By Jemimah Wellington, JKNewsMedia Reporter
WORK ON the 70-kilometer Abeokuta-Ifo-Ota-Lagos Expressway has officially begun, with Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, vowing to complete the project within 18 months.
The governor made this promise during the flag-off ceremony in Itori, Ewekoro Local Government Area, stressing the road’s importance to Ogun and Lagos States, as well as its critical role in national and international transport.
The road project, which has faced delays and bureaucratic hurdles since 2019, finally gained approval from the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
The governor expressed his gratitude to the President and the Federal Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, for facilitating the transfer of the road’s reconstruction to the Ogun State Government.
The road, initially awarded in 2003, has suffered from inadequate funding and prolonged abandonment, leaving it in a deteriorated state.
Governor Abiodun acknowledged the hardship endured by commuters over the years due to the road’s poor condition.
He announced that construction work would commence immediately, with five dedicated teams deployed across different sections of the road to ensure rapid progress.
Each team is responsible for a 15-kilometer stretch, covering areas such as Ota, Ifo, Papalanto, Ewekoro, and Abeokuta.
The governor emphasized that the project would not only enhance connectivity between Ogun and Lagos States but also improve security, create jobs, and boost economic activities in the region.
The road serves as a vital link for industrial hubs in Ota, connecting various communities to key economic centers and even to neighboring countries like Benin Republic.
The strategic significance of the road cannot be overstated, with its impact extending to trade, education, and local industries.
During the event, various stakeholders, including the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Ade Akinsanya, and local traditional rulers, expressed their support for the project.
They praised the current administration for addressing the long-standing issue and urged residents to cooperate with the construction teams to ensure timely completion.
Graneburg, the company tasked with the rehabilitation, assured the government and the public of their commitment to delivering a high-quality project.
The company’s representative, Engr. Edmond Maley, called for community support and efficient traffic management during the construction period to minimize disruptions.
Governor Abiodun concluded by encouraging the private sector to partner with the state government in its development efforts, highlighting the administration’s dedication to providing essential infrastructure across Ogun State.
