Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to equitable and all-round development across the state, disclosing that 16 out of the 22 road projects initiated in Ijebu-Ode Local Government Area since 2019 have been completed.
The governor made this known in Ijebu-Ode on Thursday, during the commissioning of the Awokoya, Igbeba-Yidi Road.
He explained that the state government prioritised road infrastructure in the area due to its importance to the socio-economic wellbeing of residents and the need to curb the recurring loss of lives, particularly on the Yidi Road.
He said, “Today, I stand here very proud, standing tall, beating my chest, knowing that since 2019, this administration has awarded 22 roads in Ijebu-Ode alone. Out of the 22 roads we awarded in Ijebu-Ode, we’ve completed 16 of those roads, while six other roads are ongoing.
“When I assumed office on the 29th of May, 2019, Ijebu-Ode was one of the first cities that we visited, and the reason was not far-fetched.
“I wanted to have an on-the-spot assessment of the situation of our roads in Ijebu-Ode, and what was brought to my attention were particularly the flooding and erosion issues that Ijebu-Ode was experiencing. I made a promise that my administration would ensure that these issues become history.”
Abiodun explained that his administration remains focused on evenly distributing developmental projects across all zones of the state. He noted that Ogun State has, in recent times, transitioned from being merely the industrial and educational capital of Nigeria to also becoming the sports and cultural capital — a feat he attributed to the ‘can-do’ spirit of its people.
Speaking on the forthcoming Ojude Oba Festival, the governor assured the people of Ijebuland of a colourful celebration, noting that his administration has elevated the festival to international standards.
In her goodwill message, former Deputy Governor of the state, Chief (Mrs) Yetunde Onanuga, said the commissioned road had been in a deplorable state for years, subjecting motorists to harrowing experiences. She expressed appreciation to the governor for coming to their rescue and lauded him for executing several infrastructural projects in Ijebu-Ode and its environs.
Also speaking, Olufemi Ogunbanwo, who represents Ijebu-Ode, Odogbolu, and Ijebu North-East Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, commended the Abiodun-led administration for the tremendous socio-economic growth witnessed in Ijebu-Ode and the state at large. He described the road project as evidence of a people-oriented government.
The Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya, applauded the governor for the even spread of projects across the state, describing it as unprecedented. He also praised him for his favourable disposition towards the state workforce.
On his part, the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Ade Akinsanya explained that the reconstructed roads were previously in a poor state and prone to flooding. He said the completion of the project would bring relief to residents and boost economic activity in the area.
