A community advocate and convener of the United Premier Movement (UPM), Olalekan Shoyinka, has urged the Ogun State Government to back its recent announcement of comprehensive road repairs across all local governments with transparency and visible action.
Shoyinka, popularly known as Ayinla Egba, commended Governor Dapo Abiodun for initiating the plan but stressed that residents would no longer be satisfied with mere promises without physical evidence of progress.
In a statement issued in Abeokuta on Wednesday, Shoyinka said: “I commend His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun, MFR, for this proactive step to rid our dear state of the unflattering tag of ‘State with the Poorest Roads in Nigeria.’ However, actions—not press releases—repair roads.”
He called on the government to publish a comprehensive list of targeted roads across the 20 local governments, disclose the contractors handling each project, and set realistic timelines to assure residents that delivery will follow.
“Transparency will allow residents to monitor progress rather than speculate. Citizens deserve to know who to hold responsible if quality is compromised or deadlines are missed,” he added.
Shoyinka also reminded the state government of its previous promises. “In July last year, the Honourable Commissioner for Works, Engr. Ade Akinsanya, assured that 120 roads across the 20 LGAs would undergo massive rehabilitation and reconstruction. To date, no comprehensive report has been shared on the status of that pledge,” he stated.
The UPM convener further urged the government to adopt community monitoring, involving local leaders, civil society groups, professional bodies, and the media in evaluating projects. According to him, “Visible, verifiable projects—not paperwork—will convince Ogun people that their taxes are working for them.”
He concluded with a strong appeal to the government: “Ogun State deserves roads we can drive on, not just roads we can read about. Let the roar of graders and the sight of asphalt on long-neglected roads replace the echo of political assurances.”
