The New Face of Epe-Itoikin Road, An Exemplar Of Dividends Of Democracy

By Otunba T.J Abass

The Nigerian socio-political space, as one may argue for every society of the world, has come to recognize the significance of free and fair elections as the foundation or cornerstone of any democracy. This exercise of civic responsibility in voting for the candidate of one’s remains the linchpin of such a determinate form of power transfer. It has become a beacon of hope for the common man. The recently concluded Lagos East Senatorial by-election provided me with the ample opportunity to fulfil that fundamental civic responsibility and to say I was excited about that opportunity, would be understating the very obvious.

For much of Nigeria’s democracy, Nigerians have perennially exhibited a high level of insouciance towards exercising their inalienable right to the franchise; and understandably so. They don’t trust the political class at all. The level of corruption, the politics of arrogance, several broken promises from elected officials and the belief that their votes will not count have consequently propelled Nigerians towards a somewhat lethargic attitude towards exercising their fundamental right of voting for their preferred political representatives.

One may not be wrong to say that this national attitude of electoral levity had almost pervaded through Epe Division socio-political space; but then, there is no gainsaying in the fact that the recent crop of politicians have significantly restored the dwindling hope in the political process, which is what inspired my decision to join the good people of Epe in the communal franchise during the just concluded Lagos State By-Election.

It was a clarion call, I said to myself. The trip to Epe on the Friday preceding the election affirmed my belief of the importance of political participation as a sine-qua-non to the socio-political wellbeing of any given society. The trip further provided the opportunity to assess all the access roads that lead to the ancient town after the official flag-off of the Lekki Epe Expressway by the Governor of Lagos State, not in any extraordinary capacity but as one of the stakeholders in the State.

Rehabilitation Of Epe Access Roads; A Shard Of Optimism For Troubled Minds

Until now, the abysmal state of these access roads has played a contributory role in dissuading sons of the soil from visiting their beloved home for very long periods. Personally, it has kept me away from the city for almost nine months.

The pathetic conditions of these access roads, the nightmarish experiences of commuters that had drawn or attracted local, national, and international condemnation had primarily been instrumental for my year-long sabbatical leave without the usual weekly pleasure rides to the town.

A trip to Epe before the roads became abysmally deplorable used to be an enchanting journey of less than 2 hours but has now become an 8-hour horror show depending on which part of the access road you take. A once jolly and straightforward ride from Lagos suddenly turned out to be a nightmarish experience for motorists, and this is not to mention the heavy financial implication that would be incurred on vehicle maintenance.

It would go without a saying that the economic importance of these access roads is a fact which needs no pontification, as these roads have not only served as a gateway to the largest commercial centre in Africa, Lagos but also a powerful connecting link to motorists from different parts of the country. As a result, the pitiable condition of the roads had come with a steep and profound negative impact on the economic, commercial, and social activities in the division as opposed to what has unfolded in the last three years. A once-thriving and boisterous community became sullied in a ruination which enormously affected its business and economic potentials, stripping it of its productiveness and leaving families in the perilous cross-hairs of unprecedented financial austerity. There was even a point when the division people felt they were being cut off from civilisation.

The Flag-Off Of Lekki-Epe Expressway By Governor Sanwo-Olu

Recall that the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu had on November 2nd performed the official flag-off ceremony of the reconstruction and upgrading of Eti Osa –Lekki Epe Expressway. The road, when completed, will complement the new network of Roads in Epe.

The roads will be dualized on the rigid pavement with three lanes on each side and a lane on each side dedicated as toll weighbridges for heavy-duty vehicles (Only if they comply).

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The ceremony could not have come at a better time, and nothing could equal the residents’ joy. It was seen as a relief which would hopefully ameliorate the commuters’ daily horror and hassle. What this implies was that the once bubbling and thriving community with an economy that has been comatose for the last three years is on the verge of experiencing a significant lift, this is assuming the government lives up to its promise.

Usually, an announcement of such magnitude is expected to spark unrestrained excitement, but in a society primarily mired by broken promises and political mendacity, the level of distrust between two classes stands miles apart. It is not uncommon when such news is received with a grain of salt. However, Epe residents are still willing to give the number 1 and Number 2 citizens of the State the benefit of the doubt, given their demonstrated commitment towards living up to their promises in the past. More so, when the Deputy Governor is from that axis, at least, one would expect a feeling of nostalgia and alliance to his roots. Nevertheless, there is still a little room for scepticism.

Lagos-Badagry Expressway: A Spectre Of Horrendous Journey

But how could one forget the Lagos /Badagry Expressway sorry state, a road of immense economic relevance, just like Lekki Epe Road, a historical and international road that links Nigeria to most West African countries? The Lagos Badagry Expressway is a Federal Government road that has now been taken over by Lagos State Government for its reconstruction. The 56 kilometre road that stretches from Mile 2 to Seme border has witnessed three different flag-off ceremonies, notably the 1999 flag-off ceremony which was greeted with much funfair and excitement. A transformational road of tremendous economic importance is yet to be completed after an official flag-off in 1999. But then, thanks to the proactive and pragmatic government of His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, reconstruction has started, after being abandoned for over 20 years. This road, which has produced a monumentally paralyzing effect on the economy, undermined the tourism potential of Badagry, and served as a safe haven for robbers and highway men is finally being pulled from the doldrums.

