As a policy, I have restrained from commenting on political issues and activities of the players in Nigeria’s political landscape for over a decade because of my perception that Nigerian politicians are the same. however,the current governor of my state, Mr Abiodun Abayomi Oyebanji, appears to be different for many reasons, hence my decision to join the list of Ekiti indigenes who are daily commending him for his approach to governance in the last one and half years.
Having gone far and near in the country and met many political office holders, I don’t easily get carried away because I know politicians are full of antics and flattering propaganda. when the news that Governor Oyebanji would beam his searchlight on Ikole-Ara Road, I took it with a pinch of salt because the road has remained unattended to since 1963. TO my surprise, the governor didn’t only walk the talk, but took a pragmatic step to convince us that he meant business with full mobilisation of contractors to the site.
Between 2007 and 2010 when Segun Oni was at the helm of affairs, he was the only governor who showed interest in constructing the road and he did begin from Ikole and worked on it up until he was unceremoniously sent packing from office. Based on the general belief that government is a continuum, we assumed that the successive administrations of former Governors Kayode Fayemi and Peter Fayose would continue from where Oni’s administration stopped, but we waited in vain. When Governor Oyebanji came on board, we didn’t press buttons because we had almost lost hope. But he surprised us by giving it a priority. Thanks to our forward-looking king, Oba Adebayo Fatoba, who championed the cause and kept assuring us that the governor would do it.
Since the job on the road began, people of Ekiti, Akoko part of Ondo, Kogi and even Kwara have been in ecstasy because of the strategic importance of the road. With the Ikole-Ara-Isinbode-Uro-Irun Road in place, the economic activities in the three states would pick up because the road links the three states. In those days when the road was still fair to middling, it was a sure bet for commuters and transporters who follow the route to Abuja.
Besides, farming is the mainstay of scores of towns and villages along the corridors and a good road will give them ample opportunities to bring their farm products to the market.
In all these, what we have learnt is that Oyebanji’s background as a homegrown politician has so far shaped his approach to governance. He has used the last one year to demonstrate to us that he is keen about the welfare of the people. with this road in place, we can be sure the communities will be livelier, abandoned markets in various communities would be resuscitated, artisans will move to towns.
Finally, now that the state government has played its role, I want to appeal to the indigenous people of the various communities along this corridor to look back and come home to take the advantage of this road and invest in small scale businesses. for instance, we have a secondary school in Ara, but almost all the teachers are living in Ikole because of the lack of good roads and other social amenities. There is no doubt the fact that they will move back in droves after the road construction must have been completed because it would be economically wise and safe for them to live close to where they work.
On a final note, I want to appeal to members of the various political parties in Ekiti to always see the government as one as the governor has consistently demonstrated. Whether you are in the All Progressives Congress(APC) or Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)you must see the entire Ekiti as one and yours to govern, with little or no discrimination.
Olusegun Adetunji, Ara- Ekiti, Ikole LGA, Ekiti State
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