By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
The Lagos State Government is facing severe criticism and public backlash for its continued neglect of the deplorable road conditions in front of the prestigious Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ).
The sorry state of the road has not only caused immense inconvenience for students, faculty, and staff but has also raised concerns about the government’s commitment to public infrastructure and safety.
The gubernatorial candidate in Ogun State under the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) for the just concluded 2023 general elections, Olufemi Ajadi, told our correspondent, while being interviewed today, 1 August, 2023, that the road in front of the institution has been riddled with potholes, cracks, and uneven surfaces, making it hazardous for motorists and pedestrians alike.
Ajadi, who always plies the road, describes his daily commute as a harrowing experience, often leading to damage to vehicles and posing risks to personal safety. He added that the neglect of the road has left many questioning the priorities of the Lagos State Government and its inability to address such a critical issue.
He said, “See, I don’t have anything to do or to tell you government than to call your attention to order. Your negligence to repair the dilapidated road at the front of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism shows that you are not politically competent.
“If you failed to build your home, how are you going to build the nation?”, he said.
A business center attendant whose office is opposite the institution, Hanna Samuel, said the neglect of the road in front of the institution highlights a broader issue of infrastructural decay in Lagos and underscores the need for a comprehensive and proactive approach to address such challenges in the city’s development.
“This bad road has created a bad image for the correctional center Area G; The Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ) and the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), Ogba branch which are located along this road,” she said.
A student at the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Olushola Ibrahim, said the road got to a worse stage as the concerned authority left the early discovered potholes unattended to, adding that the road is a major one for commuters to connect to Berger from Ogba and Agege respectively.
He added that the Local Government Chairman which the area falls into should take up the responsibility of calling for the attention of the state government.
The situation has sparked protests and social media campaigns, with students, and concerned citizens calling for immediate action to address the road’s dire condition. Hashtags like #FixNIJRoad and #LagosRoadsMatter have gained traction, drawing attention to the government’s neglect and amplifying the urgency for change.
As the controversy continues to escalate, all eyes are on the government’s response and whether they will take prompt action to rectify this long-standing issue that affects not only the institute’s stakeholders but also the image and reputation of Lagos State.