Oyo Assembly Chief Whip Calls For Decisive Actions To Rescue Atiba Farmers

Member representing Atiba State Constituency who is also the Chief Whip, Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Gbenga Joseph Oyekola, has called on the State Government to take swift and decisive action to rescue farmers in Atiba Local Government, Oyo, following devastating flooding that cut off major rural roads and crippled agricultural activities in the area.

Raising the motion under “Matter of Urgent Public Importance” during plenary sitting, Hon. Oyekola expressed deep concern and worries over the worsening condition of rural infrastructure, particularly after the recent downpour on Sunday, October 5, 2025.

According to him, the heavy rains caused the collapse of the Alaparun River box culvert along the Sabo–Baale Agbe–Otefon Road, a vital route that connects several farm settlements with major markets in Sabo and Ajegunle Areas.

He described the situation as a “serious threat to the agro-economic survival” of the constituency, noting that over 65 percent of Atiba’s residents depend largely on farming activities for their livelihood.

“Since the collapse of the culvert, farmers have struggled to move their produce to urban markets. Many are now forced to take long and costly detours through the Iseyin–Ogbomoso axis, resulting in increased transport expenses, delays, and large quantities of perishable goods going to waste” Hon. Oyekola added.

The Chief Whip described the affected road as a “food corridor” that connects three key wards, including the densely populated Ward 10 of Atiba State Constituency.

He also urged the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters to direct the Atiba Local Government Chairman to commence rehabilitation of other rural roads in the area.

Hon. Oyekola further appealed to all local government authorities across Oyo State to prioritize the grading and maintenance of rural access roads, emphasizing that rural connectivity is central to food security and local development.