Residents of Yaba Community in Odode Idanre, Idanre Local Government Area of Ondo State, have expressed frustration over the abandonment of several projects initiated by the state government. The projects, worth billions of naira, were flagged off by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa in 2024 but were later halted due to a dispute over which contractors would handle them. The residents, who have petitioned the governor, are calling for the revival of the abandoned projects, including the Odode-Bajare Road, Ojota-Ala Road, and the World Bank Market at Yaba/Ojotu.
The community's leaders, including Chief Adegoke Boluwaji, Fola Adeghate, and Olagidi Akinyode, have jointly signed the petition, expressing their disappointment over the stalled projects. They argue that the abandonment of the projects has severely affected the movement of people and goods, and has dashed the community's hopes for development and improved livelihoods.
The residents claim that the projects were intended to improve rural mobility, facilitate trade, and unlock economic opportunities for the community. However, the dispute over the contractors has led to the complete abandonment of the market project, despite the scheduled commencement of full construction in February 2024.
The governor's Special Adviser on Strategic Communications, Allen Sowore, has assured the community that the matter will be brought to the governor's attention, and all attendant challenges will be promptly addressed.
The abandonment of key infrastructure projects in Ondo State, initiated by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, raises serious questions about the administration's commitment to rural development. The residents of Yaba Community are right to demand action from the governor, who has consistently assured that no project will be abandoned. The governor must now take concrete steps to resolve the contractor dispute and revive the stalled projects, which are crucial for the community's economic growth and development. The people of Yaba Community deserve better, and the governor's administration must be held accountable for its actions.
