Exclusive Reports
EXCLUSIVE REPORT: Ogun Community in Agony: How Government Abandoned Road Ruins Lives, Livelihoods as Residents Lack Basic Amenities
… Farmers, Traders Bewailed Their Losses, Expressed Frustration Due To The Bad Roads
… Parishioner Opted For Worshipping In The Sanctuary Fortnightly
… “This Community Has Been In Darkness For Over 150 Years”
… One Community, Multiple Challenges
In the tranquil and steadfast community of ASHA, nestled along Oba Road within the boundaries of the Obafemi Owode local government area in Ogun State, the inhabitants have endured a formidable hardship for over a century and a half.
ISRAEL ADELEKE writes on the ordeal, agony, distress, and fortitude of the community that confronts the ruinous effects of poor roads and the persistent absence of other infrastructural amenities.
On a sunny Sunday Afternoon, this reporter embarked on a journey to Asha, an agrarian village which had been in existence for over 150 years.
The mission was to unravel the challenges faced by the residents due to the bad roads that lead to the community and the desperate need for better infrastructure.
The journey, however, was far from an easy ride as the road that connects the community to Abeokuta was a death trap.
Determined to see things for himself, this reporter had to make a decision to trek from Gbokoniyi Ojere road, a settlement a few kilometers away from Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY).
The journey on foot was no minor feat, taking several hours under the scorching sun to traverse the roads that spanned between Gbokoniyi Ojere road and Asha community which is several kilometers from Alagada Town.
On the way, this reporter witnessed the appalling condition of the roads, which were riddled with potholes, cracks, uneven surfaces, and obstructions due to the lack of drainage from Olorunsogo, a community that is several kilometers away from Asha community.
The road to the community, Oba Road (photo credit: Israel Adeleke)
The state of the roads poses a peril to motorists, passengers, and other road users, augmenting the likelihood of mishaps and vehicular damage.
OBA road that lead to the community (Photo credit: Israel Adeleke)
However, as this reporter eventually got to the community, the residents welcomed him with open arms, sharing their stories of the hardship they faced.
The Residents spoke of the urgent need for a deplorable road that would connect them to neighboring areas, making it easier to access essential services, transport their agricultural produce, and enhance their overall quality of life.
Mr. Kolamatanmi Adio, who was born and brought up in ASHA village, narrated how the road had caused several accidents, especially an incident of a boy who was living in the community.
Mr. Kolamatanmi Adio ( photo credit: Israel Adeleke).
Mr Adio, who had resided for years in the village explained that a boy named Ayo suffered an accident on his way back home along Olorunsogo road.
He explained that Ayo perceived a truck advancing towards the vicinity of the community from MAPOLY road, so he opted to hitch-hike.
Adio recounted that when the truck reached the Olorunsogo area, the driver, who was oblivious to the fact that a stranger had boarded the vehicle, attempted to manoeuvre the potholes but ultimately met with a mishap in which Ayo was decapitated by the sharp edges of the truck.
He stressed “Numerous incidents of that nature had occurred, that rendered many people disabled.”
He however, asserted that the community and other neighboring communities had collaborated to fill the potholes countless times but all their efforts were eroded any time it rains.
He ascertained that the state government and the local government attention had been called to the road but none had keen ear to their plight.
… Farmers, Traders Bewailed Their Losses, Expressed Frustration Due To The Bad Roads.
In a frank and emotional conversation with FREEDOM TIMES, the merchants affected by this calamity did not conceal their discontent, venting their fury towards the dilapidated roads.
They narrated how they had lost their farm products, purchased goods on the roads on countless occasions.
The tears, pain, and pleas of the traders serve as a poignant reminder of the dire consequences of governmental neglect.
Mr. Lasisi Kasali, a long-time farmer in the community, described how challenging it has been to transport his agricultural products to the market outside the community.
Mr Lasisi Kasali (photo credit: Israel Adeleke)
He said “I distribute my merchandise in the rural area and occasionally to the marketplace outside our locality, but this dilapidated road is hampering my commerce, as I cannot convey my goods effortlessly from here to the market in the urban center.”
