By Rosheedat Akinkunle, JKNewsMedia Reporter
A FRESHLY rebuilt road, once riddled with potholes and avoided by commercial drivers, has now undergone complete reconstruction, emerging as a vital access route that residents say is transforming daily life.
According to the Ogun State government, it is the road leading to the Prof. Wole Soyinka Train Station in Abeokuta. It now offers a smooth gateway for commuters and traders navigating Ogun State’s capital.
The state government also confirmed the delivery of other critical roads across the three senatorial districts as part of a broader rehabilitation push.
Among the completed projects are the Express Link Road in Ogere, Ikenne Local Government; Akute-Ajuwore Road; Alagbole-Ajuwon Road; and Hercules-Giwa Road in Ifo Local Government Area.
Several other key roads are still undergoing various stages of construction.
These include the second phase of Ode-Saapade Road, Ayepe Junction to Mayflower Road (popularly known as Tai Solarin Road) in Ikenne, the stretch from Hospital Road Junction to Ayepe Junction in Sagamu, Akute-Lambe-Agbado Road in Ifo, and the Magboro Road axis.
Residents who spoke about the previous state of these roads described them as long neglected and nearly impassable, often forcing transporters to avoid the routes or charge exorbitant fees.
The improved infrastructure, however, is now attracting heavy commercial use.
Ghassan Moussa, site supervisor with Hi-Tech, which is handling the Ode-Saapade Road, said work is about 60 percent complete.
He noted that dual extensions are underway and that the project is moving into the base-layering and asphalt phase, albeit challenged by seasonal rainfall.
At the Tai Solarin Road site, engineer Friday Oseghale from Sobak Nig. Ltd confirmed resurfacing activities are steadily advancing.
Starting from Ayepe Junction, he said crews are now approaching St. Saviours Church, with the road width measuring approximately 12 metres.
Taxi driver Fatai Adeosun, who plies the Olokuta–train station–Laderin route, called the transformation “remarkable,” recalling how drivers previously detoured around the broken road.
“It’s become one of the busiest and most profitable routes now,” he said.
Theresa Olubunmi, a Laderin Estate resident, said her neighbourhood had long petitioned for intervention. “The governor has indeed heard us. This road now saves us from daily stress.”
Trader Fausat Awosanya at the Ogere tollgate market said the improved Express Link Road has reduced haulage costs and increased customer traffic. “We now move our goods without the usual back-breaking stress,” she remarked.
At Ode-Remo, resident Agboola Adebayo expressed delight that the long-forgotten Ode-Saapade Road is finally receiving attention. “We thought it was impossible. The governor surprised us all,” he said.
Businessman Ejike Okemere also hailed the reconstruction, saying it would spur trade and lift economic activities across the region. “This road brings hope. It will unlock so much for our people,” he said.
However, the Ogun State government has not indicated when all ongoing projects will be fully completed, but officials say the administration remains committed to connecting communities and stimulating local economies through infrastructure renewal.