A Trip And Everything In Between

As I set out on the journey through Ikorodu, looking forward to another bumpy 6-hour trip through Agbowa, Itoikin, Ketu, Molajoye road to Epe, I could not help but appreciate the ambience, the vegetation, and the abundance of natural resources that God has bestowed on the division but still bewildered at the state of neglect of this strategically important road.

Itoikin Market: A Melting-pot Of Agricultural Endowment.

I stopped by at the famous Itoikin market for fresh farm produce. At this point, the famous Itoikin Rice Project of the 70s flashed across my memory, producing a deep feeling of nostalgia and regret over the failure of this lofty project. A project big enough to provide food for the growing population, but jettisoned for reasons best known to the authority. Itokin has one of the flourishing Markets in the division comparable to the famous Ejinrin Market in Ejinrin and Aiyetoro Market in Epe. Both Markets are now a shadow of their past. One, Ejinrin Market, a product of neglect and the other, Aiyetoro Market completely demolished to pave the way for a Modern market that never materialised.

Both markets used to be the mainstay of their localities’ economy, but now, thousands of residents who depended on the two institutions are without any sustainable means of income.

However, the Itokin market remains the most vibrant and arguably the most robust and well-patronized market in the division. It has now become a final destination and a bastion for fresh produce for motorists from different parts of the country. It is not a market to be reckoned by any standard in terms of its physical outlay or its ambience. It has always provided the peasant farmers and the market women a steady income from their farm produce. It is amazing the volume of transaction that takes place and the quantum of vehicles that stopover every Sunday at the Market. Why such a Gold mine could be left untapped remains a mystery. The Market needs a total makeover to a reasonable standard. The key to the well-being and improved quality of people’s lives is a bold and proactive efforts to develop rural areas.

A well-integrated education policy, entrepreneurship, physical infrastructure, and social infrastructure contribute to the creamy rural development recipe.

Construction Of Thoroughfare That Reinvigorate Travelers

As I braced up for another long, bumpy and excruciating ride to Epe from Itoikin, I couldn’t again help but notice improvement right after the Itokin bridge, particularly the measures in place to improve the condition of the road. Driving further down, the major construction work of the 18-kilometre road that spans from Itoikin to Oke Osho’s intersection was a welcoming sight.

The transforming infrastructural architecture was terrific as the 18-kilometre road was virtually a construction site. It was indeed a sight to behold and a culmination of a reality which stoked feelings of pride and relief. This was arguably the smoothest ride I have ever had on that axis for almost three years, thereby making the trip from Lagos to Epe in less than 3 hours. The era of 8-hour long bumpy road to Epe via Ikorodu now lives only in memory.

The trip’s symbolism was not as significant as the infrastructural reengineering of the road portends for that axis. This magnet would firmly put the division on the launchpad towards further development with a flood of opportunities for the area. More importantly, it foreshadows the rural integration policy and the themes’ agenda of the administration of Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

A Man Of His Word

The administration of Sawo-Olu is living up to his covenant to the people of Epe to reconstruct Lekki-Epe Expressway promptly. The return trip was through the Lekki Expressway. The sight was equally impressive as the entire stretched from Epe to Eleko junction had been graded, levelled and the construction work has also started along the axis. With these efforts to rehabilitate and rebuild these access roads, it is not wrong to assume that the Epe division is back. Thanks to those players that made it happen, the agitators, the facilitators, the political class, the traditional rulers and the entire community.

Gbaja And Raji Alliance: Distilling The Place Of Altruism In Politics

It was Alexander Smith who said that “A man doesn’t plant a tree for himself, he plants it for posterity”. To this end, the ultimate index of altruistic leadership could be measured upon the willingness to cast aside individual interest and gratification and to forge a lasting legacy for posterity to reckon with. This is why the uncommon gesture of benevolence, expression of love by the Honorable Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Femi Gbajabiamila to the people of Epe by adopting the 18-kilometre road as a constituency project ushers in a new piece of history in the annals of parliamentary representation in Nigeria, a new piece of history which effectively underscores his irrebuttable leadership acumen. It also echoes as a perfect reflection of the afore-quoted axiom by Alexander Smith. Hon Femi Gbajabiamila is not from Epe, but Epe Federal Constituency, represented by Wale Raji, is one of his 360 constituencies, across Nigeria’s length and breadth.

It is within his legislative purview to adopt a project in any part of the country but why Epe and why Itoikin-Epe Road? The Honourable Speaker had alluded to the road’s strategic importance in the social-economic landscape of the nation as a compelling reason for its adoption. His symbiotic relationship with Rep. Wale Raji has also been identified as a pivotal reason, a potent combination of two great minds that have brought life and hope for the division’s people with this singular act of compassion.

