IDU Appeals To FG, Osun Govt. On Collapsed Bridges, Provision Of Other Infrastructure

…as Ilobu Day celebrations Kickstart

The people of Ilobu, the headquarters of Irepoodun local government area of Osun State have appealed to the Federal Government for intervention on some roads and bridges with ecological problems in the community.

The President, Ilobu-Asake Development Union, IDU, Pastor Olufemi Salako stated this in his address in Ilobu during a press conference to Herald the 2023 Ilobu-Asake Day.

The appeal was also made to the Osun State government to come to their aid in addressing critical infrastructure challenges facing the the town.

Pastor Salako recalled that the community had in last year during Ilobu day celebrations, cried out when the Laaro bridge was on the brink before it finally collapsed.

“We wish to call the attention of the Federal Government of Nigeria, most especially the Ecological Funds Office, the National Assembly and Osun State Government to some critical challenges facing us as a people.

“Recall that we cried over a then collapsing, and now collapsed Laaro Bridge during our celebration last year. It is highly unfortunate that no action has been taken despite our efforts. As we speak, tens of thousands of our people have been cut off following the collapse of the bridge.

“Another challenge is that students of Ilobu Secondary Commercial Grammar School, Ansar-Ud-Deen Grammar School and AUD Primary School now crawl over debris and wade through flowing rivers daily to assess their school buildings as both the connecting bridges have now also collapsed. This makes learning not only difficult but ordinary commuting to school treacherous for these young students and their teachers,” Salako stated.

On critical infrastructure in the town, the IDU president called on Governor Ademola Adeleke to rehabilitate and revitalise the comprehensive healthcare center at Konda.

He said “The clinic, which was once a one-stop shop for medical treatment, is in a state of total disrepair. The non-functionality of the facility has compounded the health challenge of our people. Over 1,500 households living around the clinic now covers kilometers to assess healthcare.”

“Lastly, the two side of the Ojutu Bridge have not been stone-pitched and leaving it like that portends great danger to the billion naira facility. We call on our Representatives in Abuja, Senator Olubiyi Fadeyi and Hon. Adewale Maruf to help take our matter to the national stage.”

On the community’s commitment to Peace, the IDU thanked the State government for its proactive roles in restoring peace to the area.

The socio-cultural union also congratulated the Olobu of Ilobu, Oba Asiru Olatoye Olaniyan, his chiefs, community leaders and every son and daughter of Ilobu on this year’s anniversary, just as it called on sons and daughters of the community to contribute meaningfully to the celebrations to make it more colorful and memorable than ever.

Some of the activities lined up for the celebrations of Ilobu Day celebrations include; Commemoration Lecture organized by the Ilobu National Students Union; medical outreach where more than the last year’s 550 people will benefit in free medical care; empowerment of Persons with Disabilities in the community and a host of others.