Former President of the Federation of Ugbo Youths, Comrade Ewajane Samson Kayode, popularly known as Ewakayo, has called on the Minister of Works, Prof. David Umahi, to provide verifiable explanations for the reported diversion of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway from its original alignment, stressing the need for transparency, fairness, and inclusive development for Ondo State’s coastal communities.
Comrade Ewajane Samson Kayode, fondly known as Ewakayo, has urged the Federal Government to provide clear, factual, and evidence-based answers concerning the reported change in the alignment of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, a strategic infrastructure project with significant implications for coastal communities in Ondo State.
In a statement dated October 17, 2026, the former President of the Federation of Ugbo Youths challenged Prof. Umahi to make public the technical, financial, and economic considerations informing the reported route diversion.
Ewakayo identified three key areas requiring clarification from the Ministry of Works.
He called for a detailed comparative cost analysis if the original alignment was considered too expensive, insisting that the public deserves to understand the financial implications of the proposed alternatives.
He also urged the ministry to release relevant engineering studies and technical assessments if geographical conditions or construction challenges were responsible for making the original route impracticable.
Furthermore, Ewakayo called for verifiable economic projections to demonstrate whether the alternative alignment would deliver greater public value and adequately address the interests of affected coastal communities.
According to him, decisions concerning infrastructure projects of national importance should be supported by credible evidence and guided by sound engineering, economic viability, accountability, and the overall public interest.
Ondo’s Coastal Potential Must Be Considered
Ewakayo highlighted Ondo State’s extensive coastline, marine resources, and blue economy potential, noting that the region offers significant opportunities for economic growth, investment, employment generation, and improved connectivity.
He maintained that the concerns of coastal communities must receive serious consideration in decisions that could influence their economic prospects and access to national infrastructure.
The former youth leader stressed that his demand was not for preferential treatment but for fairness, transparency, and an equitable opportunity for Ondo State to benefit from the nation’s development agenda.
He further argued that infrastructure development should promote balanced regional growth rather than create perceptions of exclusion among communities whose economic potential could be strengthened by strategic public investments.
Call for Transparency
Addressing the Minister of Works, Ewakayo urged Prof. Umahi to publish the relevant evidence and provide convincing explanations for the reported change in the highway’s alignment.
He noted that transparent disclosure of the relevant technical and economic considerations would help the public better understand the decision-making process and assess its implications for the affected communities.
Ewakayo maintained that the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway should be developed in a manner that reflects national priorities while giving due consideration to the legitimate development concerns of communities along Nigeria’s coastline.
He concluded that equity, accountability, and inclusive development should remain central to major infrastructure decisions, insisting that the aspirations of Ondo State’s coastal communities deserve to be heard.
For Ewakayo, the central issue is clear: the people of Ondo State deserve transparent explanations, evidence-based decisions, and a fair opportunity to benefit from infrastructure projects capable of transforming their economic future.
Comrade Ewajane Samson Kayode (Ewakayo)
Former President, Federation of Ugbo Youths
Ondo State
October 17, 2026
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