In his own words, the Honorable Speaker stated via his verified Twitter handle, “Having received communications from Rep Wale Raji, stakeholders and our constituents on the urgent need to address the deteriorating state of the 18.3 Epe Ketu -Itoikin Road, Lagos, a federal road connecting several rural communities to other parts of Lagos and other parts of the Federation. I adopted the road as a constituency project in our dear state”.

The involvement of Honorable Raji as the facilitator is, however not surprising given his legislative antecedents, life-changing initiatives, a plethora of landmark achievements, unbroken chain of quality representation. He has undoubtedly brought Epe into national and even global reckoning, but his involvement in facilitating the Epe-Itoikin Road caps all his legislative achievements.

The powerful delegation of the traditional rulers and the division political leaders later visited the Honourable Speaker to express their appreciation on behalf of the good people of Epe Division. The people of Epe will forever be grateful to Honorable Speaker and Hon Wale Raji.

The Paradigm Shift

Indeed, it has been quite a journey to get to this point. It has been a moment of rebirth for the community, a determined, unrelenting approach to addressing a communal issue. The intervention of our traditional rulers has also been invaluable. To bring this reality to fruition, our elected representatives had worked tirelessly and assiduously to actualise the people’s mandate. This covenant had never been taken for granted.

The quality representation of our elected officials both at the state and national level had been spectacular, particularly in the last three election cycles. Hon Abiodun Tobun, who was rewarded with unprecedented 3rd term for his stellar performance and achievement, has never disappointed us. Hon Sylvester Ogunkelu has also performed exceptionally well in his constituency

It is evident one cannot underestimate the significance of a determined and honest clamour for a social change. The ability to scrap individual beliefs for the benefit of the community. This type of attitude or social change has transformed any given society and ushered in a new dawn of socio-political and socio-economic prosperity. This is what has played out in Epe in the course of agitating for the reconstruction and the re-engineering of these access roads.

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The renewed effort to address the community’s problems did not start with the protest and the blockage of roads by irate youths and motorists from Epe as witnessed last year.

It was the final chapter of a voluminous book titled “Fix Epe Road Movement” authored by a group of young, vibrant, energetic and patriotic sons and daughters of Epe Division. The movement’s goal, which was the rehabilitation of the deplorable conditions of these roads, has now been actualised, and they must be commended for their doggedness, commitment for taking up the challenge.

It has been the culmination of their sacrifice and the detailed and series of letters, at least ten of them written to the State Government and the Lagos state house of Assembly continually reminding them of our people’s plight. The series of letters had also been complemented by painstaking efforts from a particular individual to obtain the petition’s signature for onward transmission to Alausa. This individual even paid a visit to my house at 1.00 am to secure my signature and other group members.

The concerted efforts of the Alausa group, the body of the permanent Secretary and other well-meaning indigenes of the community also played a pivotal role in realising this goal.

Welcome to the New Epe. The paradigm has shifted as we now view the socio-economic or infrastructural challenges of the community through one single prism. Contrastingly, this new approach to addressing our problems is a sharp contrast from how we have been conducting business. There was an era when the political class has leveraged our dichotomy to sustain their political relevance.

However, the mindset has changed in the last decade with the crop of politicians determined to break down the walls of dichotomy and nepotism, eschew politics of divisiveness that has embedded the community political landscape.

If we all truly desire a change and development for our community, there has to be a new approach. No society has and will ever remain the same. This recent social change will propel us into the future.

This new approach will engender a total community resolve that will enable us to channel all our energies towards defeating a common enemy, the piteous condition of our all-access roads and other socio-economic challenges.

We have started a movement towards a new social order in Epe. I hope we can sustain this for further developments in the community, particularly other outstanding projects in the division.

Building Roads To Economic Prosperity

One cannot overemphasise the significance of road infrastructure in the socio-economic development of a community. It is the heartbeat and a magnet for investments and other developmental projects. It will be the driver that will steer and spur the authorities to focus on other abandoned projects across the division and will be the key to Epe division of our dream, a blazing trail division in agriculture, fish farming, tourism and eco-tourism. Epe division is a community that cannot and will not be ignored provided we have a unity of purpose and eschew politics of bitterness and continue to demonstrate the selfless attitude leading to the agitation for the reconstruction of the access roads.

A comprehensive industrial framework and an economic vision aimed at harnessing the economic and human capital in the division, hence placing the division on the Launchpad to economic prosperity and infrastructural advancement.

We have seen it play out in the division before, the Epe Plywood and the Boat Yard factory era. We are on the verge of reviving the old economic glory starting with the flagging off of the Lekki -Epe Expressway by the administration of Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Itoikin -Epe Road that was adopted as a constituency project by the Speaker of the House of Representative facilitated by Honorable Wale Raji.

With Africa’s biggest refinery, Dangote refinery with the capacity of 650,000 barrels of oil daily at the Lekki Free Trade Zone; The proposed Lekki-Epe International Airport and the complementing good road network, the division’s dream of becoming the Capital of Lagos State is now very much in the offing. Welcome to new Epe and Merry Christmas.