“I have to incur exorbitant fees on my agricultural produce before the motorcycle courier transports them for me to the market. Often, my goods have fallen off the vehicle and become damaged, and I have to discard them because customers will not purchase them.”
“The poor condition of the road that connects our community to the rest of the city has caused us many losses, as the craters are too deep and numerous, especially during the rainy season, when the road becomes impassable, and many of our products are submerged in the muddy water on the road.”
Mr Kasali, however, appealed to the government to help them pave the roads so that they can be alleviated of the suffering and loss of their goods.
Reiterating his sentiments, Mr. Edwin Ogo, who relocated from Benue state to cultivate crops at ASHA Town, lamented that on numerous occasions he encountered difficulties in transporting his farm products to the market, as he would be stranded for hours before he could find any motorcycle to assist him, and he would pay twice the normal fee because of the poor road conditions.
Mr. Edwin Ogo (photo credit: Israel Adeleke)
He added “In spite of the exorbitant costs incurred from the transportation fare, we do not impose an additional charge on our goods, we offer them at a reasonable rate.”
“Whenever it is the rainy season, the car drivers shun our community because of the terrible roads. We have no alternative but to wait for hours until we see any by chance.”
Similarly, Mrs. Jumoke Matanmi, a provision seller, described her plight on the road. She lamented how horrible it is to transport her goods from the city to her home.
Mrs. Jumoke Matanmi (photo credit: Israel Adeleke)
She said, “When I visit the market to purchase my merchandise, the transportation expenses will have consumed almost all the earnings on my products. Especially when I want to ride a motorcycle, they will refuse to transport me with my cargo because of the poor road conditions. I will have to arrange for another motorcycle that will carry my goods and another that will carry me.”
She declared that despite all this, she still sells her goods at standard prices, that if she charges an extra fee to it, some people will assert they prefer to go to the city to acquire the goods rather than purchasing it at the price she wants to sell it.
She stated that because of all these, they always ensured they were at least two or more whenever they wanted to go to the market to procure their goods, and the rationale for this was that the transport fare could be divided and advantageous.
She observed that on numerous occasions they had tumbled from motorcycles when they encountered the craters on the road.
She asserted that not only the women, but also their children had plummeted from motorcycles repeatedly, returning home to alter their uniforms or skipping the day’s lesson, all because of this atrocious road.
Mrs. Matanmi, however, implored the government to assist them and mend the road, which is the Oba road that connects MAPOLY to Alagada Community.
…Parishioner Opted For Worshipping In The Sanctuary Fortnightly
During a candid conversation with a pastor who presides over a parish in the community, Mr. Ayoola Kehinde, narrated how he has been losing his congregants due to the deplorable condition of the road.
Mr Ayoola Kehinde (photo credit: Israel Adeleke)
He said “My members express their dissatisfaction many times because of the roads. They say the poor road damages their car, and they choose to come every 15 days because of the roads. Many also complained that the motorcyclists charge them exorbitantly, so they have to reschedule their attendance to church.”
The road has resulted in the church losing many members, however the pastor ascertained “I am confident that when the road is restored the members will return.”
The road from Alagada that lead to Asha community (Photo credit: Israel Adeleke)
… “This Community Has Been In Darkness For Over 150 Years”
Electricity, a modern convenience, remained an elusive dream for the people of Asha.The lack of power cast the village into darkness every night, hindering not only daily life but also the community’s economic activities and access to information.
Since it has been found, for over 150 years, Asha has been in darkness, the Baale of the village, Mr Taiwo Odebiyi said.
Mr. Taiwo Odebiyi (photo credit: Israel Adeleke)
He elucidated that they had attempted various methods to obtain electricity, such as petitioning the state and local authorities, but to no avail.
He further elucidated that, in order to endure this calamity, they resorted to utilizing solar panels to generate electricity for their house, and if anyone had to venture out in the dark, they carried a torch on their phone.
