The Modakeke Community in Osun State is sounding the alarm, demanding immediate intervention from the State Government to fix their crumbling inner roads. Residents are grappling with severe hardships that these dilapidated routes have caused, threatening their everyday lives.

Community leaders are raising serious red flags over the shocking state of the roads connecting various parts of the town. The deteriorating infrastructure is having a catastrophic impact on social, cultural, and commercial activities, leaving residents in a dire situation.

This critical issue was thrust into the spotlight by Prince Tunmbi Toriola, chairman of the 40th Akoraye Day planning committee, during a recent press conference in Modakeke. This event kicked off the annual Akoraye Day celebrations, but the focus quickly shifted to the desperate need for road repairs.

In a bid to tackle these infrastructural woes, Toriola announced an ambitious plan to raise a whopping N1 billion for various development projects during the grand finale of this year’s Akoraye Day celebrations. This bold move underscores the community's determination to address their infrastructure crisis, but can they truly do it alone?

“Modakeke has consistently shown its commitment to self-help development,” Toriola emphasized, hoping to lure the state government into a partnership to improve the town’s infrastructure. He declared, “Communities thrive best when government support strengthens local initiatives.” But is that really happening?

Toriola laid out the community's urgent needs, making it clear that the time for action is now. “We call on the Osun State Government to take immediate and strategic action to address our dilapidated and impassable roads, the poor condition of community link roads, the urgent need for upgraded health facilities, improved water supply, modern drainage channels to prevent flooding, and enhanced security infrastructure.”

The roads are in such disrepair that they are hindering commerce, emergency responses, and social mobility. Toriola pointed specifically to the bridge at the Old Nepa Area, which, despite some repairs, remains vulnerable and incomplete. How long must the community wait for necessary repairs?

“It is both appropriate and imperative that the state government partners with us to uplift the infrastructure of this historic community,” Toriola stated, clearly frustrated with the lack of support. He expressed the community’s openness to strategic engagement, but will the government respond?

Reflecting on past successes achieved through local efforts, Toriola mentioned projects funded by previous Akoraye Day celebrations, including Modakeke High School, an ultramodern palace, a police station, and more. But these triumphs seem overshadowed by the current crisis.

At the upcoming grand finale of this year’s celebrations, the community plans to launch a N1 billion Community Development Fund. Will this be enough to turn the tide?

Prominent dignitaries, including the Ooni of Ile-Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, are expected to attend, but can their presence alone provide the much-needed solutions to Modakeke's infrastructure problems?

Stressing that peace is essential for progress, Toriola pushed the community's commitment to harmonious coexistence with neighboring areas. However, amidst rising tensions and attacks, is that commitment sustainable?

In a related plea, the Modakeke community has reached out to President Bola Tinubu and Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, urging them to intervene in curbing the frequent attacks by suspected hoodlums. Prof. Peter Olawuni, President of the Modakeke Progressive Union, highlighted the urgent need for government intervention to restore safety, especially after recent vandalism incidents.

The Modakeke community stands united in its quest for development and safety, calling for both local and state government support to tackle the pressing issues threatening their very existence. Will their pleas be heard, or will they continue to struggle in silence?