ILORIN — Residents of Gaa-Akanbi and its environs in Ilorin South Local Government Area have expressed appreciation to the Kwara State Government for approving the construction of the Gaa-Akanbi to Agbabiaka road network, describing the intervention as timely and life-saving.
The commendation was made by the Alangua of Akanbi and the Council of Akanbi Imams, during a press briefing held in Gaa-Akanbi on Sunday. The community leaders said the road, which serves as a major link to the University of Ilorin, Ganmo, and other adjoining communities, had for years been in a deplorable state and had become a death trap for motorists, students, and traders.
Speaking on behalf of the community, the Alangua of Akanbi, Alhaji Sheikh Akanbi, said the approval of the road project was a direct answer to years of prayers and petitions by residents who had suffered accidents, vehicle breakdowns, and economic losses due to the bad road.
“We, the people of Gaa-Akanbi under the leadership of our father, the Alangua of Akanbi, Alhaji Sheikh Akanbi, sincerely appreciate the Kwara State Government for approving the Gaa-Akanbi to Agbabiaka road,” the Alangua said.
“This road does not only serve Gaa-Akanbi. It leads to the University of Ilorin, Ganmo and many other areas. For a long time it has been a death trap. Our children, our women, and our commercial drivers have suffered greatly.”
According to the Council of Imams, the breakthrough came after the community formally reached out to the Kwara State Commissioner for Works, Hon. AbdulQowiy Olododo, to draw his attention to the deteriorating condition of the road.
The community leaders disclosed that Hon. Olododo responded quickly, visited the area for an on-the-spot assessment, and promised government intervention.
“We applaud Hon. Commissioner for Works, Hon. Q. Olododo for keeping his word,” the Alangua stated. “He listened to us, he came, he saw the situation, and he took action. That is the kind of responsive leadership we need in Kwara.”
The Imams noted that the road has strategic importance beyond Gaa-Akanbi, as thousands of students, lecturers, and business owners use it daily to access the University of Ilorin, one of Nigeria’s largest federal universities, and to connect Ganmo, Oke-Ose, and other satellite communities to Ilorin metropolis.
Community members said the rehabilitation of the Gaa-Akanbi-Agbabiaka road will reduce travel time, lower transportation costs, and boost commerce in the area. Traders who spoke during the briefing said they often lose goods and income during the rainy season because vehicles cannot ply the road.
A commercial driver, Mallam Saliu, said: “Before now, we spend more on vehicle repairs than we make in a week. Students trek long distances and sometimes miss lectures. With this approval, we believe our suffering will reduce.”
The Council of Imams added that improved road infrastructure will also enhance security, as emergency responders and security agencies will have easier access to the community.
Prayers and Appreciation
In an emotional moment, the Alangua led prayers for Governor Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq*, members of the State Executive Council, and all those involved in facilitating the project.
“On behalf of Gaa-Akanbi environ, we say Jazakumullahu Khairan to His Excellency, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq,” he said. “May Allah continue to guide you and give you the wisdom to do more for Kwarans. We also pray for Hon. Olododo and the entire Ministry of Works for their prompt response.”
The Imams urged residents to support the contractors when work begins and to protect government infrastructure in the area. They also called on youth groups to maintain peace and avoid activities that could delay the project.
Stakeholders described the approval as another example of the present administration’s commitment to equitable development across Kwara. They noted that road projects in both urban and rural areas are critical to unlocking economic potential and improving quality of life.
“This is not just about Gaa-Akanbi,” a community youth leader said. “It is about connecting people to opportunities, to schools, to markets, and to hospitals. We are grateful that government is listening.”
The community concluded by reaffirming its support for the AbdulRazaq administration and pledged to mobilize residents for continued peace and development in Kwara State.
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