A wave of frustration is rising from Ikun Akoko, a major community in Akoko South West Local Government Area of Ondo State, as residents decry years of abandonment by successive governments, culminating in a heartfelt open letter to the state governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa.

The letter, signed by Oluwasanmi Alli and endorsed by the Regent of Ikun Akoko, Her Royal Majesty Kabiyesi Omobolanle Jacobs (née Olokunbola), outlines a litany of infrastructural failures, lack of political appointments, and decaying public services that have left the town “on the brink of total disconnection from the rest of Ondo State.”

“This letter is written with deep concern and a sense of responsibility to draw your Excellency’s attention to the prolonged neglect of our dear community,” the letter reads. “Ikun Akoko is part of Ondo State. We seek not favors, but fairness. We ask to be seen, heard, and included.”

Collapsed Roads Crippling Economic Life

The people of Ikun Akoko detailed the dire state of all three major access roads to their town, now virtually impassable due to years of neglect:

Oba–Ikun–Idoani Road – Originally flagged off in 2016 by late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, the road has since been abandoned and now poses a danger to motorists.

Iwaro–Ikun Road – Completely broken down and hazardous.

Ipe–Oke Afo–Ikun Route – So poor that motorcycles can barely pass.

According to the letter, these road conditions have devastated the local economy, cutting farmers off from markets and deterring traders. The consequences, they say, are severe.

“Farmers cannot transport their produce, and traders avoid the town or impose high costs on residents due to transport challenges. This situation is stifling commerce, education, and access to healthcare.”

Zero Representation in Over 300 Political Appointments

The letter also criticizes the recent wave of political appointments by the Aiyedatiwa administration, which included over 300 individuals across the state but allegedly excluded the Ikun Ward entirely.

“This exclusion has further deepened the feeling of marginalization among our people,” it said, highlighting that the town has consistently supported the All Progressives Congress (APC) but has received no returns in development or representation.

Education and Health in Crisis

Educational and healthcare facilities in the town are described as “deplorable.” The letter notes a severe shortage of teachers, with primary schools lacking staff entirely and the secondary school operating with less than seven teachers. The local health centre is also said to be grossly understaffed and under-equipped.

“These failings pose a direct threat to the future and well-being of our people, particularly our children,” the letter laments.

Three-Point Appeal to the Governor

In a constructive tone, the letter lays out three key appeals to Governor Aiyedatiwa:

1. Immediate rehabilitation of major roads leading into Ikun Akoko.

2. Inclusion of Ikun indigenes in future political appointments.

3. Intervention in the education and health sectors of the town.

Despite their grievances, the people of Ikun Akoko reaffirm their loyalty to the state and to Governor Aiyedatiwa.

“We remain loyal and committed to the development of our dear state,” the letter concludes.

A Wake-Up Call on Rural Inclusion

The situation in Ikun Akoko raises broader questions about rural inclusion and equitable development in Ondo State. With the rainy season worsening the already bad road network, the call for immediate government intervention is gaining urgency.

As of the time of reporting, the Ondo State Government has not issued an official response to the letter.

In a renewed push to deepen Nigeria’s maritime self-reliance and security, the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, paid an inspection visit to Nigerdock’s Snake Island Integrated Free Zone in Lagos, where the Deep Blue vessel DB Lagos is undergoing critical maintenance.

The DB Lagos, a special mission vessel under the Deep Blue Project, plays a pivotal role in surveillance and enforcement operations on Nigeria’s territorial waters. It is central to the country’s fight against oil theft, smuggling, piracy, and other transnational maritime crimes.

Dr. Mobereola, visibly impressed by the scope and quality of work at Nigerdock, praised the shipyard’s capacity and reaffirmed NIMASA’s resolve to strengthen indigenous technical capabilities.

“What I am seeing here today is a testimony to the fact that we have the ability not only to repair but also to build here in Nigeria,” said Mobereola during the inspection.

He emphasized that the vessel maintenance initiative reflects the broader policy direction of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy under the leadership of Honourable Minister Adegboyega Oyetola, who has consistently advocated for the development of local shipbuilding and repair infrastructure.

“We at NIMASA are demonstrating our belief in this vision by maintaining our own vessels here,” Dr. Mobereola stated.

The inspection marks a strategic commitment by NIMASA to reduce dependence on foreign shipyards and to promote sustainable, homegrown maritime solutions. It also aligns with the Agency’s wider objectives under the Deep Blue Project to secure Nigeria’s coastline using a mix of maritime assets, including vessels, helicopters, and surveillance systems.

Nigerdock, located within the Snake Island Free Zone, remains one of West Africa’s most advanced shipyards. Its partnership with government agencies such as NIMASA is seen as vital to building a resilient and self-sustaining maritime industry in Nigeria.

The visit is expected to bolster confidence in Nigeria’s capacity to maintain strategic maritime assets locally, create jobs, and support the growth of the nation’s Blue Economy.

After ten thrilling weeks of vocal prowess, emotional journeys, and standout performances, Nigerian Idol Season 10, proudly powered by Bigi, is set to climax with a fierce face-off between Purp and Raymu in the highly anticipated grand finale this Sunday.

The journey to the finale reached a fever pitch last weekend as the final four contestants—Purp, Raymu, Mikki, and Lawrence—delivered powerful renditions in a night themed around Judges’ Choice and Viewers’ Choice songs.

Purp captured the audience from the opening note with her elegant and soul-stirring cover of Whitney Houston’s classic, “Greatest Love of All”, drawing praise for her vocal control and stage charisma. Lawrence followed with a moving rendition of Bruno Mars’ “When I Was Your Man”, while Raymu showcased raw emotion through Alicia Keys’ “Fallin”. Mikki closed the round with an inspiring performance of “You Raise Me Up” by Josh Groban, earning cheers from the live crowd.

However, it was time to bid farewell to Mikki and Lawrence, whose journeys ended despite their commendable performances. Their exit underscored the exceptional calibre of talent the season has produced.

For the Viewers’ Choice round, Raymu upped the ante with a fiery performance of Usher’s “Burn”, while Purp delivered an emotionally gripping version of Demi Lovato’s “Anyone”, touching viewers with every note.

The night’s climax came with the finalists’ final songs. Purp returned to the stage with Anita Baker’s “Sweet Love”, exuding class and vocal finesse. Raymu followed with a heart-rending rendition of Sam Smith’s “Lay Me Down”, which brought the audience to its feet in a standing ovation.

The episode also turned the spotlight on Bigi’s vibrant brand identity, as the contestants each embodied a Bigi drink flavour through custom-designed outfits.

Purp dazzled in a chic ensemble inspired by Bigi Cherry Cola,

Lawrence channelled the boldness of Bigi Chapman,

Raymu looked refreshingly cool in Bigi Apple,

and Mikki rocked the unique energy of Bigi Tamarind.

Speaking after the show, a representative of Bigi reaffirmed the brand’s commitment to celebrating creativity and self-expression through partnerships like Nigerian Idol. “Bigi is all about giving voice to individuality, and these finalists reflect that spirit,” the rep noted.

With just days left until the grand showdown, all eyes are now on Purp and Raymu—two remarkable vocalists who have connected with fans nationwide. As voting remains open, fans are being urged to back their favourite ahead of the live grand finale broadcast on Sunday at 7 PM WAT, airing on DStv Channel 196 and GOtv Channel 49.

“Who will take the crown?” the show’s host teased. “Will it be Purp’s powerful grace or Raymu’s emotive fire? Tune in and find out!”