Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun on Friday inaugurated the construction of the 81-kilometre Abeokuta-Ifo-Ota-Lagos expressway, promising to complete the project within 18 months. The groundbreaking ceremony took place in Itori, Ewekoro Local Government Area, with the governor highlighting the road’s significance to both Ogun and Lagos States and its importance as a route for travelers heading to neighboring countries.
Governor Abiodun noted that efforts to reconstruct the road began as early as 2019, but delays ensued due to challenges in securing federal approval. He stated, “This road has been a long time coming. We have always had the interest of our people at heart, knowing this is a Federal Government road. It took time, but we finally received the necessary approval to commence reconstruction.”
He recounted the road’s history, stating that it was first awarded in 2003 but faced insufficient funding, leading to intermittent contractor withdrawals and subsequent road degradation. “Our people have suffered too much traveling on this road, but today, hope is renewed,” the governor declared.
Governor Abiodun expressed his gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, for facilitating the transfer of the road project to Ogun State. He described the road as the second busiest in Nigeria after the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and emphasized its critical role in the economy of Ogun State and Nigeria at large. The road connects Abeokuta to Lagos and links various industrial hubs and educational institutions along the route.
To expedite the project, five construction teams will be deployed, each responsible for a 15-kilometre section of the road. The zones include Ota/Ifo, Papalanto, Ewekoro/Itori, and Abeokuta, with an additional team dedicated to palliative works to ensure smooth traffic flow during construction. “The project is expected to be completed within 18 months,” Governor Abiodun assured.
The governor emphasized that the road’s construction would generate employment opportunities for both skilled and unskilled workers in Ogun State, improve security along the corridor, and create a conducive environment for businesses and factories to thrive. He urged residents to cooperate with the contractors and called on the private sector to partner with the government in the state’s socio-economic development.
In his address, the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Ade Akinsanya, represented by Permanent Secretary Engr. Lateef Yusuf, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to completing the project, which spans four local government areas, to alleviate the suffering of motorists.
In a goodwill message, the Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, praised Governor Abiodun’s administration for addressing the long-neglected road, while the All Progressives Congress (APC) State Chairman, Chief Yemi Sanusi, described the project as a significant dividend of democracy for the people.
Engr. Edmond Maalu, representing the Managing Director of Graneburg, the company handling the project, expressed gratitude to the government for entrusting the work to them and assured the public of the company’s commitment to delivering quality construction.
The Olu of Itori, Oba Abdulfatai Akanmo, also spoke, noting that the road had been in poor condition for over 12 years, causing significant hardship for motorists. He thanked the current administration for taking decisive action to rehabilitate it.
