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Local Residents beg FG as Osun, Ondo federal roads crumble

Published

5 months ago

August 25, 2025

Commuters and residents of Osun and Ondo states have decried the deplorable state of federal roads in the two states, calling for urgent government intervention.

In Osun, users of the Ilesa–Akure Expressway particularly lamented the Osu/Iwaraja corridor, describing it as a nightmare for motorists.

Speaking at Iloko Junction—one of the worst-hit portions of the road—a resident, Tomisin Olatunde, said the Federal Road Maintenance Agency had at different times patched bad spots, but such interventions provided only temporary relief.

“With what we are experiencing now, only complete removal and replacement of the asphalt can solve the problem. The road stretches from Ile-Ife to Osu, Ilesa and Iwaraja, linking Osun and Ondo states. Between March and June this year, several serious accidents were recorded between Iloko Junction and the Road Safety office along the expressway,” Olatunde said.

A driver, Razaq Akinleye, who has plied the road for 15 years, said the last major reconstruction was done before the 2015 elections. He described the ongoing expansion works from Ilekki, Ilesa, as “too little compared to the magnitude of the challenge.”

“FRSC officers even filled some bad portions earlier this year to prevent accidents, but that can’t solve the problem. Beyond mere clearing, we need a total overhaul of the road. The patching by FERMA only lasts about three months before the spots go bad again.

The bad portions also give robbers and kidnappers an advantage since vehicles must slow down there,” Akinleye lamented.

Osun State Commissioner for Information, Kolapo Alimi, said the state was already assisting in repairing some federal roads but urged Abuja to take full responsibility.

“We are involved in the repair of some FG roads in Osun. On that particular road, I want to urge the Federal Government to live up to its responsibility and fix it,” Alimi said.

Similarly, residents of communities along the Akure–Ado Ekiti Expressway in Ondo State appealed to both federal and state governments to expedite the ongoing reconstruction of the road.

The project, which commenced towards the end of the Muhammadu Buhari administration, has dragged on for years, worsening traffic congestion and making life difficult for residents. Before the project started, the road had become a death trap, with criminals exploiting its poor state to kidnap travellers for ransom.

During a recent inspection, Minister of Works, David Umahi, announced that the Akure–Ita-Ogbolu–Iju–Ado road would be redesigned and rebuilt with concrete.

But residents say the delay is unbearable. A native of the Iju community, Olamide Babalayo, urged the government to hasten the project.

“The last time I drove home was terrible. We commend the FG for taking action, but they should expedite the work. People in the community are suffering, especially during this rainy season,” he said.

A commercial driver, Kunle, stressed the road’s economic importance, saying transporters were spending excessively on vehicle repairs.

“The road is vital for business between Ondo and Ekiti states. The government should complete it on time so economic activities can flow better,” he said.

When contacted, the Chief Press Secretary to Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Ebenezer Adeniyan, acknowledged that the road is a federal responsibility but expressed optimism that the situation would soon improve.

“I think the situation will improve now that the rains have ceased,” he said.

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PHOTOS & VIDEO: Fire razes part of Ogun free trade zone, Igbesa

Published

4 minutes ago

January 11, 2026

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

A fire outbreak has occurred at the mattress section of the Ogun–Guangdong Free Trade Zone (OGFTZ), Igbesa, on Sunday.

It was gathered that the fire was triggered by a gas explosion from a foam-producing company in the industrial park.

The incident has reportedly caused chaos and fear among students living around the Obanla axis of the area.

In a video obtained by our correspondent, students were seen running out of their hostels as the thick smoke covered the sky.

An eyewitness, Kuwhede Vincent, a student of the Ogun State Institute of Technology, OGITECH, Igbesa, disclosed that there was a loud noise followed by smoke and fire.

Vincent said, “ It started around 8 am in the morning, we first saw smoke then fire coming from the company.

“The company is very close to my hostel but I don’t think any hostel was affected. We just carried our bag because we don’t know what can happen next”.

He noted that the fire service were on ground to curtail the fire.

Reacting to the incident, President of the Student Union Government in OGITECH, Ilo Fadilu Temitope, in a statement signed by its secretary, Moses Josephine and PRO Segbetin Sunday, and made available to called for calm among students, urging them to be vigilant, and adhere strictly to safety measures.

Part of the statement reads, “The attention of the Students’ Union Government has been drawn to information reaching us regarding a fire outbreak at the Ogun–Guangdong Free Trade Zone (OGFTZ), Igbesa, which is in close proximity to some student hostels around the Obanla axis.

“While relevant authorities are reportedly responding to the situation, the Students’ Union deems it necessary to prioritize the safety and well-being of all students.

