Itesiwaju Omu Arogun ACDC demands Ogun govt’s action on Mowe–Ofada Road, power supply

Community leaders under the Itesiwaju Omu Arogun Area Community Development Committee (ACDC), Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State, have called on the state government to urgently intervene in the deteriorating condition of key infrastructure in Mowe, particularly the uncompleted Mowe–Ofada Road and the area’s persistent electricity challenges.

The appeal was made recently, during the 3rd Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the association held at Imagine Lounge & Suites, Mowe, where residents, government representatives and community stakeholders gathered to review the year’s activities, unveil future plans and honour outstanding contributors.

Delivering his address, the Area Chairman of Itesiwaju Omu Arogun ACDC, Yemi Adebisi, said the condition of the Mowe–Ofada Road had become a major concern for residents, noting that the long-abandoned project continued to hinder movement and economic activities in the area.

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He appealed to Governor Dapo Abiodun to redeem his promise on the road project, stressing that the situation had worsened over time.

Adebisi also drew attention to the absence of a motor garage in Mowe, warning that commercial vehicles currently operating along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway posed serious risks to lives and property. He further lamented the lack of a public incinerator in the community, describing the state’s waste management arrangement as ineffective, especially in the face of sanctions against residents for indiscriminate dumping without viable alternatives.

The Area Chairman also urged the Obafemi Owode Local Government to urgently rehabilitate roads linking Mowe to the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, citing extensive potholes that have increased vehicle maintenance costs for residents. He additionally called for an end to alleged multiple taxation by some local government officials, describing the practice as counterproductive amid prevailing economic hardship.

Immediately after the Area Chairman’s remarks, Hon. Adetola Adekanye was recognised for his pivotal role in the evolution of the CDC structure in the area. Adekanye, who served as Chairman of the Arigbawonwo Area Community Development Committee (ACDC) that gave birth to the Itesiwaju Omu Arogun ACDC, currently holds the position of General Secretary of the Obafemi Owode Zonal Community Development Council. His presence at the AGM underscored the institutional continuity and leadership support within the CDC framework.

Reviewing the association’s activities in 2025, Adebisi highlighted several achievements recorded despite economic challenges. He noted that monthly CDC meetings were held across various CDAs, while representatives consistently participated in zonal CDC engagements and leadership trainings organised by the state government and the Obafemi Owode Zonal CDC.

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According to him, over 30 members benefited from the state-organised Community and Leadership (C&L) training during the year, while others participated in zonal leadership programmes aimed at strengthening grassroots governance.

He listed projects executed by CDAs within the CDC to include the purchase of motorcycles by Eagle CDA, the ongoing construction of a community hall by Ifesowapo CDA Phase 1, installation of CCTV cameras across several communities, road grading, and the fixing of street lights.

The AGM also served as a platform to unveil the CDC’s future plans, which include strengthening its financial base through the acquisition of a commercial bus estimated at N20 million, the establishment of a food bank to provide subsidised food for members, improved welfare support, enhanced security collaboration, youth empowerment initiatives, and renewed engagement with power sector stakeholders to address electricity challenges in 2026.

The meeting featured a financial literacy session by Mr Olamide Bakare, who advised community leaders on prudent financial management, investment and consistency, stressing that financial independence requires continuous learning and informed decision-making.

Also, speaking at the event, Shobukola Babatunde, the Distribution Technical manager, Mowe Hub, IBEDC, urged residents to remain patient, assuring them that visible improvements would soon be seen. However, residents raised concerns over electricity distribution in the area, alleging that they pay higher tariffs but receive less power supply compared to neighbouring communities.

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Reacting, Samson Okunola of Paradise CDA and Alfa White, a cleric in the community, praised the leadership of Pastor Adebisi and commended his efforts in steering the affairs of the Itesiwaju Omu Arogun ACDC.

Oluyimika Ayoola also supported the chairman’s position on the poor state of the Mowe market road, calling for urgent intervention.

Representing the Ogun State Government, Taibat Abbas commended the association for its unity, resilience and commitment to community development. She assured members that their concerns had been noted and expressed confidence that the state government, under Governor Dapo Abiodun, would respond accordingly.

The AGM concluded with the presentation of awards to deserving individuals and groups, reinforcing calls for stronger collaboration between government and grassroots communities to address longstanding infrastructural and social challenges in Mowe and its environs.

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