Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, on Friday commenced the reconstruction of the 70-kilometer Abeokuta-Ifo-Ota-Lagos Highway, pledging to finish the project in 18 months.
During the flag-off ceremony at Itori in Ewekoro Local Government Area, Governor Abiodun highlighted the significance of the road to Ogun State, Lagos State, and the entire country, emphasizing its importance as a route for people traveling to neighbouring nations.
It is worth noting that the plan to rebuild the road was initially proposed in 2019, but all attempts to persuade the federal government to transfer control to the Ogun State Government were unsuccessful.
Governor Abiodun stated, “The plan for this road reconstruction has been long in the making. Although it is a Federal Government road, the State had to navigate the appropriate channels to secure the necessary approval for the project.”
“The road was originally awarded in 2003, but due to inadequate funding, the construction has faced numerous delays, causing repeated interruptions and deterioration. Our citizens have endured considerable hardship traveling on this road, but today marks a turning point,” he added.
Governor Abiodun expressed satisfaction that construction work would commence immediately. He explained that the State could only perform temporary repairs previously due to a federal contractor’s existing commitment.
However, renewed discussions with the Federal Government following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s inauguration led to the road’s handover to Ogun State for reconstruction.
“I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for granting our request to take over and rehabilitate the Abeokuta/Ifo/Sango/Abule-Egba Road,” the governor remarked.
The governor emphasized that the road is the second busiest in Nigeria, following the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, and is crucial for economic activities in Ogun State and beyond. It links Abeokuta to Lagos and connects industrial and densely populated areas, impacting trade and commerce significantly.
Governor Abiodun announced that five construction teams would work simultaneously in different zones to expedite the reconstruction. Each team will handle specific sections, including Ota/Ifo, Papalanto, Ewekoro/Itori, Abeokuta, and a team dedicated to maintaining traffic flow during the project.
He assured that the road’s construction would generate employment opportunities and improve security and living conditions for the residents. He also urged the public to support the project and called on the private sector to collaborate with the government to drive socio-economic development across the State.
In his remarks, Engr. Ade Akinsanya, Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Engr. Lateef Yusuf, reiterated the government’s commitment to completing the road and alleviating the struggles of road users.
Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, the Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, praised the current administration for addressing the long-neglected road, while Chief Yemi Sanusi, the APC State Chairman, viewed the reconstruction as a significant benefit of democratic governance.
Engr. Edmond Maalu, representing the project contractor Graneburg, assured high-quality work and sought the community’s cooperation for smooth operations. The Olu of Itori, Oba Abdulfatai Akanmo, also expressed gratitude for the long-awaited road rehabilitation, which had been overlooked by past administrations.
