The Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, said on Tuesday that his administration had constructed approximately 1,000km of roads since taking office in 2019.
Abiodun stated this at the commissioning of the 3.12-kilometre Oke-Erinja-Ilobi road in Yewa South Local Government Area of the state, promising to ensure the road’s completion all the way to Ilobi.
The governor described the project as a historic milestone in Ogun State’s development journey.
He noted that the road serves as a pathway to progress and economic growth, enhancing the quality of life for residents of the Erinja and Ilobi communities.
“We have demonstrated our commitment as a government not only to urban renewal but also to rural development. It is easy to construct urban roads, but it takes a far-sighted administration to prioritise rural road construction.
“The food supply chain begins in rural areas, and these communities are our food baskets. Ogun State spans approximately 17,000 square kilometres, with 12,000 square kilometres of arable land. Our people are predominantly farmers.
“How do we unlock their potential? How do we ensure food security if we fail to construct the roads that connect farmers in rural areas to markets? This is precisely what we have done.
“The Ilobi and Oke-Erinja areas are among the state’s key agricultural hubs, and today we have prioritised their road infrastructure.
“It was never our intention to halt construction at Oke-Erinja. I have often heard that the Erinja and Ilobi people are like Siamese twins, and I will not separate them.
“So, let me assure you, we will complete this road to Ilobi. The project will not stop halfway,” he said.
Abiodun further announced that his administration would award the construction of the Sango-Ijoko-Akute road within the week.
He explained that efforts on the Akute-Ajuwon, Alagbole-Ajuwon, Giwa-Oke-Aro, and Alagbole-Akute roads would not be fully appreciated unless the Sango-Ijoko-Akute road was completed.
“We have not neglected our border communities. Over the past two weeks, we have visited Ifo Local Government multiple times because of the large number of people commuting between that area and Lagos daily.
“The Sango-Ijoko-Akute road will soon be awarded, possibly this week. It is a lengthy stretch of approximately 17 kilometres and a major arterial road connecting Ogun West to Ogun Central and, ultimately, to Lagos,” he said.
Abiodun also highlighted ongoing work on the Agbara-Atan-Lusada road and his plans to inspect the Interchange-Papalanto-Obelle road with businessman Aliko Dangote to expedite its completion. The road is being constructed under a tax credit scheme.
“We are currently reconstructing the Ota-Ifo-Abeokuta road, which will significantly benefit Ogun West.
“The Interchange-Papalanto-Obelle road is also under construction; it serves as a crucial West-East connector in our state.
“Very soon, I will inspect the road alongside Alhaji Dangote. I have invited him to assess its progress.
“We have completed one section of the Agbara-Atan-Lusada road — a road many believed would never be reconstructed.
“Today, one side is fully completed, allowing seamless travel from Agbara to Atan-Lusada. We have now moved to the other section, and by God’s grace, we will complete it as well. This is a vital road for Ogun West,” he said.
Governor Abiodun expressed gratitude to the Olu of Ilaro, the Chairman of the Ogun State Council of Obas, other traditional rulers, community leaders, and residents for their cooperation in facilitating the project. He assured them that his administration would continue to deliver on its promises.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Ade Akinsanya, stated that upon completion, the road would significantly contribute to the development of both the community and the state. He added that the road would also provide access to the Nigeria Police Training College.
The Olu of Ilaro, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, commended Abiodun for driving development in Ogun West, describing the governor’s efforts as outstanding.
