Advocacy Group, MOGA Seeks Tinubu’s Intervention Over ‘Deplorable Roads, Poor Infrastructure’ In Ogun

A civic advocacy movement, Make Ogun State Great Again (MOGA), has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene in what it described as the worsening state of infrastructure and public services in Ogun State, particularly the deplorable condition of roads across the state.

This appeal was made on Sunday by the its convener, Olawoye Kayode, during the official unveiling of 24 coordinators of the grassroots movement at the Sango-Ota Under Bridge in Ogun State. The event, which held on Sunday, attracted community leaders, Community Development Association (CDA) executives and residents across the state’s 20 local government areas.

Speaking with journalists after the unveiling, Kayode said the gathering was organised to draw the President’s attention to the challenges confronting residents after what he described as eight months of unsuccessful engagement with state and local government authorities.

He stressed that MOGA remains a non-partisan pressure group established to amplify the voices of ordinary citizens rather than promote any political party.

“We have gathered here today to tell the President the true condition of Ogun State and what we are going through. We have spent eight months engaging the governor, senators, House of Representatives members and local government officials, but they have turned deaf ears. What we have done today is to report our situation to the President,” he said.

Kayode stressed that the group was not blaming President Tinubu but was seeking his intervention to ensure the concerns of Ogun residents receive attention.

He alleged that many roads constructed by the state government deteriorate within a few months due to poor quality, while several communities continue to grapple with bad roads, inadequate electricity supply, dilapidated schools and poorly equipped primary healthcare centres.

“The first problem in Ogun State is roads. Everywhere you turn, you see bad roads. Even roads constructed a few months ago have already failed. We are simply asking for the dividends of democracy. Give us our rights, and we will commend the government,” he said.

The MOGA movement convener also urged political office holders to focus on delivering tangible development projects rather than relying on cash or food distribution during election campaigns.

“We don't want campaigns based on sharing N5,000 or rice. Use projects to campaign. Let people see what you have delivered,” he added.

Also speaking, one of the group’s coordinators, Adegboye Samuel, described MOGA as a response to the frustrations of residents of Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area, whom he said had experienced little government presence.

He lamented the condition of roads, public schools and primary healthcare centres in the area, noting that many roads had become death traps despite the council's proximity to Lagos State.

“As far as Ado-Odo/Ota is concerned, we have not witnessed the presence of government. Our roads are in deplorable condition, our schools are in poor shape and many primary healthcare centres lack basic facilities,” he said.

Samuel further criticised the performance of elected representatives, saying residents had seen little impact from most lawmakers.

He, however, singled out Senator Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, for commendation, citing the donation of a transformer to his community and other infrastructure projects in Ogun West.

“Aside from Senator Yayi, we are not feeling the presence of most of our representatives,’’ he stated.

Another coordinator, Mustapha Akorede Abdulsalam of Araromi CDA, said residents of his community had suffered for years because of impassable roads and inadequate government presence.

He said the advocacy was intended to draw President Tinubu's attention to the plight of communities that, according to him, had not benefited from local government autonomy.

“President Tinubu granted local government autonomy, but we are not seeing the benefits at the grassroots. That is why we organised this advocacy, so the President can hear directly from us that our communities are not benefiting from government,’’ Abdulsalam said.

The group conclusively urged the Federal Government to take steps that would ensure improved infrastructure, effective utilisation of public funds and greater accountability in Ogun State's local government administration.

The group said its mission center on promoting good governance, transparency and accountability, while mobilising citizens and community development associations to actively participate in governance and advocate improved infrastructure, grassroots development and peaceful civic engagement across Ogun State.