By DADA AYOKHAI
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for Owan West Constituency, Barr. Frank Unuigboje, has warned against turning Owan West into another Oluku fire disaster over the neglect of the Ozalla – Sabongida-Ora Road and Ozalla to Sobe, from Ora to Iuleha.
In an open letter to his constituents titled “My Dear People of Owan West, October 17 Teaches Us Two Enduring Lessons,” he lamented the neglect of the roads and expressed fear that if fuel tankers should fall, there are no emergency facilities to rescue victims.
According to him:”If a tanker fell on that road today, there would be no fire service within a 60-kilometre radius. Farmers from Ozalla to Sobe cannot move their yams to market. Traders from Ora to Iuleha cannot reach Sabongida. Pregnant women across Owan West cannot access the hospital.
What happened in Oluku is what occurs when an emergency meets a poor road network. What exists in Owan West is what could happen tomorrow if we do not prepare.”
He added: “But let us still speak the truth: THE OZALLA – SABONGIDA-ORA ROAD IS STILL NOT MOTORABLE. This is not an attack, it is a call for attention.
But together, from Ozalla to Sobe, from Ora to Iuleha, those small daily hardships — bad roads, no emergency service, farm produce stuck on the farm — become one voice that government must hear.”
So, What Will I Do?
Unuigboje outlined a three-point agenda:
. As a Voice:: I will move a motion and invite the House Committee on Works to come and see the Ozalla – Sabongida-Ora Road, from Ozalla to Sobe, from Ora to Iuleha, with their own eyes, for capture in the State 2027/2028 Budget.
As a Lawmaker: I will sponsor the Edo Highway Safety and Community Support Bill — emergency response points every 30 kilometres along our highways, covering Ozalla, Sobe, Ora and Iuleha.
As a Watchdog: I will ask on the floor of the House how much ecological and road fund has come into the State, and move a resolution for Federal inclusion of Owan West — Ozalla, Sobe, Ora and Iuleha — in its industrial and agricultural plans.
“We are not here to abuse. We are here to be a BRIDGE between Owan West and Government — a bridge that covers all of Owan West, from Ozalla to Sobe, from Ora to Iuleha,” he said.
