By John Dike, Osogbo
Residents of Olorunda Local Government Area of Osun State have commended the Council Chairman, Hon Mojeed Adekunle Kudayisi, for initiating and executing widespread road grading projects across several communities within the council.
The development, which has brought relief to residents, covers a number of communities including Ayekale, Olobedu, Oluomo, Akogun, Abidogun, Service Area, Ajisebiyawo, Ifelodun, Kojufoluwa, System, Agunbelewo, as well as the Ilie Area Council.
For years, many of these roads had been in deplorable condition, making movement difficult for residents, motorists, and traders, while also hindering economic and social activities within the affected areas.
Speaking on behalf of the benefiting communities, the Chairman of Zone 5, Ifelodun Community in Agunbelewo, Osogbo, Prince Hameed Oyegbade, expressed profound appreciation to the council leadership for responding to their long-standing demand.
In a press statement issued on Saturday, Oyegbade noted that the intervention marks a turning point for residents who had endured years of neglect and infrastructural decay.
According to him, the poor state of the roads had previously rendered many routes nearly impassable, especially during the rainy season, thereby subjecting residents to untold hardship.
He emphasized that the ongoing grading project would significantly improve mobility, enhance access to essential services, and boost socio-economic activities across the communities.
“This is the first time our communities are truly feeling the impact of government presence,” Oyegbade said.
“In fact, this intervention is demand-driven. We wrote to the Chairman, Honorable Mojeed Adekunle Kudayisi, requesting urgent attention to our roads, and we are delighted that he responded promptly to our appeal.”
He described the initiative as a practical demonstration of responsive leadership and grassroots governance, noting that it reflects the true essence of the local government system.
“This is the beauty of the local government system, being the closest tier of government to the people at the grassroots. It is also a clear benefit of local government autonomy, which allows councils to address the immediate needs of their communities without unnecessary delays,” he added.
Oyegbade further stated that the improved road network would not only ease transportation challenges but also stimulate local commerce, increase property values, and improve the overall quality of life for residents.
Other community leaders also echoed similar sentiments, expressing gratitude to the Olorunda Local Government for prioritizing infrastructure development at the grassroots level.
Among those who commended the council were Mr. Adedoyin Ayotunde, Vice Chairman of Ifelodun Community, Agunbelewo; Honorable Dele Oluyole; Mrs. Grace Lawal; and Alhaji Musbau Abiodun of Ajisebiyawo community.
They collectively described the road grading exercise as timely and impactful, noting that it has already begun to transform daily life in their respective communities.
The leaders highlighted that improved road conditions would facilitate easier movement of goods and services, reduce transportation costs, and enhance safety for both pedestrians and motorists.
They also called on the council to sustain the momentum by extending similar interventions to other underserved areas within the local government.
Residents who spoke anonymously also expressed excitement, noting that the grading of the roads has restored hope and confidence in local governance.
Many of them pointed out that access roads play a critical role in community development, affecting everything from education and healthcare access to business operations and security.
The ongoing road grading initiative is part of broader efforts by the Olorunda Local Government administration to improve infrastructure, enhance service delivery, and promote inclusive development across the council area.
Observers say the move underscores the importance of responsive governance at the grassroots level, particularly in addressing everyday challenges faced by citizens.
As work continues across various communities, residents remain optimistic that the intervention will usher in a new phase of development, improved connectivity, and economic growth within Olorunda Local Government Area.
