Residents beg Aiyedatiwa to revive abandoned projects in Ondo community

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Residents of Yaba Community in Odode Idanre, Idanre Local Government Area of Ondo State, on Thursday appealed to the state governor, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, to intervene in the revival of abandoned projects in the community.

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According to the residents, some of the projects include the World Bank/Ondo State Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project in the community.

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This was contained in a petition by the residents to the governor which was jointly signed by the Head of Yaba Community, Chief Adegoke Boluwaji; the General Chairman of the Yaba Administrative Committee, Fola Adeghate; and the Secretary of the Yaba Market Development Committee, Olagidi Akinyode, on behalf of the community.

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In the petition, the residents said the projects, which were worth billions of naira, were flagged off by the governor himself in 2024 but were later abandoned following a dispute over which contractors would handle them.

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According to the petition, the abandoned projects include Odode–Bajare Road, Ojota-Ala Road, and the World Bank Market at Yaba/Ojotu, among others.

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The petition read, “Currently, the Odode-Bajare Road and Ojota-Ala Road are impassable, severely affecting the movement of people and goods. The market project remains stalled due to unresolved contractor disputes. The community’s hope for development and improved livelihoods has been dashed.

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“This situation is unacceptable, especially for a World Bank-funded initiative entrusted to the Ondo State Government. It undermines public confidence and jeopardises the welfare of thousands of residents.”

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They lamented that the projects were intended to improve rural mobility, facilitate trade, and unlock economic opportunities for the people of the community but had been abandoned.

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“We were encouraged when Your Excellency flagged off the Bajare Road project on August 15, 2024, and work commenced promptly on the Ojota-Ala Road. Similarly, the market project began with site mobilisation and block-moulding activities.

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“However, the market project was abruptly disrupted when another group arrived at the site, claiming ownership of the contract and forcefully removing the original contractor. This conflict has led to the complete abandonment of the market, despite the scheduled commencement of full construction in February 2024,” they stated.

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The residents urged the governor to visit the project sites to assess the level of abandonment, resolve the contractor dispute, and ensure the rightful contractor resumes work.

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They also called on the governor to “re-mobilise construction teams to complete the road and market projects, and establish a monitoring committee to ensure transparency and accountability.”

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“We remain hopeful that your intervention will restore progress and dignity to our community,” the residents appealed.

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However, in a reaction, the Special Adviser to Governor Aiyedatiwa on Strategic Communications, Mr Allen Sowore, said the matter would be brought to the attention of the governor for action.

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“The governor has consistently assured that no project in the state will be abandoned, and this situation will not be an exception. I can confidently assure you that this complaint will be brought to his attention, and all attendant challenges will be promptly addressed. The community should, therefore, remain assured,” Sowore said.

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