By Ismail Azeez
The Ifedayo Local Government council has commenced a large-scale road grading exercise across communities within the council.
The development comes as residents of the area commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over what they described as the positive impact of local government autonomy on grassroots development.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony in Oke-Ila-Orangun, the Chairman of Ifedayo Local Government, Hon. Samuel Idowu Abiodun, described the exercise as a necessary step toward opening up rural communities and improving connectivity.
Grading in progressAbiodun, who also serves as the State Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), said the initiative would enhance transportation and facilitate the movement of people and agricultural produce between rural and urban areas.
He noted that council authorities across the state remain committed to stimulating local economies through infrastructure development.
According to him, the ongoing 35-kilometre road grading project reflects the people-oriented development agenda of APC-led councils in Osun State, aimed at revitalising grassroots communities.
“This grading exercise is designed to directly impact our people at the grassroots. Road grading remains a fundamental responsibility of local governments, as it eases transportation and supports the movement of farm produce from rural communities to urban centres.
“I am pleased that this initiative is being implemented across the 30 local government areas and area offices in Osun State. It is a well-thought-out effort to bring relief to both rural and urban dwellers.
“As we can see, beneficiaries, especially farmers and motorists, have continued to commend the exercise, which clearly shows its direct impact. We are committed to making this a routine while expanding people-focused projects across our councils,” he said.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Ifedayo Area Office, Hon. Musbau Olanrewaju, reaffirmed the council’s commitment to delivering the dividends of democracy through impactful projects and programmes.
He assured residents that efforts would continue to improve their standard of living through timely and strategic interventions.
Some residents who spoke on the development described the initiative as a welcome move, noting that it would significantly improve access to markets and other socio-economic opportunities.
Among those who commended the project were Alhaji Yekini Sulaiman, Mrs. Esther Agboola, Mr. Adeyemi Babatunde, Alhaji Jelili Owolabi, Mr. Kazeem Azeez Ademola, Mr. John Amos, Mr. Afolabi Muftau, Mr. Jimoh Oladosu, and Mrs. Oladipo Oluwakemi.
They expressed optimism that the road grading would open up their communities and enhance socio-economic development.
The flag-off ceremony was attended by the Vice Chairman of Ifedayo Local Government, Hon. Faronbi Adegbola, APC stakeholders, and party loyalists in the area.