“In view of this, students especially those residing around Obanla axis and its environs are hereby advised to remain calm but vigilant, and to strictly observe the following safety measures: Avoid unnecessary movement towards the affected area or fire scene, stay indoors where it is safe to do so and keep doors and windows closed if there is smoke in the environment, switch off electrical appliances and gas sources as a precaution.”

As of the time of filing this report, there has not been any official statement on the cause of the incident.

When contacted by our correspondent, the Commissioner of the State’s Ministry of Environment, Ola Oresanya said, “Thanks for the information, I will work on it immediately.”

Many houses affected as fire guts Ogun Free Trade Zone pic.twitter.com/pYIjbLwGhJ

— Temitope Hassan (@temihat) January 11, 2026

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Demolition notice: Ogun communities cry out, call for Gov Abiodun’s intervention

Published

23 minutes ago

January 11, 2026

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

About 15 communities in the Abeokuta South Local Government Area of Ogun State have called for the intervention of Governor Dapo Abiodun over alleged plot to demolish their villages and acquire their land.

The communities include Itori Mogan, Laaki, Jaguna, Ogunu, Paashi, Kumapayi, and Abule Odo of Ijemoland among others.

According to the villagers, the community which is over 300 years was excised by former governor Otunba Gbenga Daniel’s administration.

It was gathered that the state government, through the its Planning and Development Permit Authority, Abeokuta Metro Zonal Planning Office, served a demolition notice with service number 00047932 on the occupiers of Itori Mogan village on Friday, accusing them of contravening the Land Use Act of Ogun State for residing in Hillcrest Estate.

In the demolition notice dated January 9, 2026, the government gave the occupiers three days deadline to vacate the affected villages that fell within its acquisition.

Expressing their displeasure on Saturday, the Baale of Ogunro, Chief Olakunle Bodunde, speaking on behalf of the villages marked for demolition, lamented that the present administration is bent on taking the remaining part of the community for an estate development, while rendering members of the community homeless.

He noted that the matter was in court and despite several meetings with the government, a demolition notice was pasted on their buildings.

He said, “We have taken significant steps to address this issue. We had meetings with the government, and now the matter is in court.

“We have served them, and the government has been notified, but they are not showing up in court, and now they have come to paste demolition notices on our buildings.

“We want things to be done with due process. The court has not made a pronouncement yet.”

Also speaking, Chief Oludare Salako, the Baale of Itori Mogan, said the communities have different ancestral gods which according to him cannot be relocated, saying that forceful eviction could spell danger.

He appealed to the state governor to intervene, expressing the belief that he may not be aware of the incident.

“We want Governor Dapo Abiodun to intervene, as we believe he may not be aware of these alleged land grabbers in his government. We want him to look critically into the matter and stop their actions,” Salako added.

The Aro of Egbaland and Oluwo of Ijemo, High Chief Oluyinka Kufile, urged the villagers to engage in dialogue with the government and be hopeful.

“If you have a right, no government will stop you from exercising your right. So my advice is to dialogue.

“We have signed pacts with the present government on some particular land and villages. Go there, visit the office, and make inquiries. Why again are they trying to take back the land,” he said.

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Full List Of Countries Nigerians Travel To Without Visa

Published

37 minutes ago

January 11, 2026

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

Nigerian passport holders can now travel to 45 countries worldwide without obtaining a visa in advance, according to the latest update from Visaindex.

The development significantly eases international travel for Nigerians, providing broader options for tourism, business, education and family visits.

Of the 45 destinations, 27 countries allow visa-free entry for Nigerian citizens, while the remaining operate visa-on-arrival or Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) regimes. Entry conditions vary by country, but the update signals an expansion of global mobility opportunities for Nigerians.

Several African nations have adopted open-border policies aimed at boosting regional integration, trade and tourism.

The Gambia – Since 2019, the country has declared itself a visa-free zone for all African travellers, extending the policy to Commonwealth nations, the European Union, and select Baltic states.

Benin – Inspired by Rwanda, Benin lifted visa restrictions for all Africans in 2019, strengthening its position as a commercial and transit hub in West Africa.

Kenya – In October 2023, President William Ruto announced the removal of visa requirements for all African visitors to enhance trade, tourism and continental connectivity.

Rwanda – Since November 2023, Rwanda has granted visa-free entry to all Africans without fees, reinforcing its reputation as a leading tourism and conference destination.

Ghana – Ghana recently joined the visa-free league for Africans, a move expected to attract investors, tourists and business travellers as it positions itself as a regional hub.

Other Visa-Free Or Easy-Access Destinations

Nigerian passport holders can also access the following countries either visa-free, via visa-on-arrival, or through eTA arrangements:

Barbados

Burkina Faso

Cameroon

Cape Verde

Chad

Cook Islands

Côte d’Ivoire

Dominica

Fiji

Guinea