Confirming the Baale’s remarks, Mr. Monsuru Lasisi, a descendant of a house owner in Asha community, lamented that since he was born in the community and grew up to work in Lagos State, he has never witnessed electricity in the community.
Mr. Monsuru Lasisi (Photo credit: Israel Adeleke)
He stated that he would be turning 42 years old this December and he had never witnessed electricity in the community.
He elucidated that there was no cable anywhere in the community and they had lived in the darkness until they utilized solar panels to produce light.
… One Community, Multiple Challenges
Apart from the poor road and electricity, the community lacks access to clean water, and there is no hospital in their vicinity.
The Residents informed this reporter that their only source of getting water was from the river as there was no feasible means to acquire water in that area.
The river water the residents drink (photo credit: Israel Adeleke)The Baale explained ” We drink river water, because we don’t have a single well or borehole in our community, and we had complained many times to the local government chairman, but they didn’t do anything to our community.”
Nonetheless, the World Health Organization (WHO) asserted that consuming river water or contaminated water can be extremely hazardous for one’s health.
According to them, river water may harbor harmful microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites, that can induce diseases such as diarrhoea, cholera, dysentery, typhoid, and polio.
They consequently said that it is advisable to treat river water before drinking it.
In spite of these adversities, the residents still exercised their votes in the previous gubernatorial and presidential election.
The Baale declared, “We have appealed to the government but they keep on deluding us, and we always cast our vote, especially when it is time for election they canvass to our community but when they assume the office, they neglect their promises and disregard our letter.”
Regarding the hospital, the Baale lamented, “We have attempted many times to appeal for hospital but the government disregarded us so we abandoned the hospital idea.”
He affirmed that he was aware that the plan of building a hospital by the government might not work, but the government should address the road, which is their primary problem.
He, however, implored the government to come to their assistance promptly.
… Local Government Chairman Reacted
When FREEDOM TIMES contacted the local government chairman, Lanre Ogunsola, he stated that the local government has been working diligently.
He explained that the local government has 1602 CDAs and it is not feasible to attend to all of them simultaneously as they are executing their projects progressively.
Regarding the issue of the bad road, Ogunsola acknowledged that the road that connects MAPOLY to Tobape is in poor condition but the community should exercise patience as the state government is coming to their rescue.
About the community drinking from river water, he said “It is not viable for me to provide each community with a bore hole.”
He elucidated that this is why they came together and agreed that they will be digging a borehole in the major communities that are very close to each other.
He said “Like five villages can be using the borehole for a period of time before the government will continue to do it for each community.”
He, however, said that if they have not reached them, they should be more patient with them as they have limited resources to do all that.
Commenting on the health care, Ogunsola ascertained “we have about 38 health centers in Obafemi Owode Local Government, and there is no way one will not be near them.”
He, however, denied the claim of the community of writing or reaching to him or his office.
He said “I have not met them in person, they have not contacted me, they have not written to my office and I have not met them as a community, and I have not promised.”
He claimed that he just learned about this from this report, “you are the first person that informed me about this”
However, he appealed to the community to be more patient with them and the state government as all of their demands will be addressed.
Fawaz Adebisi
Earlier today, popular Islamic singer, Rukayat Gawat-Oyefeso passed away. Her death, having been announced by her relative and senior special assistant on new media to Lagos governor, Jubril Gawat, has sparked sad reactions online.
In a post by Jubril, he mourned the passing of Rukayat and since his announcement, the deceased’s fans have continuously prayed for her.
According to a report by TheCable, Rukayat died after a brief illness on Tuesday.
TheCable stated that this was confirmed by a source close to the family.
The deceased’s demise have also been reported by many notable outlets and personalities, giving authenticity to the report.
Rukayat is succeeded by two children, Ibrahim Aremu Oyefeso and Mazidah Adunni Oyefeso and a husband, Shakiru Oyefeso.
