Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, on Thursday inaugurated Phase II of the 21-kilometre Imashayi–Igan-Okoto–Ayetoro Road in Yewa North Local Government Area, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to complete the final phase of the project.
Speaking during the ceremony, Abiodun assured residents that the remaining phase of the road would be completed to fully connect the corridor to Ayetoro, noting that the project would improve transportation and stimulate economic activities within the communities along the route.
The governor also directed the state Ministry of Housing to immediately inspect the Youth Development Centre in the local government area and begin work on renovating and upgrading the facility for the benefit of young people in the community.
Abiodun said although his administration might not be able to reconstruct every road across the state at once, it would continue to deliver road infrastructure across the three senatorial districts before the end of his tenure.
Describing Yewa North as one of the food baskets of the state, the governor noted that linking farming communities to major towns was critical to ensuring the smooth movement of agricultural produce from farms to markets.
He added that his administration remained committed to the infrastructural and economic development of Yewaland and Ogun West, stressing that the area, which had suffered neglect in the past, was now receiving the needed attention.
Abiodun said, “Today, we have constructed over 20 road projects in Yewaland and Ogun West. While the number may not appear large, many of these roads are quite extensive and are equivalent to about six or seven roads in other senatorial districts.
“For instance, the Agbara–Atan–Lusada Road is a dual carriageway expressway spanning about 20 kilometres, yet it counts as a single project. The same applies to the Ilaro–Owode Road and several other roads we are currently constructing, as well as those recently awarded and others that will soon be awarded.”
The governor assured residents that his administration would continue to provide purposeful and inclusive leadership through policies aimed at improving the state’s economy.
He also commended Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as bold economic reforms designed to reposition the nation’s economy, adding that the policies were beginning to produce positive results.
Abiodun particularly praised the ongoing construction of the 1,000-kilometre Badagry–Sokoto Highway, noting that when completed it would significantly reduce travel time between Imeko and Lagos to less than an hour.
“I want to thank Mr. President. If not for you, many states would have become insolvent. We appreciate the stability in fuel supply and the improving exchange rate. Today, Ogun State has become the investors’ destination of choice and the fastest-growing economy in Nigeria,” he said.
Earlier in his remarks, the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Ade Akinsanya, explained that Phase II of the road project included reinforced concrete structures in flood-prone areas to prevent erosion and flooding.
According to him, the road project was divided into three phases to enable efficient construction and smooth execution.
Akinsanya noted that the road serves as a major link between Ayetoro and neighbouring communities, adding that its reconstruction had improved the movement of farm produce, enhanced service delivery, strengthened security and improved the overall quality of life for residents.
The Iyaloja General of Ogun State, Yemisi Abass, commended the governor for fulfilling the promise he made during the commissioning of the first phase of the project and appealed to him to complete the final phase.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Yewa North Local Government, Olusola Akinbode, said the road project would further support farmers in the area. He revealed that the local government distributed about 11,000 cash crop seedlings to farmers last year and plans to distribute about 30,000 cocoa, cashew and palm seedlings this year.
Similarly, the member representing Yewa North/Imeko-Afon Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Gboyega Nasir Isiaka, commended the governor for fulfilling his promise to improve the lives of residents through infrastructure development.
Isiaka described the reconstruction of the road as a major relief for communities along the corridor, noting that the road had been neglected by previous administrations.
The Adokun of Igan-Okoto, Oba Mukaila Akanbi Salako, also appreciated the governor for connecting the community to Ayetoro and appealed to him to ensure the completion of the third and final phase of the 21-kilometre Imashayi–Igan-Okoto–Ayetoro Road.
