Akoraye Day: Modakeke indigenes beg Adeleke for prompt rehabilitation of community roads

…set to launch N1 billion development fund for projects

Ahead of this year’s Akoraye Day anniversary scheduled for Saturday, December 13, Modakeke residents and indigenes have appealed to Governor Ademola Adeleke to urgently fix the community’s deteriorating road network.

The appeal came as the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, were announced among the dignitaries expected to attend the launch of a N1 billion community development fund during the celebration.

Speaking at a press conference to announce activities for the 40th edition of Akoraye Day, Prince Tunmbi Toriola, chairman of the planning committee, said the community was ready to work closely with the state government to address major infrastructure gaps in Modakeke.

He listed key issues requiring urgent action, including damaged access roads, poor community link roads, inadequate health facilities, unreliable water supply, and the absence of modern drainage systems.

Prince Toriola noted that, “the state of our roads has become a pressing concern. They affect commerce, emergency response, social mobility, and the overall well-being of residents and apart from this, the incomplete repairs of a bridge in the Old Nepa area that has been left vulnerable to further destruction is worrisome.”

He added that collaboration between the government and community was essential, saying, “The collaboration between the government and the community is a necessity because, development is a shared responsibility. Modakeke has consistently shown its commitment to self-help, but communities thrive best when government support reinforces local initiatives.”

Highlighting the need to address long-standing infrastructure problems, he said, “While we celebrate our achievements, we must also confront the realities before us. Modakeke continues to suffer serious infrastructural deficits.”

On preparations for the celebration, Toriola explained that, “Our Akoraye Day is a product of unity and a symbol of harmony. We are committed to growth and development, and the first duty of peace lies with the people.”

He urged residents to maintain calm throughout the festivities, adding, “We call for cooperation with security agencies to ensure a peaceful celebration. Peace is important during the celebrations and we appeal to the community to conduct themselves respectfully and peacefully”.

Toriola warned that festive periods often attract unwanted elements, saying, “We recognize that festive seasons can attract disruptors, and we must not allow them to take advantage of our gatherings”.

He called for unity and order, stressing, “Everyone should therefore uphold the values of mutual respect, unity, and brotherhood because, no progress thrives in an atmosphere of tension. We must never allow disruption to derail the legacy we have built for decades”.

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