By AZUH ARINZE

Ogun State prides itself as the industrial hub of Nigeria. Yet, its road network tells a different story ? one of neglect, frustration, and lost potential. The deplorable state of roads across the Gateway State has become a daily nightmare for residents, motorists, visitors and investors alike.

From Sango-Ota to Abeokuta, Ijebu-Ode to Ifo, and from Owode to Sagamu, the story is sadly the same: potholes that have become craters, roads angrily eaten up by erosion, and frustrated motorists forced to wade through flooded and muddy stretches that look more like farmlands than thoroughfares. The people are groaning, businesses are suffering, and time is wasted endlessly on roads that were meant to connect, not cripple, communities.

It is particularly painful that Ogun, a state sharing borders with Lagos - the nation?s economic capital - has allowed its infrastructure to deteriorate so badly. Take Sango-Ota, for instance. Once a booming industrial area, it is now a symbol of neglect, where trucks and cars crawl at snail speed through dust and mud. In Ijoko, Agbado, Ibafo, Magboro, Mowe, Olambe, Akute and Ajuwon, residents have resigned themselves to fate as successive governments play politics with their pain and misery.

To his credit, Governor Dapo Abiodun has embarked on some road rehabilitation projects. But these scattered efforts are simply not enough. They appear more cosmetic than comprehensive, addressing symptoms rather than causes. What Ogun needs is a clear, transparent, and sustainable infrastructure plan ? one that prioritizes economic corridors, empowers credible contractors, and ensures roads are built to last. Not the excuses people get daily ? both from the governor and his media team.

Good roads are not just about comfort; they are the backbone of progress. They open up communities, attract investors, facilitate trade, and improve security. On the other hand, bad roads destroy vehicles, increase accidents, stifle economic activity, and discourage investment.

Governor Abiodun still has time to change the narrative. The people of Ogun State are not demanding miracles ? only roads that work, that connect them to markets, schools, hospitals, and hope.

Governance, in case he has forgotten, is about impact, not promises. If the governor truly seeks to leave a lasting legacy, then he must make road infrastructure his top priority. And the time to act is now ? before the Gateway State completely loses its way.

?Azuh Arinze is the Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of YES INTERNATIONAL! Magazine and author of important books like ?The CEO's Bible 1 and 2?, ?Success Is Not Served A La Carte?, ?Anything and Everything Journalism?, ?Conversations With Showbiz Stars?, ?Encounters: Lessons From My Journalism Career?, ?My Story of Many Colours?, etc

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