ILAJI READY. PEOPLE READY. BUT THE ROAD SAID NO. — CITIZENS LAMENT TOUCH BEARER EVENT CANCELLATION
Concerned citizens have expressed deep disappointment following the cancellation of the Touch Bearer event, earlier scheduled to hold on August 31 at the prestigious Ilaji Hotel and Sports Centre in Ibadan, with the poor condition of the road leading to the facility emerging as a major concern.
The citizens described the cancellation as “deeply painful and disappointing,” stressing that the development has once again drawn attention to the urgent need for comprehensive rehabilitation of the Ilaji access road.
While expressing their disappointment, the concerned citizens commended the management of Ilaji, particularly Okanlomo Odua, Gbonka Olubadan, Chief Jubril Dotun Sanusi, for the immense support, hospitality, generosity and commitment demonstrated towards hosting the event.
According to them, the level of preparation, resources and facilities committed by the Ilaji management reflected not only its readiness to host a major gathering but also its continued contribution to the growth, visibility and economic development of Oyo State.
They noted that Ilaji has over the years positioned itself as a major destination for sports, entertainment, tourism, hospitality and large-scale social events, attracting visitors from within and outside Oyo State.
The citizens therefore expressed concern that the condition of the road leading to such a significant destination could discourage visitors, affect businesses and undermine the ability of the facility to host major events.
CANCELLATION SHOULD SERVE AS A WAKE-UP CALL
The concerned citizens said the cancellation of the event should serve as a wake-up call to relevant authorities to urgently address the deteriorating condition of the Ilaji road.
They argued that the issue should not be viewed solely through the lens of one cancelled event, but as a broader infrastructure challenge capable of affecting the state's tourism industry, private investment, employment opportunities and local economic activities.
“It is therefore difficult not to feel that the road has been neglected for far too long. Whether the reason is administrative, political or otherwise, the effect is the same: ordinary citizens, businesses, visitors and major events are bearing the consequences,” they said.
They maintained that good road infrastructure remains fundamental to the development of any modern economy, particularly where major tourism, hospitality, sports and entertainment investments are involved.
CONCERN OVER RESOURCES ALREADY COMMITTED
The concerned citizens also expressed sympathy over the resources and preparations already committed by Chief Jubril Dotun Sanusi and the entire Ilaji management ahead of the event.
They acknowledged the efforts of individuals, organizers, stakeholders and supporters who had worked tirelessly to ensure that the Touch Bearer event would be successfully hosted in Ibadan.
They described it as particularly unfortunate that significant preparations could be affected by an infrastructure challenge that, in their view, requires urgent government attention.
“It is particularly heartbreaking that all these preparations have now been affected by a challenge that, in our humble opinion, should have received urgent attention long before now,” they said.
They also sympathized with thousands of people who had anticipated attending the event and experiencing the facilities and hospitality associated with Ilaji.
A MISSED OPPORTUNITY FOR OYO STATE
The citizens further argued that the cancellation represents more than a setback for the organizers and attendees.
According to them, the event provided an opportunity to showcase Ibadan and Oyo State as a destination capable of successfully hosting high-profile gatherings.
“What pains us most is that thousands of people were looking forward to the comfort, dignity and safety that Ilaji Resort offers. The cancellation is therefore more than a change of venue; it represents a missed opportunity to showcase one of Oyo State’s valuable assets,” they said.
They stressed that events of this magnitude have the potential to generate significant economic activity through transportation, accommodation, food services, entertainment, retail and other ancillary businesses.
The citizens therefore urged the government to recognize the connection between infrastructure and economic development, noting that investment in the road would ultimately benefit not only Ilaji but the surrounding communities and the wider Oyo State economy.
CALL FOR URGENT AND LASTING GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION
The concerned citizens called on the Oyo State Government and other relevant authorities to urgently inspect the road and commence the necessary rehabilitation works.
They appealed for a comprehensive intervention rather than a temporary palliative, stressing that the road should be developed to withstand sustained traffic and accommodate the increasing number of people visiting the area.
They also urged stakeholders to approach the matter without political considerations, emphasizing that infrastructure that serves residents, businesses, tourists and investors should be treated as a collective public interest.
“This is not about one event, one organization or one individual. It is about the future of an important part of Oyo State’s tourism, hospitality and economic ecosystem,” they said.
The citizens further appealed to community leaders, business owners, traditional institutions, development stakeholders and residents to lend their voices to the call for the rehabilitation of the road.
HOPE FOR A POSITIVE OUTCOME
Despite their disappointment over the cancellation, the concerned citizens expressed optimism that the situation could ultimately lead to a positive outcome if the relevant authorities respond promptly.
They said the setback should become a catalyst for renewed attention to the Ilaji road and a broader conversation about infrastructure supporting tourism and private-sector investments across Oyo State.
They commended Chief Jubril Dotun Sanusi and the Ilaji management for their hospitality, generosity and continued commitment to providing a world-class facility capable of attracting major events and visitors to the state.
They also appreciated everyone who contributed to the preparations for the Touch Bearer event and those who worked towards its successful hosting.
The concerned citizens concluded by urging the authorities to seize the moment and take decisive action.
“The cancellation of one event should not be allowed to become another forgotten warning. Let this be the moment when the Ilaji road finally receives the urgent and lasting attention it deserves.”
They expressed hope that with the necessary intervention, Ilaji would continue to serve as a major destination for tourism, sports, entertainment, business and employment while contributing even more significantly to the economic development and positive image of Oyo State.
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