Located at the heart of Ado-Ekiti in Ekiti state, the Illawe road is one of the major town roads, a 2-lane road that connects neighbourhoods, markets, and business hubs. For decades, it has served several economic benefits, facilitating the movement of goods, easing access to schools,  healthcare facilities, and supporting small businesses that depend on mobility. Beyond commerce, it has also been central to daily life, enabling community members to travel safely and efficiently for work, trade, and social activities. Its importance to both livelihoods and the local economy cannot be overstated.

The road eventually collapsed as a result of a poor drainage system. In response, the state’s government initiated a drainage construction project along the route. However, rather than restoring its value, the slow pace and poorly executed work disrupted what had long been beneficial to the community. The once-reliable road for traders, workers, and families, became hazardous and unsafe for nearly a year after the drainage construction began in October 2024, with multiple accidents reported. A road that had symbolized connection and opportunity now inspired fear, as each journey carried the risk of tragedy and families anxiously prayed for the safe return of their loved ones.

In May 2025, Ireti, a concerned citizen from the community called into Accountability Lab (AL) Nigeria’s radio program to raise an alarm, it was a cry for help.

‘’Una say una dey do drainage to fix the road wey bad, but e dey cause more accidents. As una dey delay so, naso more people dey die’’- Ireti

The AL Nigeria’s radio program tagged The ‘’Accountabilitea’’ Show was launched in Ekiti state to amplify citizens’ voices and draw the attention of relevant stakeholders to address procurement related issues like the Illawe road. This is because we believe that when citizens are excluded from procurement processes, government projects often go unchecked, leading to poor implementation. We did not only create a platform for public engagement, we also provided citizens with state-specific procurement data on the AI Integrated platform. This information supports them to access contract details, track project delivery, and hold government actors accountable to ensure better outcomes for their communities.

Ireti’s call that day did not just end in the call logs, it was heard. In June, she called back on air, this time with optimism, noting that the pace of work on the drainage project had improved. Workers were more present, and the neglected sites were finally receiving attention. Week after week, progress became visible. The project is now complete. A proper drainage system is in place, and the roads have been fully restored, eliminating the threats that once endangered community members. For Ireti and other community members, the completion of the project goes beyond fixing a road, it has brought back a sense of safety in their community. Where parents once worried about their children navigating hazardous roads, there is now relief, peace of mind, and renewed hope.

“When I first call, I just wan make person hear me,” but now, we dey grateful say things don really change. The road don safe again.”- Ireti

Over time, the show has gained street credibility, with citizens now trusting it as a reliable platform where everyday people can call in to raise concerns about procurement and infrastructure challenges, confident that their voices will be heard. The lesson is clear: when communities are given a platform to speak, and stakeholders are held accountable, change follows. 

“We receive calls every other day even after the weekly show. Community members are calling to complain about projects in their communities, they just want the government to act”- Femi, Radio presenter