Geri Alimi Underpass: Reading The Mind Of Gov Ahmed

By Oyewale Oyelola

The construction of Geri Alimi Underpass is one of the most criticized projects of Governor Abdulfatai Ahmed led administration in Kwara state.

Some critics feel the project is not necessary at this critical moment, when the three (local, state and federal) tiers of government are having difficulty meeting financial obligations such as payment of salaries, pensions, grants to agencies/ parastatals among others due to fall in monthly allocation from federation account. While others are of the opinion that the incumbent governor of state of harmony is trying to impress Kwarans and embark on gigantic projects before the end of his eight years rule in 2019.

Tajudeen Habeeb Omotosho, One of the critics of the project said:

“I didn’t like responding to post like this. Most especially when its coming from people like you. I know how difficult it is to serve in your capacity. But I expect that as little as it should be some things needs not defending. Government in the whole of this world has priorities. And they execute base on those listed priorities. Using kano to defend the undue execution of some project is not only denying the facts but also playing with our intellect. Are you saying we are so daft not to know what we want at a particular period of time. If we criticise it we are not saying its bad. We are saying its untimely. Igba ara ni aunbura.”

Although, majority of the people in the state including political opponents and critics have never condemned the project in totality but believe the timing is not right. They have forgotten that there would be no perfect time to embark on developmental project.

Recall that many people criticized Lagos State Government when they started demarcation of special lane for BRT buses towards the end of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu administration but now the same set of people have forgotten their pains and now savouring the benefits of BRT.

It’s worthy of note that governor Ahmed while flagging up the Geri Alimi Underpass in 2016 disclosed that reasons for embarking on Underpass was to ease traffic congestion along Geri Alimi, Ibrahim Taiwo Road and Asa dam road-the area that can be referred to as Industrial Area in Ilorin. Dangote company, KAM Wire Limited, Doyin Group and other industries are situated along Asa Dam. Additionally, Harmony Advanced Diagnostic Centre that has been receiving patronage from within and outside Kwara state will also find the underpass useful.

Aside reducing the traffic congestion, Geri Alimi Underpass will also add to aesthetic beauty of Ilorin the state capital, as every visitor from Lagos/Oyo/Ogun axis will pass through the spot after leaving the airport and International Aviation School.

Furthermore, Kwara state population is growing annually as people are relocating to the state as result of job opportunities, peaceful nature of the state and affordable standard of living.

The 1991 census by National Population Commission put the state population at 1.5million and it increased to 2.3million based on 2006 census figures while World Bank report indicates that Kwara population estimate as at 2015 was 3.5million.

Evidently, about 40percent of the total population are residents of Ilorin. This could be attributed to large concentration of higher institutions and business organisations in the state capital.

Without mincing words, there is heavy stress on infrastructures in Ilorin and other part of Kwara State and the governor must be commended for acting swiftly to address present situation by having the future expansion cum growth of the state in mind.

Kwarans and residents of the state should look beyond the little hardship the ongoing Geri Alimi Underpass construction might bring but support the Kwara State Government in building better Kwara.

Oyewale is Ilorin based journalist