In a proactive move to enhance the safety of school children along the busy Iroko–Ibadan/Oyo Old Road, the Iroko Youth Development Forum (IYDF), through its Board of Trustees (BOT), has distributed safety jackets to five selected schools within the community.
The beneficiary schools include CAC Nursery and Primary School, Istijabah Nursery and Primary School, Royal Seeds Nursery, Primary and Secondary School, Saint Thomas Primary School, and Iroko Community Grammar School.
Speaking after the presentation, the BOT Chairman, Prince Bolaji Abioye, expressed concern over the continued neglect of the community despite repeated appeals for support.
“We are trying our best as it seems we are left alone in Iroko without governmental support, and the reasons for this are yet to be known. Since the express road is not good enough, the old road has become the only option, and it has been affecting our people with many cases of knockdowns, some of them fatal. Yet, the government claims it is not enough.
We have taken the bull by the horn to provide these safety measures and we look forward to each school volunteering responsible individuals who can assist children in crossing the road in the mornings and during closing hours.”
Also speaking, the BOT Secretary, Comrade Segun Akande, emphasized the urgent need for government intervention.
“We really need governmental intervention, and it will be highly appreciated if our government can respond to our letters by assisting us with road signs, road painting, and other necessary materials to prevent future accidents and loss of lives.”
The Public Relations Officer of the BOT, Otunba Moshood Abioye, highlighted the resilience of the Iroko people while calling attention to what he described as marginalization.
“Iroko is grateful for God’s protection and preservation. As a boundary ward of Akinyele, it is uncalled for that Iroko has been marginalized for reasons unknown to anyone. We are calling on the government to support us in critical areas such as electrification, road safety signs, and road markings to preserve lives, Farmers support, industrial hub, which are core responsibilities of government, Iroko, both old and young, remain open to collaboration for growth and development.”
In his remarks, the Acting Chairman, Oniroko-in-Council and Chairman of Iroko Community Development Association, Chief Olaniyan Maye Oniroko, commended the initiative of the IYDF and acknowledged the legacy behind its establishment.
“We commend the Iroko Youth Development Forum and appreciate the late Oba Ismaila Abioye for the wisdom in setting up this noble forum.
To our children’s may God continue to protect and preserve you all. You all have truly been a blessing to us, and your time with the community has been exceptional and impactful, using this avenue to call on more children home and abroad, to consider developing their homes, no one will do it for us except ourselves and you are all welcome. We are also calling on Governor Seyi Makinde, Hon. Olayiwola, Hon. Deacon, and Hon. Wole Akinleye to come to our aid and make meaningful impact in the Iroko kingdom.”
Adding his voice, the Asiwaju Odo of Iroko, Comrade Haruna Idris, applauded the IYDF for taking a bold step where government presence has been limited.
“This initiative is timely and commendable. It shows that as a people, we are ready to take responsibility for our safety and development. However, community efforts alone cannot replace the role of government. We urge continued collaboration so that more lives can be protected.”
Similarly, the Political Leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Iroko, Chief Bamigboye Abese Oniroko, reassured the community of government responsiveness.
“On behalf of our party, I want to assure the good people of Iroko that the government is listening. Your concerns and consistent appeals will not go unnoticed. I am confident that our party-led government will respond positively to these needs. I urge everyone to remain calm and continue to engage constructively, as efforts are ongoing to address these challenges.”
Also lending his voice, a respected figure in the community, Chief Fasakin Atunluse, commended the initiative and emphasized unity and cultural responsibility.
“This effort by the Iroko Youth Development Forum is highly commendable and reflects the spirit of unity and responsibility embedded in our tradition. Protecting our children and preserving lives is a collective duty. I urge both the government and well-meaning individuals to support this cause, while we as a community continue to uphold peace, cooperation, and development in Iroko land.”
The initiative marks a significant step in community-driven safety intervention, as stakeholders continue to advocate for government presence and infrastructural support to safeguard lives along the increasingly dangerous road corridor.
