Residents of Odo Uro axis in Araromi Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Ekiti State have appealed to Governor Biodun Oyebanji to urgently intervene in what they described as years of infrastructural neglect in their communities.
The appeal was made by the Chairman of the proposed Ayonitemi Community, Yinka A. Akomolafe, on behalf of residents of Odo Uro, Ayonitemi, Aroto and neighbouring communities.
Akomolafe said the communities had been without critical infrastructure for more than 15 years, despite their significant contributions to food production in Araromi LCDA and Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Area.
He said the area remained one of the major agricultural hubs in Ekiti State and had a sizeable voting population, but residents continued to struggle with inadequate electricity, unreliable telecommunications services and poor road networks.
“The Odo Uro axis is one of the major agricultural hubs in the state, but our people still live without electricity, mobile network and accessible roads. This has continued to affect farming activities, businesses, healthcare delivery and education,” he said.
According to him, more than 3,000 residents are directly affected by the infrastructure deficit.
He explained that the poor condition of the roads had made it difficult for farmers to transport their produce to markets, while inadequate telecommunications services had also created challenges, particularly during emergencies.
Akomolafe, however, commended the efforts of the traditional ruler, Oba Adeola Ajakaiye, and the Iyin Traditional Council for maintaining the road leading to the affected communities.
He also appreciated the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, for his support, particularly his recent donation of a transformer to part of the community.
Despite these interventions, Akomolafe stressed that they could not substitute for the government’s responsibility to provide essential infrastructure to residents.
He therefore appealed to the Ekiti State Government to prioritise the rehabilitation of roads linking the communities, extend electricity to all affected settlements and facilitate improved mobile telecommunications services.
Akomolafe said extending ongoing development projects to Odo Uro, Ayonitemi and Aroto would improve residents’ living conditions, strengthen agricultural production and contribute to the state’s economic growth.
He expressed optimism that the state government would respond positively to the appeal, stressing that residents were simply seeking equitable development and inclusion in Ekiti’s ongoing infrastructural transformation.
