‘Help Us in Ashipa Road’: Residents Cry Out to Ayobo Ipaja Chairman

Kehinde Adeleye

“Help us in Ashipa Road.” That was the heartfelt appeal by a resident of Ayobo Ipaja Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Olujimi John Olusesan, to Chairman, Hon. (Dr.) Agbaje Lukmon Abiodun, as residents reacted to updates on the council’s ongoing road and drainage projects.

While many residents commended the chairman for his infrastructural development across the LCDA, with some even suggesting he deserves a higher political office after the expiration of his tenure, others used the opportunity to draw attention to roads they say have been neglected for years.

Olujimi, in his appeal, said life has become increasingly difficult for residents of Ashipa Road due to its deplorable condition, noting that transportation costs have nearly quadrupled because commercial motorcycle operators now charge between ₦800 and ₦1,200 for trips that previously cost about ₦300.

“Help us in Ashipa Road. Life is so unbearable there. Where bikes used to carry ₦300 is now ₦800, ₦1,000. Sometimes ₦1,200,” he wrote.

Another resident, Har Dey Thurlar, described Ashipa Road as a major source of hardship, saying its deteriorating condition has made movement difficult for residents, motorists, businesses, schoolchildren and emergency services, especially during the rainy season.

He appealed to the chairman to prioritise the road’s rehabilitation, warning that its current state has increased vehicle damage and poses safety risks to commuters.

Similarly, Tosin Quail called for the rehabilitation of roads around the Atan Nla and Amazing Grace axis, while Curtis Fernandez urged the council to extend road reconstruction to Unity Street in Baruwa.

The appeals came after Hon. Agbaje inspected ongoing drainage and road construction projects at Ajaba Road, Baruwa, and Koloba/Unity Road, off Onimalu Road, Ayobo, alongside top council officials.

During the inspection, the chairman reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to delivering quality infrastructure, saying the projects are aimed at addressing perennial flooding, improving road accessibility, enhancing environmental sanitation and boosting economic activities across the council area.

He also assured residents that all ongoing projects would continue to be closely monitored to ensure quality, accountability and value for public funds.

Despite applauding the administration’s achievements, many residents expressed hope that communities such as Ashipa Road, Atan Nla, Amazing Grace axis and Unity Street would soon receive the government’s attention.