‎Oyo lawmaker, Oyekola Advocates Urgent Rescue Of Atiba Farmers Over Poor Condition Of Rural Roads

‎
‎The Chief Whip of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Gbenga Joseph Oyekola, has called on the state government to take swift and decisive action to rescue farmers in Atiba Local Government, following devastating flooding that cut off major rural roads and crippled agricultural activities in the area.
‎
‎Raising the motion under “Matter of Urgent Public Importance” during Tuesday’s plenary sitting, the lawmaker expressed deep concern over the worsening condition of rural infrastructure, particularly after the recent downpour on Sunday, October 5, 2025.
‎
‎According to Oyekola, the heavy rainfall caused the collapse of the Alaparun River box culvert along the Sabo–Baale Agbe–Otefon Road, a vital route that connects several farming communities to major markets in Sabo and Ajegunle.
‎
‎He described the situation as a “serious threat to the agro-economic survival” of the constituency, noting that over 65 percent of Atiba’s residents depend on farming for their livelihood.
‎
‎“Agriculture is not just an occupation here, it is the heartbeat of our economy and a pathway to wealth creation and food sufficiency,” he said.
‎
‎According to him, since the collapse of the culvert, farmers have struggled to move their produce to urban markets. Many are now forced to take long and costly detours through the Iseyin–Ogbomoso axis, resulting in increased transport expenses, delays, and large quantities of perishable goods going to waste.
‎
‎Oyekola described the affected road as a “food corridor” that connects three key wards, including the densely populated Ward 10.
‎
‎“This is more than a local road. It’s a lifeline for thousands of farmers. If it remains inaccessible, it will choke the food supply chain, increase hunger, and deepen poverty among our people,” he warned.
‎
‎The motion, seconded by Hon. Owolabi Olusola, who represents Ibadan North East Constituency 2, urged the Executive Arm of Government to intervene immediately.
‎
‎The lawmakers specifically called on the Ministry of Public Works and Transport to rehabilitate the collapsed Alapagun River culvert and restore vehicular movement along the Sabo–Baale Agbe–Otefon route.
‎
‎They also urged the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters to direct the Atiba Local Government Chairman to commence rehabilitation of other rural roads in the area.
‎
‎Oyekola further appealed to all local government authorities across Oyo State to prioritize the grading and maintenance of rural access roads, emphasizing that rural connectivity is central to food security and local development.
‎
‎He however, reminded the House that neglecting the plight of farmers in Atiba could have far-reaching consequences for the state’s economy.
‎
‎”When the farmer is stranded, the market is empty. This is not just an Atiba issue–it’s a food security concern for the entire state,” Oyekola added.