The Senate has summoned the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, to address the worsening condition of the Old Oyo-Ogbomosho Road, which has been in a deplorable state despite over a decade of federal government repairs.
The road, a key route linking the South to the North, has become notorious for frequent accidents and gridlocks caused by heavy trucks.
Umahi is expected to appear before the Senate Committee on Works to explain the prolonged abandonment of large sections of the road, even after the contract was initiated years ago. The committee is tasked with submitting its report to the Senate within three weeks.
The resolution to summon the minister was passed during Wednesday’s plenary, following a motion of urgent public importance moved by Senator Buhari Abdulfatai (Oyo-North). Abdulfatai raised concerns over the severe hardship the road’s condition imposes on travelers, many of whom are left stranded due to its poor state.
Additionally, the Senate passed for a second reading a bill for the establishment of the Federal University of Agriculture and Tropical Studies in Iragbiji, Osun State. Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, led the debate, noting that the university would play a key role in diversifying Nigeria’s economy through agriculture.
Several senators, including Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin and Senate Appropriations Chairman Solomon Olamilekan, voiced their support for the bill, emphasizing the need for more institutions to promote technology-driven farming and boost agricultural development.
