Community leaders in Paata Abiodun, Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State, have appealed to Governor Dapo Abiodun to address the lack of a motorable access road to the area.

They lamented that the absence of proper road infrastructure has hindered socio-economic development and subjected residents to hardship, forcing them to rely on a risky waterway to connect with nearby communities.

The traditional ruler, Oba Martins Akanni, said the agrarian community, known for producing cocoa, kolanut, and plantain, struggles to transport farm produce due to poor accessibility.

“Our major cry is for the state government to come to our aid and help us with an access road,” he said, noting that a link road of less than five kilometres connecting the community to Iro and the Papalanto-Sagamu road would significantly improve development.

Other community leaders, including Sopeju Ladipo and Kamorudeen Adenekan, echoed similar concerns, describing the waterway route as unsafe and unsustainable, especially during the rainy season.

They urged the government to either construct the access road or build a bridge to ease movement and boost economic activities in the area.

Reacting, the Chairman of Ifo Local Government, Idris Kusimo, acknowledged the challenge and said efforts were ongoing to collaborate with the state government to address the issue.

He added that ongoing projects, including the Papalanto-Sagamu road, could eventually help link the community to better road networks, urging residents to remain patient.