By Temitope Muhideen, Confidence News Nigeria

“Ibrahim Taiwo Road” is located in the East of Offa. It is about 2,923 meters long. The road is the business heart of the ancient Offa town, apart from being a popular road, it’s one of the longest road in Offa, it connects to areas like General, OGS, Osunte and others. The road is always busy, in this report, Confidence News Nigeria’s Temitope Muhideen chronicles the plight of property owners amidst government expansion on the road. 

From the beckoning voice of commercial motorcyclists scouting for passengers in order to meet their daily needs to petty traders hooked to the road plying their trade unbothered by the noise of the motorists and pedestrians, there is no doubt that Ibrahim Taiwo Road is the business hub of Offa, where electronics and clothes are sold, majority of the traders on the road are of Igbo extraction. 

Based on the scenery, life may seem normal for traders on the road. However, the Kwara State government has given them a 48-hour ultimatum to remove any properties placed on government setbacks as part of the road expansion and reconstruction project.

All his life, 52 years old Jonathan Okechukwu has resided in Offa, his uncle brought him to the town from Nnewi in the present-day Anambra State about 47 years ago, and he has been in the town since then, he has tried different businesses until about 20 years ago when he secured a shop along Taiwo road, Offa, he sells electronics and home appliances.

“It’s an unfortunate situation right now, the 48 hours notice is too short, although it’s above 48 hours now, we have to respect the rule of law, we were informed that our shops are on govt setbacks, what the govt wants to do at the long run will benefit the community, motorists, and business owners, but I think the govt should compensate us for this emergency damages,” Jonathan said with a strong face. 

Godwin (29) is from Agbor, an Igbo community in Delta State. He was born and raised in Offa and inherited the clothing business from his late father, PA Reuben Ibechukwu. Speaking alone behind his shop while carpenters tried to remove the inscribed part of his shop, he shared his hardships with this reporter. An anxious Godwin led this reporter around his shop, revealing the small space left after the government setbacks, with a heavy heart and a somber expression. “This government is wicked,” he lamented. However, Godwin pleaded with the Kwara State government to compensate property owners affected by the roadside changes.

Unlike Jonathan and Godwin, the chief Imam of Masjid Alhuda, Alhaji Jimoh Olasupo, spoke on behalf of the mosque’s owner and emphasized that they were aware from the beginning that a part of the mosque was built on government land. He explained, “When we went to the Ministry of Land for the land document, we were informed that we needed to leave a certain space for government setbacks. However, we had already started construction at that time. As you can see, we have removed the marked part of our property so that the government can work smoothly on the road.” Imam also showed this reporter a power line above the mosque, emphasizing that no building should be beyond the power line. “We hope that the government will consider our appeal and compensate us for the damage,” Imam concluded. 

Commissioner for Works reacts 

The honorable Commissioner for Works and Transport in Kwara State, Engr. Abdulquawiy Abdulganiyu Olododo informed this reporter via WhatsApp conversation that the road was captured in the 2024 appropriation budget through the Ministry of Works and Transportation, Hon. Olododo assures that property owners have at least a weak to remove their properties from the encroached areas before the govt begins demolitions of unremoved properties. “There is no provision for any form of compensation because they are property that shouldn’t be there in the first place, they are sited on government setbacks, Hon Olodod concluded. 

Community leaders react

The commencement of the road expansion project by the government has sparked a mixed reaction from community leaders. While some have welcomed the development, citing improved infrastructure and enhanced connectivity, others have expressed concerns about the potential impact on local businesses and residents.

“We are happy to see the government investing in our community’s infrastructure,” said Mrs Igbalaye Adeola, a local business owner. “The expanded road will definitely improve traffic flow and make it easier for customers to access our shops.”

However, not everyone shares Mrs. Adeola’s enthusiasm. Mr. Johnson, a resident of the affected area, expressed concerns about the potential displacement of local businesses and residents. “We understand the need for development, but we also need to consider the impact on our community. Many of us have lived and worked here for years, and we don’t want to be forced out.”

Community leaders have also raised concerns about the lack of consultation and communication from the government regarding the project. “We were not adequately informed about the project’s details, including the expansion’s scope and timeline,” said Mr. Itafa Kadir, a community leader. “We urge the government to engage with us and address our concerns.”

The road expansion project is expected to be completed within the next 4 months, and its impact on the community will be closely watched.