Ibadan's missing drainage lids restored by Oyo state's road safety authority

The Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority has embarked on a mission to replace stolen manhole covers with robust concrete alternatives at key locations throughout Ibadan, with the ultimate goal of protecting lives and averting unnecessary accidents.

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This initiative, which was undertaken on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, in the Apata area of Ibadan, was overseen by Major Adesagba Adekoya, the Chairman of OYRTMA, as a means of addressing the perils posed by open manholes and damaged road sections across the city.

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A statement released by the Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, on Tuesday, and made available to journalists in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, conveyed these developments.

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Major Adekoya emphasized that the intervention was part of the agency's corporate social responsibility, with the primary focus being the safety of motorists, pedestrians, Okada riders, and other commuters, during the exercise.

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He highlighted that uncovered manholes pose significant hazards to road users, particularly at night and during rainfall, and noted that the notorious spot along Apata Road had reportedly contributed to accidents and exposed commuters to substantial risks.

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Major Adekoya explained that replacing the stolen metal cover with a concrete alternative would provide a more durable solution, reducing the likelihood of vandalism and further theft, and stressed that this decision would have a positive impact on road safety.

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He urged residents to refrain from vandalizing public infrastructure, pointing out that the removal of manhole covers not only damages government property but also puts the lives of innocent road users at risk.

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Major Adekoya also encouraged the public to promptly report cases of vandalism, uncovered manholes, dangerous potholes, and other road hazards to the relevant authorities for immediate attention.

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Furthermore, he assured residents that OYRTMA would continue to identify and address traffic-related hazards, while collaborating with relevant government agencies and stakeholders to create safer road environments across the state.

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The Area Commander, Oyo Police Force, represented by ASP Okphor Kingsley, commended OYRTMA's management for the intervention, noting that the initiative would significantly contribute to preventing accidents and protecting lives.

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Additionally, the Chairman of the Okada Riders Association, BCJ, Unit 3, Apata, Ibadan, Mr Oluwadamilare Ale, expressed appreciation for OYRTMA's timely intervention, highlighting that several lives had reportedly been lost in accidents associated with the hazardous spot.

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Ale stated that the intervention had brought relief to residents, commercial motorcyclists, and other road users who had been exposed to danger while navigating the affected section of the road.