Residents of more than 40 communities in the Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State have made a heartfelt appeal to President Bola Tinubu for the urgent reconstruction of the dilapidated Ijoko-Oyero-Lisa road. This 10.5-kilometre road, which connects these communities to the Lisa Memorial Arcade, has fallen into disrepair, significantly impacting the daily lives of thousands of residents.

The appeal was made during a peaceful walk held on Saturday, where participants carried placards with messages such as "President Tinubu, Please Come to Our Aid" and "Our Road Is Bad, Our People Are Suffering." The residents emphasized that their demonstration was not a protest but a call for immediate government intervention to restore the road's condition, which has worsened over the years.

Originally constructed by the Ogun State Government following the tragic Bellview Airlines Flight 210 crash in October 2005, the road serves as a crucial link for residents and businesses. It also provides access to the Lisa Memorial Arcade, a site commemorating the 117 victims of the crash. However, the road's deteriorating state has made it increasingly difficult for residents to travel, especially during the rainy season, leading to rising transportation costs and vehicle maintenance expenses.

Oba Nojeemdeen Oladele Odugbemi, the Onilisa of Lisa Kingdom, expressed his support for the residents' peaceful initiative, highlighting the road's importance for local development. He called on the Ogun State Government to prioritize the road's rehabilitation, stating that improved access would stimulate economic activities and enhance the quality of life for residents.

High Chief Akeem Kolawole, the Baale of Arugudu, echoed these sentiments, urging the government to respond positively to the communities' request. He acknowledged the many demands on government resources but expressed hope that the administration would prioritize the reconstruction of the road to alleviate the hardships faced by the residents.

Community leaders, including Sobogun Olakunle and Yisau Olaniyi, emphasized that the road's reconstruction could transform it into a major economic corridor. They pointed out that the area, which falls within the Ogun Central Senatorial District and Ifo/Ewekoro Federal Constituency, is home to over 30,000 residents, many of whom have relocated from Lagos State to establish homes and businesses.

The leaders argued that linking the Ijoko-Oyero-Lisa road to the Mowe-Ibafo axis of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway would facilitate the movement of people and goods, attract investment, and unlock the economic potential of the rapidly developing communities along the corridor.

As the residents continue to advocate for their road, they remain optimistic that the Tinubu administration's infrastructure development initiatives will address their concerns. They reiterated that their call was not one of confrontation but a plea for a vital road that would reconnect communities, improve livelihoods, and foster economic growth in the Oyero-Lisa area.