The Yaba community in the Idanre Local Council Area of Ondo State has petitioned the Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, over the alleged abandoned infrastructure projects funded by the World Bank through the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP).

In the petition addressed to the governor, the community alleged both the Ondo State Government and the implementing agency, RAAMP, neglected projects worth billions of naira, stressing that crucial roads and a market development scheme are in disrepair.

The projects affected include Odode-Bajare Road, Ojota-Ala Road, and the World Bank Market along the Yaba/Ojotu (Olofin-Ojota) axis.

The community stated that the projects were meant to improve rural transportation, support agricultural trade, and boost livelihoods, but they have instead become symbols of neglect.

The petition, signed by community leader Araghaye of Idanre and head of Yaba community Chief Fredrick Adegoke, stressed that the Bajare Road project was inaugurated in August 2024.

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With the document also signed by Elder Fola Adeghate, General Chairman of the Yaba Administrative Committee, and Comrade Francis Akinyode, Secretary of the Yaba Market Development Committee, the leaders claimed that the market project was suddenly stopped after a dispute between contractors.

“The Odode-Bajare Road and Ojota-Ala Road are impassable, severely affecting the movement of people and goods. The market project remains stalled due to unresolved contractor disputes.

“The community’s hope for development and improved livelihoods has been dashed. This situation is unacceptable, especially for a World Bank-funded initiative entrusted to the Ondo State Government. It undermines public confidence and jeopardises the welfare of thousands of residents.

“We respectfully appeal to Your Excellency to visit the project sites to assess the level of abandonment. Resolve the contractor dispute and ensure the rightful contractor resumes work.

“Remobilise construction teams to complete the road and market projects. Establish a monitoring committee to ensure transparency and accountability. We remain hopeful that your intervention will restore progress and dignity to our community.” (The Guardian)