Fredrick Boluwaji, along with other representatives, detailed their grievances over the deteriorating state of the Odode‑Bajare Road, the Ojota‑Ala Road, and the World Bank Market located along the Yaba/Ojotu axis. The petitioners emphasised that these initiatives, collectively valued in the billions of naira, were intended to improve rural transport links, facilitate the movement of goods and services, and stimulate broader economic growth for farmers and traders in the area.
The leaders recalled that the Odode‑Bajare road was officially flagged off by Governor Aiyedatiwa in August 2024, with active work initially underway on the adjacent Ojota‑Ala road and early preparatory activities having also begun on the market project. But according to the petition and reports from residents, progress seems to have stalled for more than three years, with little visible construction in recent months.
A central issue highlighted by the Yaba community concerns a dispute between contractors at the market site. The petitioners allege that after preliminary mobilisation work, including block moulding and site setup, another group appeared and claimed ownership of the contract, displacing the original contractor. This conflict, they contend, has left the market project in limbo and defunct — despite commitments that full construction would have begun in early 2024.
As a result, the Odode‑Bajare and Ojota‑Ala roads, once promising links for farmers and residents, are now reportedly in poor condition and largely impassable. The community says the neglect of these routes has made travel difficult, hindered the transport of agricultural produce, and effectively undermined local economic activities that the RAAMP initiative was designed to support.
The petitioners stressed that they had initially welcomed the prospect of improved infrastructure — both for individual mobility and for wider market access — but the prolonged abandonment has dashed hopes and frustrated expectations. They wrote that the situation jeopardises the welfare of thousands of residents.
In their appeal, the community leaders asked Governor Aiyedatiwa to personally inspect the project sites to assess the extent of neglect and intervene decisively. They urged that the unresolved contractor dispute be resolved quickly, that the rightful contractor be allowed to resume work, and that new construction teams be remobilised to complete the road and market projects. They also called for the establishment of an independent monitoring committee to promote transparency, accountability, and timely delivery of the works.
Beyond infrastructure deterioration, the residents say the stalled projects have eroded public confidence in the execution of World Bank-supported programmes in Ondo State. RAAMP is part of the World Bank’s broader efforts in Nigeria to improve rural connectivity and agricultural market access, and delays or abandonment of the works undermine both local development goals and trust in government-backed initiatives.
Public reaction within and beyond Yaba has reflected widespread frustration. Many residents said they had high expectations for the roads and market, believing improvements would open up new opportunities for commerce, reduce travel time for farmers, and ease access to essential services. Others lamented that instead of progressing, the projects now serve as reminders of neglect and unfulfilled promises.
The petition arrives at a politically sensitive time for Ondo State, where Governor Aiyedatiwa, who ascended to the office following the passing of his predecessor and later won election to a full term, has emphasized infrastructure and rural development in his governance agenda. His administration has presented ambitious capital budgets aimed at improving connectivity and stimulating economic growth in both urban and rural communities.
However, for the Yaba community, the gap between project announcements and tangible outcomes is starkly visible. The petitioners argue that decisive action is needed to revive the stalled RAAMP projects before years of financial investment are rendered futile. They believe addressing these concerns will not only revive essential infrastructure but also reaffirm the state government’s commitment to effectively using international support for local development.
Officials from the governor’s office have not yet publicly responded in detail to the petition, but past government statements in other contexts have indicated willingness to engage with community concerns and address infrastructure challenges when raised. Observers will be watching closely to see whether the state government initiates steps to resolve contractor disputes, prioritise completion of the affected works, and potentially re-energise stalled components of the RAAMP programme.
Supporters of the petitioners argue that prompt intervention could restore residents’ confidence and reinvigorate economic activity in the Idanre area, while also setting an example for how large-scale development projects should be implemented and monitored to ensure local benefit. As the situation unfolds, stakeholders across government, civil society, and the community await the next steps from the state leadership.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments