In a poignant reflection on the state of Nigeria’s infrastructure, Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party Nigeria and prominent political figure, recently shared his harrowing experience navigating the country’s roadways while attempting to attend the funeral of a close friend’s mother in Edo State. His journey, which was meant to be a solemn occasion of remembrance, was marred by the deplorable condition of the roads, underscoring the urgent need for infrastructural reform in Nigeria. 
Obi set out early in the morning, at 8 AM, with the intention of joining General Cecil Esekhaigbe in Esan Central to pay his last respects to Mrs. Ebaidebheki Esakhaigbe, the late mother of his friend and brother. However, what should have been a straightforward journey quickly devolved into a frustrating ordeal. Having previously encountered difficulties while travelling through Benin, Obi made the decision to take an alternate route via Agbor, hoping to avoid the notorious poor road conditions that plague much of the region.
Upon reaching Agbor Junction, Obi was confronted with a disheartening reality: the roads leading to his destination were in such disrepair that they were nearly impassable. Despite the challenging conditions, he persisted for approximately 25 minutes until his path was completely obstructed by a malfunctioning trailer, which caused a significant traffic jam. This unexpected setback prompted Obi to seek an alternative route through Ugoneki Road, only to find that this option was equally fraught with perilous road conditions.
In his statement, Obi expressed his deep frustration and sadness regarding the state of Nigeria’s roads, emphasizing that the experience was not merely a personal inconvenience but a reflection of a broader systemic issue that affects countless Nigerians daily. “The poor condition of many Nigerian roads breaks my heart,” he lamented, highlighting the urgent need for action from political leaders at all levels of government.
Though Obi was unable to attend the funeral in person, he conveyed his heartfelt condolences to General Esekhaigbe and pledged to keep him in his thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. “I remain in earnest prayers with my brother, Gen Cecil, for a successful event,” he stated, underscoring the importance of community and support in times of grief.
Moreover, Obi seized the opportunity to call upon Nigeria’s political leaders to prioritize the maintenance, rehabilitation, and reconstruction of existing road infrastructure rather than initiating new projects that often remain unfinished. His plea resonates with a growing sentiment among the populace, who are increasingly frustrated with the lack of progress in addressing critical infrastructure issues.
Obi’s reflections serve as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by ordinary Nigerians as they navigate their daily lives. The state of the nation’s roads not only hampers economic activity and mobility but also poses significant safety risks to citizens. The former presidential candidate’s call for action is a clarion call for a collective effort to rebuild and restore Nigeria’s infrastructure, ensuring that all citizens can travel freely and safely.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with various socio-economic challenges, the need for a concerted focus on infrastructure development has never been more pressing. Obi’s vision of a “New Nigeria” where citizens can traverse their country with ease and confidence is one that resonates deeply with many. It is a vision that calls for accountability, transparency, and a renewed commitment to serving the needs of the Nigerian people.
In conclusion, the recent experiences shared by Peter Obi shed light on the urgent need for infrastructure reform in Nigeria. His heartfelt plea to political leaders to prioritize the maintenance and rehabilitation of roads is a vital step toward creating a safer and more accessible environment for all Nigerians. As the nation looks to the future, the hope remains that with collective effort and determination, the dream of a well-connected and prosperous Nigeria can become a reality.
