OGUN STATE : DARK ENTRANCE. by Oludayo Folarin.

Dark passages leads to stages,theaters and galleries,you walk through the dark tunnel before you come to light . This scenario is playing itself in Ogun State the generally acclaimed Gateway state. Ogun state is the gateway to majority western African countries and it's the interlink state. If you are traveling across Nigeria, its not possible to travel to Lagos state,the commercial nerve centre of NIgeria, and Africa at large without going through Ogun state. A trip deeper into the state at night reveals a state laying in total darkness unlike it's neighbors,Oyo and Lagos state. Driving through Abeokuta,the state capital,one will notice the darkness plaguing the state,Abeokuta has no single road with adequate street lightings except the oke-mosan axis which actually houses the governors office and other government installations. The 7mw independent power plant inherited from the previous administration helped in powering the lights along the oke-mosan to isale-igbehin governors lodge.Most of the power generated by this IPP is used in powering executive quarters of public officers,and other state government installations. The state lays in darkness from end to end,a drive at night is so scary you won't want to come down from your car to get things by the road side. It's surprising that there're street light poles on every single road in Abeokuta,but non has seen power in the last 3 years. The Ibara GRA,Abeokuta,which is the most prized area of the state used to be a mini Dubia years back,bright street lights adorned the roads of the estate and other adjourning roads. the state enjoys a steady supply of light daily,so it's surprising why previous and present government of the state neglected operational street poles across the state. As at the time am writing this piece,the only street light pole that's working in entire Ogun state is that along the governors office- governors house axis,others are long dead. Ogun state shouldn't just be a gateway state geographically,Ogun state needs to send a word to passer-bys that they are capable to welcome their stay in a bright atmosphere and lightning condition. Light up Ogun Streets.                                Oludayo Folarin                                dayofolarin@gmail.com