Headlinenews.news has produced a polished, professional critique of the article written by Otuba Abdulfalil Abayomi Odunowo on the complete FG neglect of Southern Roads, with supporting context and observations.
Author Verification & Profile Check
Otunba (Dr.) Abdulfalil Abayomi Odunowo introduced himself as a public policy commentator and engineer, holding the position of the National Chairman of an unregistered, unknown “Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu Support Group” (AATSG)
His LinkedIn lists him as Managing Director/CEO at Community Power Solution (CPS) and an engineering graduate from Lagos Business School.
He is visible on social media backing Tinubu’s policies and has contributed opinion pieces defending the administration.
There is no existing credential as an independent policy analyst or civil society expert; his background aligns with political support networks rather than objective research institutions.
Otunba (Dr.) Abdulfalil Abayomi Odunowo’s piece
Enough is Enough: Fix the Federal Roads in Southern Nigeria Now
By Otunba (Dr.) Abdulfalil Abayomi Odunowo
For far too long, the federal roads across Southern Nigeria have been allowed to collapse into total disrepair, revealing an alarming neglect that raises serious questions about our governance system. What should be engines of commerce and mobility have now become death traps, wrecking vehicles, claiming innocent lives, and crippling regional economies. The urgency of this situation can no longer be overstated. It is time for us to reflect on the state of our federal highways and, more importantly, to demand action from those tasked with maintaining them.
Take, for instance, the Ijebu-Ode to Ibadan federal road. It stands as a prime example of the negligence that characterizes the state of our infrastructure. This route is crucial not only for daily commuters but also for commercial activities that are vital to the livelihood of many in the region. However, it is now criminally abandoned a shocking paradox that highlights the disjunction between the vital role these roads play and the reality of their condition. Drivers journey along this stretch with their hearts in their mouths, fearful not only of the drastic toll the poor conditions take on their vehicles but also of the imminent danger posed by potholes and crumbling shoulders. Tragically, fatalities occur here almost daily, leaving grieving families in their wake and devastated businesses struggling under the burden of collapsed supply chains.
The plight of the Ijebu-Ode to Ibadan road is mirrored in the experiences of many others across Southern Nigeria. Every state Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, Delta, Edo, Enugu, Ondo, and Anambra seems to share a common narrative steeped in neglect. From massive potholes that resemble craters to flooded sections that turn roads into rivers during the rainy season, these federal highways have become marred by sheer abandonment. Impassable bridges, which used to connect communities and foster economic growth, now impose unwarranted economic hardship on residents and businesses alike.
In light of these grave concerns, we must ask an important question: What has the Ministry of Works delivered in Southern Nigeria in the last two years? Are there any projects to show for that period, any tangible evidence of an effort to rectify this crisis? If such projects exist, let them be brought to light for scrutiny and accountability. However, if none can be identified, then we must unambiguously declare that this failure is unacceptable and it must be corrected now.
We face a critical juncture that calls for a collective awakening and a rallying demand for equity and accountability. The people of Southern Nigeria deserve roads that are safe, functional, and federally maintained. We witness significant infrastructure investments in other regions, and it is high time that the federal government extends the same consideration to the South. It is unacceptable for the infrastructure that supports our daily lives and economic activities to be relegated to a second-class status simply because of regional neglect.
Moreover, the ramifications of this infrastructural decay extend far beyond just transportation. It affects education, healthcare access, and the overall quality of life for citizens. Children struggle to commute to school, patients are delayed in reaching medical care, and businesses face mounting logistical challenges. The decay of our roads inevitably leads to a diminishing quality of life, one that trends downward as the very fabric of our society continues to fray.
The hourglass of patience has run dry, and we can no longer tolerate excuses or procrastination. The cries for help from the people of Southern Nigeria must resonate loudly enough to reach those in positions of power. It is imperative that the federal government prioritizes the urgent repair and maintenance of federal roads, steering consistent funding, resources, and attention toward this critical issue.
Let us point the spotlight on this disgrace, as we insist on becoming agents of change. No more delays. No more excuses. The time to fix these roads is now. Our people’s lives, livelihoods, and future hinge on our collective action and the commitment of those in governance to reinvest in the infrastructure that underpins our existence. In the interest of justice, safety, and progress, let us rise and demand: Enough is enough!
E-Signed
Otunba (Dr.) Abdulfalil Abayomi Odunowo is a public policy analyst, engineer, and the National Chairman of the Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu Support Group (AATSG). He writes from Lagos.
Strengths of the Original Post
- Raises a legitimate concern: chronic disrepair of federal roads in Southern Nigeria—particularly the Ijebu‑Ode–Ibadan route—is well documented and affecting lives and commerce.
- Uses vivid storytelling to convey urgency and human impact (“death traps,” “claims innocent lives”), which draws emotional attention.
- Appropriate tone for advocacy: He calls for accountability and visible action from the Ministry of Works, a call that resonates with many citizens.
Weaknesses and Areas for Contextual Correction
Overgeneralization & Lack of Balance
The article implies zero effort under Tinubu’s two years, which is factually inaccurate. In reality, the federal government completed 260 palliative road interventions nationwide and initiated multiple mega‑corridor projects from 2023 to 2025 .
There is no acknowledgment of Tinubu’s institutional reforms, e.g., reviving the Abuja light rail, launching new highway corridors (like the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway and Sokoto–Badagry), and completing Federal access roads to the Second Niger Bridge.
Context Gap: Historical Legacy
Southern Nigeria’s roads have suffered decades of neglect, stretching back through several administrations. It’s unfair to expect two years of governance to fully redress roughly forty years of poor maintenance and policy discontinuities.
Political Bias & Framing
The author is secretly tied to pro‑Tinubu political networks (AATSG). Yet the article reads as unequivocally anti-Tinubu, which suggests either a conflict of interest or a deliberate campaign narrative to distance himself publicly or score local political points.
Balanced Perspective on Tinubu’s Efforts
260 palliative projects undertaken demonstrate visible efforts across Nigeria, many of which are small-scale but locally impactful.
Significant progress has been made toward major corridors:
- Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway: first 30 km section commissioned.
- Sokoto–Badagry Highway: over 120 km started with additional sections in progress.
- Abuja–Kaduna–Kano corridor, Enugu–Onitsha expressway, Benin–Asaba and Second Niger Bridge access roads are active components of a larger infrastructure strategy .
Professional Assessment Summary
Claim Fact-based Response
- “Southern roads completely neglected under Tinubu.” False—hundreds of projects have been delivered or initiated nationwide.
- “No projects delivered in two years.” Incorrect—260 completed palliative roads and ongoing mega‑projects are well documented.
- “Unbiased public policy critique”. Lacks transparency; the author’s political affiliation suggests an ideological motive.
Conclusion
While Otunba Odunowo raises legitimate alarms about road conditions in Southern Nigeria, his critique is deeply flawed by neglect of recent federal achievements. The post gives no credit for Tinubu’s demonstrable infrastructure efforts and omits critical context about legacy underinvestment. If the author seeks credibility, acknowledging the scale and timeline of federal interventions—even incremental ones—would lend more fairness and accuracy.
Headlinenews.news Special Investigative Report.