She is the first daughter of Rasaq Gawat, the popular TV presenter and cleric who went missing twelve years ago and has not been found until this moment.
Media reports revealed that the late artiste on September 14, 2024, did a 12-year remembrance for her missing dad, the popular Islamic presenter and broadcaster, Aremu Gawat, whose whereabouts remained unknown since July 2012.
Delving into the Islamic music scene in 2015. She rose to fame after releasing songs about the mysterious disappearance of her father ‘Aye Le’.
Gawat continued to enjoy stardom in the Islamic music industry with several hit projects and awards.
In 2016, the singer won City People Magazine’s ‘Best Female Islamic Musician’ award. She also clinched the ‘Best Islamic Artiste’ category at the 2017 City People Music Award.
She has been laid to rest in Ogun state after her Janazah was observed in Ojota, Lagos State where she died.
During the prayer, monitored via TikTok live, it was said that the final prayer and burial would take place in Ijebu Aiyepe, Ogun State on Tuesday at noon.
Exclusive Reports
EXCLUSIVE REPORT: Darkness Descends on Kwara: Residents Decry Uninstalled Transformers
Fatimah Idera
For almost ten years, Mr. Tiamiyu Tajudeen, an electrician based in Oke Andi in Ilorin Kwara State, has struggled with uninterrupted darkness, which has stalled his vocation, which relies heavily on power supply.
Consistent power outages resulting from the unavailability of transformers have made his services costlier than he would have wished.
“You can’t compare electricity with alternative power. Our not having electricity has greatly affected my pricing because my work here has been 99% reliant on generators for years,” he told this reporter.
When this reporter visited the area in June 2024, residents and business owners explained that they have only had light roughly three times a year for the past five years.
Another resident of Oke Andi, Kamoru Bello, whose daily life had been affected by the blackout, explained that he can’t remember the last time he used his television or any household appliances that would have made his life better.
“It is like I am no longer in this world because I certainly don’t know what goes on in and around me. I can’t charge phones, I can’t work remotely, and fuel prices are unbearable for alternative power.
Pictures of the transformers
“It has been so long since we have had light. Those who have light to use stabilizers, fans, and machines in their homes might have issues and bring them for repair at the rewinder shop, but for those who don’t make use of their appliances, they won’t,” Tiamiyu added.
Electricity plays a huge part in our everyday lives especially our daily routines which rely heavily on the use of electricity.
Electricity not only plays a big part in our daily lives at home, but it is extremely important for all the things that go on in the world around us that we depend on the likes of communication, transportation and several others as this power generally comes from electricity.
Mr Tiamiyu at his shop photo credit: Fatimah
…The Shady Contracts
It is hard to quantify how improved the lives of residents in this community would have been if the N44.5 million awarded for the Installation of Transformers at Oke Andi, Ita Nmo, and other communities in Kwara State in 2022 were duly spent.
The Ministry of Power approved the contract and put its supervision under the Rural electrification Agency(REA).
No new transformer has been supplied or installed for the community’s use. When the load was much on one of our transformers which made it blow, we then contributed some funds to fix it ourselves.
The Federal Government consolidated project was awarded to Scotben Nigeria Ltd. Checks on the corporate affairs commission portal reveal that the company name cannot be found. A further search on NG-Check.com revealed that the company was established and registered on 28 August 2013 and that Sunday Ajayi and Egbet Nathaniel are the directors. As it is a private limited company located in Abuja, several searches revealed it not to be active online as well as the names of the directors.
Screenshot of the dormant contractors details.
The former senator representing Kwara central, AbdulRaheem Yahaya Oloriegbe, who facilitated the project, was called and sent several messages and emails, but none were responded to.
…Resident Narrate Their Ordeal
Mubarak Sanni, a mechanic/appliance service technician and a resident of Oke Andi, said he had squandered a lot of money on buying petrol at a high cost to test the appliances he had worked on, which had led to an increase in his prices.
“The last time they brought light was four months ago; this year, we have been given light just once. We need new transformers, which can help relieve the workload of the old ones. There are several times I will succumb to using my i better pass my neighbor (generator), which cannot even carry some engines.
