The Ado-Ijan-Iluomoba-Ikare Road, a vital federal highway traversing Ekiti State, has become a source of immense frustration and hardship for residents, commuters, and businesses. This crucial artery, connecting Ekiti and Ondo states to Abuja, northern Nigeria, and the South-West, has deteriorated significantly over the years, transforming into a treacherous obstacle course rather than a smooth passage. The road’s deplorable condition impedes access to key institutions like Afe Babalola University, the Federal Polytechnic, Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti Cargo International Airport, and the burgeoning Ekiti Knowledge Zone, hindering economic growth and development. The once-promising route has become synonymous with delays, vehicle damage, and safety concerns, inflicting considerable economic and social costs on the region.
The road’s dilapidated state manifests in gaping potholes, extensive erosion, and failed sections, trapping vehicles, particularly heavy trucks and buses, for extended periods. Commuters recount harrowing experiences of enduring long delays, sometimes stretching into days, stranded on the broken road. These delays translate to lost productivity, missed opportunities, and increased transportation costs, impacting businesses and individuals alike. Furthermore, the damaged road poses significant safety risks, increasing the likelihood of accidents and exposing travelers to potential security threats. The constant wear and tear inflicted on vehicles traversing the treacherous terrain adds another layer of financial burden to motorists and transport operators, further exacerbating the economic strain.
The dire situation of the Ado-Ijan-Iluomoba-Ikare Road has not gone unnoticed. Various stakeholders, including university officials and political figures, have voiced their concerns and appealed for urgent intervention. Professor Supo Ijabadeniyi, Deputy Vice Chancellor of Afe Babalola University, highlighted the negative impact of the road’s condition on the institution’s accessibility and potential to attract both local and international patronage. He emphasized the missed opportunities for the university, the state, and the nation, underscoring the road’s critical role in fostering educational and economic growth. The prolonged neglect of this vital infrastructure undermines the university’s efforts to achieve its full potential and contribute meaningfully to national development.
Government officials have repeatedly acknowledged the road’s deplorable state and offered assurances of intervention. Senator Opeyemi Bamidele announced President Tinubu’s approval for the road’s reconstruction, while Works Minister Dave Umahi promised expedited action to address critical road infrastructure in Ekiti State. However, despite these pronouncements, tangible progress has been disappointingly slow. The protracted delay in commencing and completing the much-needed repairs has fueled frustration and skepticism among residents and road users who have grown weary of unfulfilled promises. The continued deterioration of the road underscores the urgent need for concrete action to alleviate the suffering of those who rely on it daily.
The plight of commuters trapped on the Ado-Ijan-Iluomoba-Ikare Road recently prompted the intervention of a prominent political figure, Emmanuel Fayose, a former governor of Ekiti State. Witnessing firsthand the gridlock and hardship faced by stranded travelers, Fayose took immediate action, providing truckloads of gravel to fill the gaping potholes and enable temporary passage. His actions highlight the severity of the situation and the desperate need for a lasting solution. Fayose’s criticism of the government’s neglect underscores the growing public discontent and the demand for accountability in addressing the state’s crumbling infrastructure.
Governor Biodun Oyebanji has sought to reassure residents, attributing the delay in road repairs to resolved issues and expressing confidence in the imminent return of contractors to the site. He commended President Tinubu’s support and highlighted the positive impact of federal policies on infrastructure development and economic growth in Ekiti State. While the governor’s assurances offer a glimmer of hope, the long-suffering commuters and residents remain cautiously optimistic, awaiting tangible evidence of progress on the ground. The true measure of success will be the timely completion of the road rehabilitation and the restoration of safe and efficient transportation along this crucial artery. The Ado-Ijan-Iluomoba-Ikare Road stands as a stark reminder of the critical need for sustained investment and effective management of vital infrastructure to unlock the full potential of Ekiti State and its people.
