For Oko-Olowo, Help Is finally here….

By: Khadijat Eyitanwa Lawal

For decades, the Oko-Olowo intersection along the Ilorin-Bode-Saadu-Jebba expressway has been a deathtrap, claiming hundreds of lives and leaving countless others injured. The petrol tanker explosion on November 28, 2023, which killed 25 people and injured 15 more, is just one in a long string of avoidable tragedies that have made this route a nightmare for road users.

This notorious intersection lies at the heart of a crucial economic and transportation corridor that links the southern and northern parts of Nigeria. Yet, its deteriorating state and lack of adequate safety infrastructure have turned it into a place of sorrow, pain, and unanswered questions.

To its credit, the Kwara State government under Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has made commendable efforts to address the situation, including openly lending his voice in asking the Federal Government of Nigeria to improve the condition of the expressway. His administration has also supported the deployment of traffic enforcement officers and collaborated with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to reduce accidents.

However, these interventions, while significant, have proven insufficient against the scale of challenges at Oko-Olowo. It is apparent that the area requires a more sustainable, large-scale infrastructural and legislative solutions. And this is why the collaborative efforts of Senator Saliu Mustapha, representing Kwara Central Senatorial District, comes in.

Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Senator Mustapha last week moved a motion on the floor of the Nigerian Senate, bringing national attention to the dire state of the Ilorin-Bode-Saadu-Jebba expressway, with specific reference to the Oko-Olowo intersection. The motion, which has sparked serious reactions from far and wide, calls for immediate action to construct a flyover at Oko-Olowo. These measures aim to reduce congestion, improve road safety, and minimize the risk of accidents caused by several factors.

This intervention could not have come at a better time. For years, the people of Kwara and travelers along this route have clamored for a comprehensive solution to the chaos at Oko-Olowo. Senator Mustapha’s motion gives hope that the federal government, which owns the expressway, will finally prioritize its redevelopment.

Critics may argue that motions are not binding and do not carry the force of law, but they are an essential first step in legislative advocacy. By tabling this issue at the National Assembly, Senator Mustapha has laid the groundwork for a coordinated effort involving the federal government, the Kwara State government, and other relevant stakeholders.

The Oko-Olowo tragedy is a stark reminder that road accidents are not just a matter of fate but often a result of neglect and poor planning. The road’s narrow lanes, lack of pedestrian walkways, and frequent misuse by pedestrians and overloaded trailers have all contributed to its deadly reputation. Add to this the absence of modern safety infrastructure such as bypasses and truck parks, and it becomes clear why this intersection has claimed so many lives.

While we await the federal government’s action on Senator Mustapha’s motion, it is worth acknowledging that collective responsibility is crucial. Local communities must continue to advocate for safer roads. Truck drivers and fleet operators must embrace better maintenance practices and comply with traffic laws. And government at all levels, and other relevant stakeholders should not relent in their efforts to collaborate with federal agencies to bring lasting solutions to roads like this.

For Oko-Olowo, help is now on the way. Senator Mustapha’s motion represents a critical step in addressing the systemic issues plaguing the expressway. His interventions, alongside the collaborative efforts of Governor AbdulRazaq, is a beacon of hope for a community that has endured too much grief.

But the journey doesn’t end here. Motions must translate into action, and promises must become tangible results. Only then can the people of Kwara and all Nigerians who traverse this vital corridor finally breathe a sigh of relief and reclaim their roads from the grip of tragedy.

Khadijat Eyitanwa Lawal is a media assistant to Senator Saliu Mustapha