It was an excitement galore for Lagos’ residents as Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu inaugurated a network of roads and bridges in the state.
First, to be commissioned was the Alapere Pedestrian Bridge, which was damaged almost a year ago, followed by Abiola- Onijemo Road with Link Bridge in Ifako-Ijaye Local Government Area and Ikoyi’s network of roads.
Elated by the way residents rushed out to welcome him to the venues, Governor Sanwo-olu seized the occasion to appeal to residents to take ownership of the roads, protect them and ensure proper usage and maintenance.
The network of roads inaugurated in upscale Ikoyi included Ilabere, Oyinkan Abayomi, Femi Okunnu, Ilu Drive, Inupa, MacPherson Avenue and Kuramo Close.
He urged Ikoyi residents to ensure prompt payment of their tax and land use charges in order to boost the infrastructural renewal of the entire state.
Describing infrastructure development as the backbone of smart and effective cities, the governor said the more the residents support his government through the prompt payment of their tax and land use charges, the more projects his government would deliver for the citizens.
He said: ”Transportation infrastructure is the backbone of effective cities. From the onset, we set out to build a state that is safe, smart and liveable
“Thriving economy is not about the amount of time spent in traffic. We can not ignore this, hence we embarked these projects to catalise economic growth and prosperous city.”
“We don’t take people of Ikoyi for granted. This initiative speaks about our commitment to transforming Ikoyi to an enviable location.
He said the network of roads rehabilitated would enhance connectivity to Victoria Island, reduce traffic time, boost the values of property and end flood problems in Ikoyi.
“We are going to collaborate with the resident association to create a sustainable maintenance strategy to improve the maintenance of the roads,” urging residents to see the projects as theirs and safeguard them.
The construction of Abiola-Onijemo Link Road with a bridge in Ifako-Ijaiye, the governor said the projects aligned with the THEMES+ agenda of his administration, which prioritises traffic management and transportation to enhance the welfare and productivity of Lago’s prices s residents.
He said the new road will significantly enhance vehicular movement, reduce travel times and stimulate local commerce.
The governor enjoined the residents to see the new link bridge as their project and, therefore safeguard it.
“This is a public asset. It is your asset, you need to safeguard it, protect it and don’t misuse it.,” he said.
He went further to urge landlords and land owners in the Ifako-Ijaye Local Government Area not to increase house rent and land prices following the inauguration of newly constructed Abiola – Onijemo Link Road with Bridge.
He urged landlords to let the people, especially residents enjoy the benefits of the new road.
By heeding the advice, the governor said the road will lead to improvement of economic benefits to them and their businesses.
Speaking at Ifako-Ijaye, Special Adviser on Infrastructure, Mr Olufemi Daramola, said the construction of the link road with bridge reflected the commitment of the state governor to infrastructure renewal, urban development and enhanced connectivity for the benefit of all Lagosians. This project is an essential element of the state’s infrastructure master plan, aligned with the T.H.E.M.E.S.+ agenda, particularly in transportation and traffic management.
Going the memory lane, the special adviser said: “The journey of this project has been long and transformative. Initially, this link between communities relied on a simple wooden bridge, a precarious structure that presented both health and safety risks for those who used it. Back in March 2012, the project was initially awarded but was later terminated due to non-performance by the original contractor.
“However, In May 2022, under the visionary leadership of Mr. Governor and Mr. Deputy Governor, the project was re-awarded, demonstrating this administration’s commitment to ensuring that no project is abandoned.”
The Abiola-Onijemo Link Road with Bridge, he said was more than just a physical connection, describing it as “lifeline for multiple communities.”
“The road spans a swampy terrain, connecting College Road through Ajayi Street in Ogba to Aruna, Obawole, and Iju-Ishaga. Communities in this area are historically divided by a 25-meter swamp belt.
“Today, to the Glory of God and a deep sense of fulfilment, this wooden bridge has evolved to a durable and safe concrete bridge that opens a new chapter of improved connectivity, safety and economic growth.
“This vital connection will significantly enhance vehicular movement, reduce travel times and stimulate local commerce,” he said.
The project covers a total length of 643 meters, including a 135-meter reinforced concrete bridge with retaining walls.
The infrastructure features 7.3-meter-wide carriageways, alongside slip roads, walkways, and solar-powered street lighting-all representing state- of-the-art infrastructure tailored to meet the needs of a growing population.
Additionally, the drainage system addresses long-standing flooding challenges, safeguarding the surrounding communities from the adverse effects of poor water management.
Member of the Lagos House of Assembly, representing Ifako-Ijaye constituency 1, Hon. Adewale Temitope, expressed gratitude to the governor for the construction of the project and many others in the area.
He added that the completion and inauguration of the road with link bridge has brought to an end the suffering of the people in the community.
Chairman, Ifako Ijaye Local Government Area, Hon. Usman Hamzat, lauded Sanwo-Olu for several projects being undertaken in the area.
He described the construction of Abiola-Onijemo as a “transformative project” that will open access to other communities and bridge the gap between the isolated communities.
In Ikoyi, the special adviser on Infrastructure, Olufemi Daramola, in his welcome address, said the road network was part of a series of urban regeneration projects in Ikoyi.
“Under the visionary leadership of Mr. Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, the Lagos State Government is focused on creating sustainable, modern infrastructure to improve mobility, reduce travel time, and enhance the quality of life for Lagosians.
“The rehabilitation of these roads is a key step in realizing that vision. Each road plays a critical role in decongesting traffic and improving access across Ikoyi, known for its residential, commercial, and governmental significance.
“The Road Network has a combined length of 5.90 kilometres under the listed scope of work,” the special adviser said.
The Senator representing Lagos Central in the National Assembly, Wasiu Sanni Eshinlogun, thanked Governor Sanwoolu for the construction of good roads for the use of Lagosians.
Appreciating the governor for a job well done, the member of Lagos House of Assembly, representing Eti-Osa Constituency, Gbolahan Yisahu, said the delivery of the roads would improve travelling time and Ikoyi’s ambience.
Chairman, Lagos House of Assembly Committee on Work, Desmond Olusola Elliott, lauded the governor for the quality of the road delivered in Ikoyi.
Majority leader in the Lagos House of Assembly, Noheed Adams, thanked the governor for delivering dividends of democracy to the good people of Lagos state.
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