Street, traffic lights driving economic growth, road safety in Oyo State
TEMILADE AYODELE and BOLUWATIFE ANENA write on how the twin projects of street and traffic lights are supporting economic activities, managing
Mallam Abdul has been selling suya meat at Challenge, a very busy part of Ibadan for over 10 years. The suya business in Nigeria is mostly carried out in the late evenings and nights. This means that Mallam Abdul’s business doesn’t start until it is dark, requiring him to stay out till late into the night, which of course, means he needs a source of light to work and attend to his customers.
Knowing the nature of his business, Mallam Abdul used lanterns, electric bulbs and a generating set to help with illumination for his surroundings.
These methods, however, come with extra expenses, especially spending money to fuel the generating set. Not to mention the security threat posed by hoodlums who take advantage of the poorly-lit surrounding of Mallam Abdul’s business to steal from or defraud him.
As he spoke with Nigerian Tribune a certain evening, he said the situation is better, especially with the installation of street lights at Challenge area of Ibadan where his business is situated.
“It was very challenging; we had to rely on lanterns or generators, which were expensive and not very effective. Sometimes, I would have to close early because of the darkness. There were safety concerns too; thieves and hoodlums would take advantage of the darkness,” he said while expertly cutting some suya meat for a customer.
Mallam Abdul further stated that his business has blossomed as he spends less on electricity and that it is easier for customers to find him now with the lights on.
Like Mallam Abdul, pedestrians like Mr Jeremiah Akinsanmi, a nurse who works in a private hospital, says the installation of street lights within Ibadan metropolis has been beneficial to him, especially when walking in the night on his way to work. “I no longer feel scared walking alone at night and I can see potential dangers from afar. I feel safer now,” Akinsanmi said.
In September 2019, the Oyo state Government embarked on the Light Up Oyo project, installing street lights to cover 240 kilometres of road across the state in a bid to enhance the security and improve the quality of life of citizens.
Before the installation of the street lights, there were several complaints of crimes and run down in business. For this reason, Governor Seyi Makinde stated that the project is for two reasons. First is to grow the Oyo State economy. Governor Makinde noted that Oyo State cannot compete with cities that run a 24-hour economy if economic activities are shut down by 7pm.
The second reason is to tackle insecurity. It is a known fact that crime thrives in darkness but when major parts of a town or city are lit up, criminals will not have anywhere to hide.
The installation of the street lights has been a long standing demand of citizens, especially those who trade or walk on the street at night and so was received with great delight.
Despite the excitement that have greeted the installation of the street lights within the state, there are still pockets of concern, especially with regard to maintenance and sustainability of the project.
A meat seller in Bodija area of Ibadan, who identified himself simply as Mr Lawrence, is among those who share in this concern.
He said: “While the new lights are a welcome development, I worry about their maintenance. If they are not properly maintained, they will soon become ineffective and we will be back to square one.”
Quelling traffic buildup
For a city where traffic congestion was once a way of life, residents of Ibadan have witnessed a remarkable turnaround. The installation of a traffic light system across major roads in the city has transformed resident’s daily commute, easing frustration and boosting productivity.
For commuters like Mr AbdulKareem Kabiru, the installation of traffic lights at strategic locations have quelled tortuous traffic congestions and helped curb accidents.
“The traffic light has helped to prevent traffic congestion, accidents and it has also made everywhere free for everyone. The installation of this light has never affected my job. I really love the way government installed the light, most especially at Challenge because before the light was installed, Challenge had been rough. We used to face a lot of hold up, but now the traffic light is there for everyone and they know how they will move and obey the rules of the light. It has also helped us in fuel aspect; we don’t waste fuel when we are on the road.”
A phone charger seller, James Johnson, recalled what the situation was like before the installation of the traffic light: “It was a nightmare. Customers avoided our area due to the congestion. We were on the verge of relocating.”
Johnson has also seen a positive impact on his business since the traffic lights were installed. “Since the upgrade, customers can now easily access our store without worrying about traffic congestion,” he said.
Mr Adebisi Abiodun, a tricyclist said it was difficult adjusting to the new routine of obeying traffic signs but with the stringent penalties for defaulters by the government, motorists have adjusted accordingly.
Abiodun said: “Governor Seyi Makinde really tried because no one has the thought of bringing development to the community by installing a traffic light and this has made everyone happy because it eases the flow of vehicles.
“When the light was installed, accidents were still many because drivers were yet to understand the signs on the light, but now we are used to it and this has curbed accidents.”
Mrs Abosede Oke, a pedestrian that works in a private school, said the traffic light has eased travel time and urged the government to consider constructing a pedestrian bridge at areas known as traffic congestion hotbeds.
She said: “The installation of the traffic light has helped me in my daily movement. It has also helped me to get to my place of work on time unlike those days that the motorcyclists rode recklessly on the road and and caused traffic congestion. But I still wish our governor can put a pedestrian bridge for the safety of the students who go to school; it will be of great help and it will reduce accidents on the road.”