Ijebu-Ode/Epe road construction will end congestion on Lagos/Ibadan expressway ― Ogun gov

The Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, on Wednesday, said that the construction of the 14km Ijebu-Ode-Mojoda-Epe highway, on completion, would serve as an alternative route to the busiest Lagos/Ibadan expressway.

Abiodun in his address at the flag-off of the Ijebu-Ode/Epe road construction stated that the road would be completed within the next 12 months.

The governor said the full socio-economic benefits of the road could not be achieved if the state government fails to construct its section of the road, that connects Lagos State.

He, therefore, solicited for support and cooperation from residents of the area in ensuring a smooth completion of the road in record time.

“Today’s event of the turn of the sod of Ijebu-Ode-Mojoda-Epe 14km road is, therefore, a symbolic testimony of our administration’s commitment towards creating an enduring economy of our dear state and ensuring the well being and welfare of all the people of Ogun State. It is on this premise that I join others to welcome all of us to this epoch-making event.

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“Perhaps, what makes this particular road very important is the fact that we cannot realise the full socio-economic benefits of the road if it is half-way done, particularly, that Lagos State has completed its side of the same road.

“Our people in both states want and deserve good governance. Let me, therefore, use this opportunity to restate our administration’s commitment towards the infrastructural development in all parts of our dear State,” he added.

Governor Abiodun added that both Lagos and Ogun States are still in talks with the Federal Government for the release of the rehabilitation of the Lagos-Sango-Ota-Abeokuta and Sagamu-Ogijo-Ikorodu highways.

He added that the state could only take full advantage of its proximity to Lagos, the 5th largest economy in Africa, to develop its economy if there is good infrastructure in place.

Governor Abiodun urged the contractor handling the project to ensure that unemployed youths are engaged in the construction work.

The Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, expressed delight over the project, calling on the state government to facilitate the reconstruction of Ikorodu/Ogijo/Sagamu and Oba Erinwole roads in Sagamu.

He said that the Ijebu-Ode/Epe road would be beneficial to all Nigerians, especially those travelling from the East to Lagos State.

The Olu of Ilaro, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, advised the state government to prioritise most of the road projects, saying there is a deficit of infrastructure in the state.

The monarch stated that the Owode-Ilaro road calls for attention while there was a need for the government to complete the 110km road in Ayetoro to other areas in Ogun West Senatorial district.

Also speaking, the Transition Chairman of Odogbolu Local Government, Mr Obafemi Onakoya, said the reconstruction work on the road was long overdue.

Dignitaries at the ceremony were the State Deputy Governor, Engr(Mrs) Noimot Salako-Oyedele; the Dagburewe of Idowa, Oba Yinusa Adekoya who represented the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Kayode Adetona; the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo and Olu of Ilaro, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, among others.