A group of students from the Federal University in Oye Ekiti recently staged a protest at the office of the Federal Road Maintenance Agency in Ado Ekiti. The students demanded urgent repairs to the Ifaki–Oye–Ikole Road, citing numerous accidents and fatalities among their peers due to its poor condition.
Carrying placards with messages like “FUOYE students’ lives matter” and “Repair Oye-Ikole federal road now,” the students issued a 48-hour ultimatum to FERMA and the Federal Government to address the road’s state. Led by the Students’ Union Government President, the protestors expressed frustration over the loss of several students in accidents on the road.
In a statement, the SUG President emphasized the road’s significance as a vital link between Abuja and several southwestern states, highlighting the dangers posed by its deteriorating condition to students, staff, and local residents. The students called for immediate action to prevent further tragedies caused by the road’s neglect.
FERMA’s Federal Road Maintenance Engineer responded to the students, acknowledging the road’s state and apologizing for the losses suffered. He assured the students that the Federal Government had awarded a contract for the road’s repair and that work would commence soon. Additionally, plans for both long-term concrete road construction and short-term palliative measures were mentioned to address the road’s urgent repair needs.