“Our transformers is faulty because it the one that brought light to the community , the last time the transformer blow, we the community members are the one who contributed money to repair it,” he revealed
Transformers at Oke Andi
He noted that they will be very glad if a new transformer is installed in Oke Andi communities as well as a stable light is given to improve their business and put an end to insecurities in their community.
Bloomberg reported that an average home in Nigeria spends $12 billion on alternative and self generated power for about nine hours daily to operate their businesses.
The World Bank noted that only 57 percent of the country’s 200 million population have access to electricity. While just 31 percent of people living in the country rural areas have access to electricity.
According to a report, statistical data further shows that over 40% of households in Nigeria own and use generators for their daily electricity requirements. This implied that the impacted households spend about $14 billion annually on generator fueling due to insufficient power supply from the National grid.
One woman in her prime Mrs Ghazali Zaynab who sells drinks at Ita Nmo lamented on how the power outage contributed to her business loss.
“I had several drinks in my fridge to sell but there is no electricity, and I don’t have a generator as an alternative.This darkness contributes to hunger and poverty among we the residents, as I found it hard to sell my goods and feed my children,” she lamented.
The Ministry of Power was also sent mails and several calls were put across to the contacts available on their website but none was responded to as at the time of filing this report.
The Rural electrification agency was also sent an FOI and was responded to on mail that they will get back to this reporter but no responses was gotten from them as at this time.
…Expert weighs in
In an interview with an energy and electricity expert, Mr. Olubunmi Martins, the CEO of G3 Roundtable, explained that the power sector is one of the most fragile but susceptible to corruption in the country.
We now run a no government system in the power sector where residents have to buy and install transformers.For this particular project in question, according to you, you have tried to get both the government and the contractors to speak but they aren’t through. What this tells us and everyone that cares to listen is that they have either not disbursed funds or the company is not a functional one.
“According to him, the realistic solution to this neglect is for the community to constitute a Community Development Association (CDA) to negotiate with the DisCos on the issue of Transformers because this project won’t see the light of the day.”
This story was produced with support from the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ) under the Collaborative Media Engagement for Development Inclusivity and Accountability Project (CMEDIA) funded by the MacArthur Foundation.
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Israel Adeleke
Egbaland, the ancient city of Abeokuta in Ogun State, Nigeria, holds a unique place in history.
Long before Nigeria’s independence, the Egba people established their own sovereign state, the Egba United Government.
Remarkably, this independent nation existed from 1893 to 1914, predating Nigeria’s amalgamation.
However, Let’s stop it there, I am not here to talk about the EGBA’S history rather thier cherished anthem.
So let’s delve into the rich heritage of the Egba people and their cherished anthem.
EGBA’S ANTHEM
Verse One
Lori oke o’un petele
Nibe l’agbe bi mi si o
Nibe l’agbe tO mi d’agba oo
Ile ominira.
Emi o f’Abeokuta sogo
Un o duro l’ori olumO
Maayo l’orukO Egba ooo
Emi Omoo Lisabi
Chorus:-
Maa yO, maa yO, maa yO o,
L’ori olumO,
Maa yO, maa yO, maa yO o,
L’ori olumO.
Verses Two
Abeokuta ilu Egba
Nko ni gbagbe re
N’ o gbe O l’eke Okan mi
Bi ilu odo Oya
Emi o mayO l’ori olumO
Emi o s’ogo yi l’okan mi
Wipe ilu olokiki ooo
L’awa Egba ngbe
Chorus:-
Maa yO, maa yO, maa yO o,
L’ori olumO,
Maa yO, maa yO, maa yO o,
L’ori olumO.
The Egba Anthem celebrates Olumo Rock, symbol of Abeokuta’s strength and pride.
As ‘Omo Lisabi’ (children of Lisabi), the Egba people continue to honor their heritage through this anthem, echoing across the hills and valleys of their beloved land.
