Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has announced plans to award contracts for the construction of the Alagbole-Akute and Akute-Oke-Aro-Ijoko roads in Ifo Local Government Area within the next two weeks.
The governor revealed this during the commissioning of the Ojodu Abiodun-Denro-Ishasi-Akute Road on Friday.
Speaking at the event, Governor Abiodun stated, “In the next two to three weeks, I will award the contracts for the Alagbole-Akute and Akute-Ijoko-Oke-Aro roads. The construction will start from Akute and progress towards Oke Aro.
The Akute-Ijoko-Oke-Aro road, which extends to Sango, is 32 kilometers long, and we’ve already completed about 15 kilometers. Now, we’re set to continue from Akute and move towards Oke-Aro, which will complete the loop connecting Akute, Hercules, Alagbole, and Ajuwon.”
The governor also emphasized the importance of good road networks as key to economic development, noting that the ongoing construction of Toyin-Giwa, Akute-Ajuwon, and Akute-Alagbole roads would be completed and commissioned within three months.
“Months ago, these roads were brought to my attention, and I made a commitment to get them done. I’m happy to say work has already begun, and these roads will be commissioned in the next two to three months. People have already shared their positive feedback about the high quality of the work being done, and I am pleased with the contractor’s efforts,” he added.
The Ojodu-Abiodun-Denro-Ishasi-Akute Road, which had been in a deplorable state, was fully reconstructed under the governor’s administration. Reflecting on its condition prior to reconstruction, Governor Abiodun stated, “When I took office, I visited this local government and noticed the poor state of this road. I promised to fix it, and today, people can see the result of our efforts. This road connects Ogun State to Lagos and offers affordable living and peaceful surroundings for residents.”
He further emphasized the road’s potential to ease transportation and enhance access to Lagos, thereby boosting the socio-economic activities in the area. “This road not only enhances connectivity to Lagos but also revitalizes the economic life of the people in this area. I ask the people to use the road responsibly, avoid blocking the drainage, and not turn the road into a mechanic workshop. Speed breakers have also been put in place, as requested by the people, to prevent reckless driving,” Abiodun added.
Governor Abiodun called on investors to consider Ogun State as their preferred destination, assuring them that the state government would continue to build and improve infrastructure to make the environment conducive for business.
Engr. Ade Akinsanya, Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, explained that the 4.65-kilometer road, which includes a 30-meter bridge, was designed to enhance connectivity and economic growth in the region, as well as ensure smooth links to Lagos State.
The Chairman of Ifo Local Government Area, Hon. Idris Kusimo, expressed optimism about the road’s potential to spur economic activities in the area. “This road will serve as a catalyst for growth, bringing back commercial activities and development,” he said.
Hon. Adijat Adeleye, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and former representative of the area in the State House of Assembly, recalled that the road was constructed 15 years ago but washed away shortly after, and no previous administration had taken steps to repair it. She thanked the governor for addressing the long-standing issue.
The Olu of Ilaro and Chairman of the Ogun State Council of Obas, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, commended Governor Abiodun for revitalizing border towns in Ogun State. “With the construction of this road, the governor has reclaimed this area for the state and made the residents feel truly connected,” he stated.
Alhaji Bashir, the Zonal Chairman of the Community Development Association, also praised the road’s reconstruction. He shared that the area had been notorious for flooding, often causing long delays during the rainy season. “What used to take us 20 minutes now takes only 10 minutes, and we now feel fully integrated into the state,” he said.
