Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has announced that his administration will soon award contracts for the construction of two major roads in Ifo Local Government Area; the Alagbole-Akute road and the Akute-Oke-Aro-Ijoko road.
The contracts are set to be awarded within the next two weeks.
Abiodun made this disclosure during the commissioning of the Ojodu Abiodun-Denro-Ishasi-Akute Road on Friday, where he emphasized the significance of the ongoing infrastructure development in the region.
According to the governor, construction will begin from Akute and continue towards Oke-Aro, with plans to extend the Akute-Ijoko-Oke-Aro road up to Sango, covering a distance of 32 kilometers.
“I’m committed to ensuring that this local government wears a new look in the shortest time possible. Within the next few weeks—maximum of three weeks—I will award the contract for the Alagbole-Akute road and the Akute-Ijoko-Oke-Aro road. The Akute-Ijoko-Oke-Aro road is a crucial link, and once we complete it, we will connect Hercules, Akute-Ajuwon, and Alagbole-Ajuwon. This will significantly improve access to these communities,” said Governor Abiodun.
The governor also highlighted the importance of quality road infrastructure as a critical enabler of economic development.
He noted that the ongoing construction of other roads, including Toyin-Giwa, Akute-Ajuwon, and Akute-Alagbole, will be completed in the next three months.
“Months ago, I visited this area, and based on feedback from the people, I promised to improve some key roads. The Toyin-Giwa-Hercules road, the Akute-Ajuwon road, and the Alagbole-Ajuwon road were among them. Today, I’m proud to say that not only has work started, but these roads will be ready for commissioning in the next two to three months. I’m pleased with the high quality of work being carried out,” he said.
Abiodun emphasized that the Ojodu-Abiodun-Denro-Ishasi-Akute road, which had been in a dilapidated state, was a major project his administration had prioritized.
He acknowledged the suffering the poor condition of the road caused the residents, but reassured them that his government had made the restoration of this road a priority from the outset of his tenure.
“When I took office, I personally visited this area and saw the deplorable condition of the road. I promised to reconstruct it, and today, the people can see the results. This road connects Ogun State to Lagos and is crucial for the people who live and work in both states. It was a challenge, but we’ve delivered on our promise,” Abiodun explained.
The governor also called on the residents to protect the infrastructure and refrain from turning the road into a dumping ground or mechanic workshop.
He further added that speed breakers had been installed along the road, addressing concerns from the people about speeding.
“I urge the people to take ownership of this road. Let’s not block the drainage or misuse the road. The speed breakers we’ve added are for your safety and to stop drivers from using the road recklessly. It’s important that we all protect this infrastructure for future generations,” he said.
Abiodun also took the opportunity to encourage more investors to consider Ogun State as a prime location for business, reassuring them that the state government would continue to improve infrastructure and create a conducive environment for businesses to thrive.
The Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Ade Akinsanya, described the 4.65-kilometer road project, which includes a 30-meter bridge, as a key initiative to boost connectivity and economic growth in the region.
He noted that the road would seamlessly connect Ifo Local Government Area to Lagos, further enhancing trade and movement between the two states.
Chairman of Ifo Local Government Area, Hon. Idris Kusimo, expressed optimism about the economic benefits of the road, stating that it would rejuvenate commercial activities in the area.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs, and former representative of the area at the Ogun State House of Assembly, Hon. Adijat Adeleye, spoke about the road’s significance. She shared that the road had been constructed 15 years ago but had been washed away shortly after, leaving it neglected for years.
The Olu of Ilaro and Chairman of the Ogun State Council of Obas, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, praised the governor for revitalizing border towns in the state.
He said that the reconstruction of the road would make the residents feel more connected to Ogun State and give them a sense of ownership.
Local community leaders also echoed their gratitude, with Alhaji Bashir, the Zonal Chairman of the Community Development Association, recalling how the area was notorious for flooding, which had severely impacted travel times.
“What used to be a 20-minute journey now takes two hours during the rainy season. But with this road, we now feel like we’re part of Ogun State,” he said.
Abiodun’s road initiatives continue to play a vital role in transforming the infrastructural landscape of Ogun State, improving the quality of life for its residents, and fostering greater economic opportunities in the region.
