Hauwa Allahbura, an X (formerly Twitter) user, is leading the charge to hold Dapo Abiodun, the Governor of Ogun State, accountable for the poor condition of roads in one of Nigeria’s most industrialized states.
Ms. Hauwa launched the campaign with the hashtag #dapofixogunroads, urging the state government to fix the roads and calling on Ogun residents to share their experiences using the hashtag.
One of her tweets reads: “This is Magboro Ogun state under Obafemi Owode local government. Hear as this resident complains. We are not stopping. I will never stop. #Dapofixogunroads If they do not answer us from (sic) social media, we will change our strategy. The goal is to make them fix the roads.”
This is Magboro Ogun state under Obafemi Owode local government. Hear as this resident complains. We are not stopping. I will never stop. #Dapofixogunroads If they do not answer us from social media, we will change our strategy. The goal is to make them fix the roads. ✊🏾🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/HKN3fYPLZ7
— Hauwa Allahbura (@HauwaAllahbura) July 3, 2024
Citizens responded by sharing pictures and videos of Ogun’s terrible roads. Within five days, the hashtag had over 200 posts.
However, some government supporters criticized Aisha, urging her to focus on her state’s issues (which they claimed to be insecurity in Plateau and Borno states) and leave Ogun alone. Chief amongst them was @abdullahayofel who wrote “While you’re advocating for improvements, remember that your own community in Jos is suffering due to the deplorable road conditions. Don’t forget to hold Caleb Mutfwang accountable for addressing this critical issue. After all, charity begins at home! The roads in Plateau.”
While you’re advocating for improvements, remember that your own community in Jos is suffering due to the deplorable road conditions. Don’t forget to hold Caleb Mutfwang accountable for addressing this critical issue.
After all, charity begins at home! The roads in Plateau… https://t.co/DEuC85ciYv pic.twitter.com/SvgSoO0462
— A. Ayofe (@abdullahayofel) July 1, 2024
Undeterred, Ms. Hauwa continued her push. She also found support from Ogun residents. Twitter user @adeoye chimed in:
“The #dapofixogunroads trend is positive. Increased attention brings scrutiny, and demands for Ogun State to reach its full potential should be seen as constructive, not negative.”
The recent trend of #dapofixogunroads should be a welcome development as Increased attention naturally brings scrutiny and the demand for Ogun State to maximize its full potential should be seen as constructive, not negative.
This once again highlights the importance for local… pic.twitter.com/ayueqTZa2M
— MAO (@AdedoyinOyewo1) July 2, 2024
The Ogun State government seemingly responded to the campaign. In an announcement on its official social media handle, they declared they would embark on “a massive rehabilitation and reconstruction of many roads across the state.”
Quoting the state Commissioner for Works, Engr Ade Akinsanya, the statement outlined that the government would prioritize road projects “based on fund availability and the economic viability of those roads.”
The statement further detailed that “roads to be jointly rehabilitated with the cooperation of the Federal Ministry of Works include Laderin-Train Station (Phase 1) (ongoing); Adesanolu road, Mowe (ongoing); Liberty road, Oru Ijebu (ongoing); Babcock road via Ilisan market road; Ayegbami road, Iperu; Safetedo Street, Iperu (ongoing); Odo-Egbe Junction/Ereko/Ondo Road Junction (ongoing); Major Thompson Road, Sagamu (ongoing); Methodist Church, Iperu; Awokoya Street, Ijebu Ode; Kanga Lagos-Ilese road, Lots 1 (ongoing), Lots 11, 111 amongst others.”
Additionally, the state governor recently shared a post on his social media account, reassuring residents of specific areas that he will complete the road construction around their neighborhoods.
We assure the residents of Ifo, Ado-Odo Ota, and other parts of Ogun State that we will continue and accelerate road infrastructure development, as we have consistently done in the past. pic.twitter.com/6okXd9jzHe
— Prince Dr. Dapo Abiodun, CON (@DapoAbiodunCON) July 8, 2024
Hauwa Allahbura, an X (formerly Twitter) user, is leading a campaign to hold Dapo Abiodun, the Governor of Ogun State, accountable for the poor condition of roads in the state. Using the hashtag #dapofixogunroads, she urges the state government to address the issue and encourages residents to share their experiences. This campaign quickly gained traction, gathering over 200 posts within five days.
Despite criticism from some government supporters, who urged her to focus on her state’s issues, Hauwa remains undeterred and receives support from Ogun residents. In response to the campaign, the Ogun State government announced plans for extensive road rehabilitation and reconstruction, prioritizing projects based on fund availability and economic viability. The governor also reassured residents through social media posts about continued road infrastructure development in specific areas.
