By Demola Akinyemi, Ilorin

The Senator representing Kwara Central Senatorial District of Kwara State at the Upper legislative Chamber, Senator Saliu Mustapha has said that, Federal Government has stepped up actions to address the life-threatening road condition at the notorious Oko-Olowo road intersection in Ilorin East local government area of the state.

The federal lawmaker said this in Ilorin on Thursday on the sideline of his recent visit to the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi and the Minister of State for Works, Mr. Bello Muhammad Goronyo in Abuja.

It will be recalled that the Senator had last year by way of a motion, raised the matter on the floor of the Senate, whereupon the Red Chamber directed the Federal Ministry of Works to take prompt remedial action.
Senator Mustapha had said that,.”Federal Ministry of Works have been deployed to the Oko-Olowo intersection for an immediate on-the-spot assessment with a view to determining the immediate, medium and long terms solutions that will permanently address the structural and safety concerns at the intersection so as to reduce the reported cases of incessant accidents at the axis.”

Meanwhile, speaking with journalists on Thursday, Senator Saliu Mustapha stated that, “The intervention follows the tragic loss of lives over the weekend in yet another fatal accident at the intersection, which has become a recurring death trap for road users”.

Concerned by the continued threat to life and public safety, he said “I escalated the matter directly to the heads of the Federal Ministry of Works in Abuja, engaging both the Minister of Works, His Excellency, Senator (Engr.) Dave Umahi and the Minister of State for Works, Barr. Bello Muhammad Goronyo.

“These consultations were held in the spirit of proactive legislative representstion and intergovernmental collaboration.

“During the engagement, I secured the firm assurances of the Honourable Ministers, that Engineers from the Federal Ministry of Works would be deployed to the Oko-Olowo intersection for an immediate on-the-spot assessment with a view to determining the immediate, medium and long terms solutions that will permanently address the structural and safety concerns at the intersection”.

Senator Mustapha however commended the Honourable Ministers for their swift responses and reiterated his commitment to the safety and wellbeing of his constituents.

He also urged residents and motorists to remain calm and assured them that concrete steps are being taken to forestall further tragedies.

“The safety of our people is non-negotiable, and we will continue to work with all relevant authorities to ensure lasting solutions.”, he added.

The Senator also acknowledged the interim measures being reportedly undertaken by the Kwara State Government, stressing that the State efforts would complement the Federal Government’s planned interventions, which are expected to be more comprehensive and permanent.

Meanwhile, the Works Minster, Senator Dave Umahi, who was until his appointment, a colleague of the Turaki in the 10th Senate, reportedly commended Senator Saliu Mustapha for his proactiveness and commitment to the well-being of his constituents.