Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, on Tuesday commissioned the Laderin Prof. Wole Soyinka Train Station Road in Abeokuta, saying more road projects would soon be inaugurated across the state as part of activities marking Ogun State’s 50th anniversary.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Abiodun said his administration was intensifying efforts to improve road connectivity and open up economic corridors across the state.
He disclosed that about 20 additional roads would be inaugurated in the coming weeks.
The governor said construction work was progressing steadily on the Sagamu Interchange Papalanto Opele Road, describing the 100 kilometre highway as a major east west connector that would significantly ease movement of goods and services.
“Let me share with you the biggest secret of our reconstruction efforts right now, the Ogun East West Connector. This road stretches from the Sagamu Interchange through Papalanto to Opele, covering about 100 kilometres,” Abiodun said.
He explained that the road, when completed, would serve as an alternative route for motorists and heavy-duty vehicles, eliminating the need to pass through Abeokuta to access other parts of the country.
“We have completely closed off the road for reconstruction. As we speak, between Sagamu Interchange and Papalanto, which is about 40 kilometres, we have reconstructed approximately 25 kilometres using reinforced concrete.”
“When completed, trucks and vehicles conveying goods and services from Ota, Ifo and Ewekoro will no longer need to use the Abeokuta Sagamu Expressway, as they can connect directly to Papalanto and access the expressway,” he said.
Abiodun described the Prof. Wole Soyinka Train Station as a critical transport hub linking Ogun State to Lagos, Oyo State and the northern parts of the country.
He noted that the presence of five train stations in the state further underscores Ogun’s strategic role in Nigeria’s economic development.
According to the governor, although access roads were not originally provided during the construction of the rail line, his administration took the decision to rehabilitate the Laderin road in line with its multimodal transportation policy.
He added that between 100,000 and 150,000 passengers, including investors and traders, commute daily between Ogun, Oyo and Lagos states.
He disclosed that the train station road forms part of over 1,600 kilometres of roads constructed by his administration, adding that one lane of the Atan Lusada Agbara Road has been completed, while work has commenced on the second lane.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Ade Akinsanya, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Engr. Lateef Yusuf, said the three kilometre road would provide access to the MKO Abiola Trade Fair Complex, Laderin, Lukosi and other neighbouring communities.
He noted that the project would ease movement and stimulate commercial activities in the area.
Also speaking, a former member of the House of Representatives and the Osi of Egbaland, Chief Bode Mustapha, recalled that the road was previously in a deplorable condition.
He said its reconstruction, alongside other infrastructure projects, has brought significant benefits to Ogun Central Senatorial District and Abeokuta in particular.
The Chairman of the Articulate Motorcycle Owners Association of Nigeria in Ogun State, Alhaji Taofeek Sokoya, said the road was once a no go area due to its poor condition, forcing transporters to avoid it.
He commended the governor for rehabilitating the road, describing it as a major relief to residents and road users.
