Ijebu Ode town and its environs was agog on Wednesday, February 26th, 2020 as top politicians and Royal Fathers across Ogun State joined Governor Dapo Abiodun while flagging off 14kilometer Ijebu Ode/Epe expressway.
The epoch-making event attracted hundreds of residents of the town to the venue to witness part of the electioneering campaign promises of the Governor.
While speaking, Governor Abiodun said on assumption of office in May 2019 that one of his promises is to provide adequate infrastructure in all parts of the State.
He said; “Indeed, in the course of campaign, I made a specific promise that our Administration would rehabilitate and reconstruct Ogun Sate segment of Ijebu Ode – Epe Road to bring relief and succour to our people, and engender socio-economic development of our state”.
“I am delighted that today’s event is yet another instance of promises made and promises kept. As a Government that places premium on character and integrity, we will continue to keep all our promises”.
While directing that the construction company should ensure that fifty percent of the workforce are sourced from the community, Governor Abiodun reiterated his administration readiness to reduce challenges being faced by the residents of the border areas of the State.
“And, very importantly, it is our avowed commitment to provide infrastructure at our border communities. It is very painful that our people at these border communities see people on the other sides of the border enjoying the same dividends of democracy that had seemed elusive to them”.
“Today’s event of the turn of 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. The Governor also promised to sustain the Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) Agenda “and a robust approach to good governance that is all-inclusive and participatory”.
“The result has been a continuous growth in the economic development pattern of our dear State. We are determined to sustain this momentum”.
Speaking on the importance of the road to the State, Prince Abiodun said;
“is the fact that we cannot realize 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. In fact, we will be unveiling two major roads in Ota, Ogun West Senatorial District, in a matter of days”.
“These roads also link our dear State with Lagos. We should also keep in mind that Ogun State and Lagos State are still in talks with the Federal Government for the release of the rehabilitation of Lagos-Sango Ota-Abeokuta Expressway and Sagamu-Ogijo-Ikorodu road”.
” We can only take full advantage of our proximity to Lagos, the 5th largest economy in Africa if we provide good infrastructure which will help to put into economic expression, the proximity.
It is more cheering and encouraging to note that Lagos State has demonstrated commitment towards a partnership for the development of infrastructure in the border areas. This is why our two States are coming up with the Lagos-Ogun Joint Development Commission”.
In his welcome address, the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engineer Ade Akinsanya said the road which will be tolled is scheduled to be completed within Twelve months.
He urged the construction company to ensure that they keep to the completion term saying that the road when completed will ease transportation outside Lagos.