On Thursday, Senator Saliu Mustapha intensified efforts to address safety hazards at the deadly Oko-Olowo intersection in Ilorin.
Following a tragic April 2025 accident, he urged swift federal intervention to prevent further loss of lives.
Prompted by public outcry, Mustapha convened an emergency meeting with Works Minister Dave Umahi and State Minister Bello Goronyo.
Together, they prioritized constructing a flyover to curb recurring crashes at the notorious site.
Meanwhile, engineers will soon assess the area to finalize immediate and long-term solutions. Their evaluation aims to fast-track designs for an interchange, addressing the intersection’s chaotic traffic flow.
Mustapha commended Kwara State’s ongoing initiatives but stressed federal collaboration. “Our people deserve safer roads,” he declared, vowing to persist until tangible progress emerges.
Residents have long criticized the intersection’s poor design, blaming narrow lanes and unclear signage for frequent collisions. Recent fatalities have amplified demands for accountability and modernization.
During discussions, Umahi affirmed the ministry’s commitment to upgrading critical infrastructure nationwide. He pledged to mobilize resources once engineers submit their feasibility report.
Additionally, Goronyo emphasized the need for synchronized federal-state partnerships. He hinted at potential rerouting plans to ease congestion during construction phases.
Local leaders welcomed the dialogue but urged transparency. Community representative Aisha Bello warned, “Delays cost lives—we need action, not promises.”
Experts argue that flyovers alone won’t suffice. Urban planner Tunde Adeoye advised integrating pedestrian bridges and traffic lights for holistic safety.
Despite challenges, Mustapha remains optimistic. “Every stakeholder recognizes the urgency,” he said, citing bipartisan support for the project.
Kwara’s transport commissioner, Ibrahim Jawondo, echoed this sentiment, revealing state-funded repairs to nearby roads will commence next month.
However, commuters remain skeptical. Taxi driver Yusuf Abdullahi recalled multiple petitions ignored over years. “We’ll believe it when bulldozers arrive,” he muttered.
The push mirrors broader national infrastructure reforms, with lawmakers allocating increased funds to high-risk zones. Analysts predict Oko-Olowo’s overhaul could set a precedent for similar regions.
As pressure mounts, the works ministry faces scrutiny to deliver promptly. Senior official Funke Adesina assured, “We’ll prioritize this project once approvals are finalized.”
For now, police have deployed extra officers to manage traffic, yet locals argue this is a stopgap, not a solution.
Mustapha’s office confirmed weekly progress updates to keep the public informed. His team also plans town halls to incorporate community feedback.
With lives hanging in the balance, the clock ticks louder. The Oko-Olowo intersection stands as a test of political will—a chance to transform peril into safety through decisive action.
