Balance Infrastructure Development: Sen. Jimoh Ibrahim Demands Inclusion of Ore–Okitipupa–Igbokoda Road in Federal Repairs
By Onwe Wisdom|Pan Afric Reporters
The Senate today Thursday during plenary witnessed a compelling call for equitable infrastructure development as Distinguished Senator Jimoh Ibrahim Folorunsho, representing Ondo South Senatorial District, led a motion urging the Federal Government to expand ongoing repairs on the Akure–Ore Road to include the neglected Ore–Okitipupa–Igbokoda Unity Road.
Presenting the motion titled “Achieving Fair and Balanced Infrastructure Development: Expansion of Akure-Ore Road Repairs to the Ore-Okitipupa-Igbokoda Unity Road,” Senator Ibrahim stressed that road construction and maintenance remained central to Nigeria’s economic progress especially in corridors with rising traffic tied to commercial and oil-producing activities.
He reminded the Senate that the Akure–Ore Road repairs, designated Project C/No. 6509 (ERGP12190717), had received an appropriation of ₦31,023,545.00 in both the 2022 and 2023 fiscal years, saying the project aligns with Nigeria’s commitments to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
However, he pointed out a glaring omission.
“Ondo State contributes over 7% of Nigeria’s crude oil revenue,” Senator Ibrahim noted, “yet the primary access route to these oil-producing communities the Ore–Okitipupa–Igbokoda Federal Road remains largely unattended despite accounting for 95% of the economic relevance of this corridor.”
The lawmaker emphasised that the road is not just a transport route, but a “unity road” linking vital oil-producing communities in Ondo South, fostering shared economic, social, and cultural ties. He stressed that stakeholders in the region feel sidelined, a trend he warned could undermine public trust.
“Excluding this road from federal intervention threatens the equity and fairness expected in an oil-producing region,” he cautioned. “Communities with shared heritage must not be made to feel marginalised, especially when their resources support national development.”
Senator Ibrahim further reminded colleagues that over 2 million residents, including 1.5 million registered voters, depend on the neglected road for economic survival and mobility.
“We must act in the interest of justice, equity, and national unity,” he urged. “Leaving out the only federal highway serving an oil-producing zone in Ondo State is not just an oversight it is a disservice.”
The motion concluded with a strong appeal for corrective action.
Accordingly, the Senate resolved to urge the Federal Ministry of Works to immediately incorporate the Ore–Okitipupa–Igbokoda Federal Road into the ongoing repairs under Project C/No. 6509.
Senators across the chamber expressed support, describing the call as timely and aligned with the national goal of balanced infrastructure development.
If approved by the Executive, the expanded repair work is expected to ease transportation challenges, unlock greater economic productivity, and foster unity among oil-producing communities in Ondo South.
