By Omowole Omogoroye
Dear Distinguished Senator Dr. Jimoh Ibrahim,
Heartfelt congratulations on your election as a life member of the Senate of Cambridge University. This prestigious honour is a testament to your dedication to academic excellence and your standing as a respected global citizen. Your achievements are truly remarkable, especially as you are the first to earn a Doctorate in Business from the University of Cambridge since its inception.
I wish to commend your senatorial performances, which have garnered significant recognition both locally and globally. You have indeed projected and promoted the Federal Republic of Nigeria with great commitment, showcasing Nigeria as the giant of Africa, as we were known in the early ’70s to mid-’80s. Moreover, you have beautifully proven yourself as a Senator from the Sunshine State, Ondo, representing disciplined, hardworking, and principled individuals, with exceptional prowess in navigating complex issues and championing causes that bring mutual benefits. By this typology, you have immensely demonstrated your unique leadership qualities. Well done, dear Senator.
However, Senator, I must call your attention to pressing matters at home, as I cannot overemphasise the need for you to prioritise the interests of the people you represent—the citizens of Ondo State South Senatorial District, which comprises Okitipupa (Ikale Nation, where you hail from), Ilaje, and Ese Odo Local Government Areas, all of which constitute the old Okitipupa Division. It is crucial, Senator, to ensure that the dividends of democracy reach your constituency in various forms.
Dr. Jimoh Ibrahim, one pressing issue that requires your immediate attention is the exclusion of your constituency from the Akure-Ondo-Ore road development and dualisation project. This is a project long overdue. With great sorrow, I recall how the deadly nature of this road has tragically shortened the life of a promising and vibrant government functionary from Ondo State, your late Deputy Governor, H.E. Barr Afolabi Iyantan (my blood relation). May his soul find rest in the Lord.
Permit me to provide a brief overview of the efforts made by people from your constituency towards initiating the development of this project. In 2007, I penned a letter to the late Governor, H.E. Dr. Olusegun Agagu, advising him to approach President Olusegun Obasanjo to request the dualisation of the Akure-Ondo-Ore-Okitipupa road. Unfortunately, this effort failed.
Again, in 2019, I had the opportunity to meet Chief Dr. Awoseyi, an illustrious son of Omi Kingdom and Deputy Director at the Federal Ministry of Works, who is directly in charge of Procurement, Tender Evaluation, and Award of Contracts. We discussed the crucial matter of dualising the Akure-Ondo-Ore-Okitipupa-Igbokoda road. Soon after our meeting, Dr. Awoseyi took immediate action by connecting with his counterpart, Dr. Olubakinde, a Federal Director in the Ministry of Works in Akure, Ondo State. This collaboration led to the initial design and drawing work for the dualisation project starting from Akure to Ondo-Ore-Okitipupa.
From valid information, Dr. Awoseyi and other connected staff in the Ministry provided substantial support to influence and secure the Hon. Minister of Works, H.E. Raji Fashola’s commitment to the project. Three royal majesties were involved in this effort. A jointly signed letter was prepared by the Deji of Akure, the Osemawe of Ondo, and the Abodi of Ikale, which was delivered by HRM Oba Olumoyegun Oniju of Ijuodo to the Hon. Minister, seeking his support for the road project.
It was from the cumulated groundwork efforts of these individuals in the Ministry, following the retirement of Dr. Awoseyi, that Hon. Parliamentarians became aware of the project, leading to their parliamentary initiatives of bill presentations on the floor of both the Green and Red chambers of the National Assembly. This culminated in the appropriation of funds, budgetary allocation, and the awarding of the contract for road development.
At this juncture, I would like to acknowledge with gratitude the involvement of Hon. Members House Representatives Adefiranye, Makinde, and Distinguished Senator Adegbonmire, all from Ondo Central Senatorial District. I also recognise any other individuals or groups that may have contributed to the development of this road.
My Senator, this unexplainable exclusion or oversight of your constituency in the Akure-Ondo-Ore-(Okitipupa-Igbokoda) project could have far-reaching consequences, including stagnation of economic growth and a decreased quality of life for our people. More importantly, it is a disappointment to all inhabitants, both low and mighty, of the community you represent. It is essential to recognise that your constituents’ perception of your performance will significantly influence their support for your future political endeavours. Failure to address this concern may lead to grave resentment, potentially impacting your future political aspirations.
I urge you, Senator, to take the lead now and advocate for the inclusion of your constituency in the ongoing project, either through the presentation of a fresh bill or by seeking presidential intervention for the road dualisation project. Doing so will demonstrate your strong commitment to the welfare and development of the majority you represent.
Senator Dr. Jimoh Ibrahim, I am confident that no obstacle can prevent you from achieving this request to extend the Akure-Ondo-Ore road development to Igbokoda, given your renewed vigour in promoting President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda around the globe. If the Southern Senatorial District is denied this vital economic gateway, neither you, nor MHRs Prince Odimayo and Ojogo, nor our Governor, H.E. Lucky Orimisan Ayedatiwa, will be forgiven.
I respectfully urge you to take proactive steps to address this major infrastructural development and dualisation concern as your priority now. Doing this will reinforce your dedication to the well-being of our people and solidify your position as a champion of our interests.
Once again, dear Senator, congratulations on your achievements. Your message to the graduands of Cambridge University and the youth is not only thought-provoking but also visionary and real.
Humbly, I look forward to seeing a more energised and continued commitment to the people of Ondo South Senatorial District.
I wish you well, Sir.
Sincerely,
Omowole Omogoroye
President, Union of Ikale Indigenes (UOII)
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