Barrister Abiodun Aribisala, Founder and CEO of the Aribisala Care Foundation, a renowned international tax consultant, and a prominent leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ijesa North and Osun State, has called on the Osun State government, led by His Excellency Otunba Ademola Nurudeen Jackson Adeleke, as well as political appointees from the Ijesa North Federal Constituency, Ijesa North traditional rulers, and respected figures in the region, to come to the aid of the people of Ere-Ijesa following the collapse of the bridge connecting Ere-Ijesa and Ilahun in Oriade Local Government Area of Osun State.
In a statement released by his media team, Aribisala urged the state government, influential figures, and the sons and daughters of Ijesa North to intervene in the repair of the bridge, as the collapse is severely impacting the Ere-Ijesa and Ilahun communities.
According to him, this road is a vital route for travelers heading to Ibokun, Ipetu Ile, Ada, Iragbiji, Ikirun, and Osogbo. Aribisala pleaded with relevant government agencies and political leaders to assist the affected communities, as the bridge’s collapse not only disrupts local businesses but also hinders access to farms and livelihoods dependent on crossing the bridge.
Barrister Abiodun Aribisala emphasized the urgency of the situation, stressing that the collapsed bridge has left many residents stranded, with severe consequences for the socio-economic well-being of the affected communities. The bridge served as a major conduit for trade, education, healthcare, and other essential services, and its current state has left Ere-Ijesa and Ilahun isolated, creating further hardships for residents who rely on these services for their day-to-day activities.
He further highlighted that the collapse of the bridge poses significant safety concerns, particularly for students and workers who now have to take longer, less secure routes to their destinations. The increased transportation costs, coupled with the heightened risks of accidents on alternative paths, are placing a tremendous burden on these communities. Aribisala urged swift intervention from both state and federal authorities to avert further damage and ensure the safety and well-being of the local population.
In his call for action, Aribisala also appealed to the traditional rulers and community leaders in the region to use their influence to advocate for the repair of the bridge. He noted that the support of these respected figures is crucial to accelerating the process of getting government attention and resources to fix the bridge. Their involvement, he said, would help bring visibility to the issue and ensure that the needs of the affected people are not overlooked.
Aribisala also encouraged private sector stakeholders and philanthropic organizations to consider contributing to the rebuilding efforts. He believes that collaborative efforts between the government, community, and private sector could speed up the restoration process, ensuring that the people of Ere-Ijesa and Ilahun can quickly regain access to essential infrastructure and services. He assured the communities that the Aribisala Care Foundation remains committed to working towards a solution and will continue to advocate for the urgent repair of the bridge.
