By Rosheedat Akinkunle, JKNewsMedia Reporter
GOVERNOR DAPO ABIODUN of Ogun State has said that his government has accelerated efforts to complete the 100-kilometre Sagamu-Papalanto-Iro-Ilaro-Obelle road in Ewekoro Local Government Area, instructing the contractor to achieve 70% completion by the end of the year.
Governor Abiodun emphasised that the road would serve as a vital connection between the Ogun West and East Senatorial Districts, enhancing access to the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and bolstering the industrial activities in Ota and Agbara Industrial Estates.
During an inspection tour, accompanied by Dangote Group President Aliko Dangote and other dignitaries, the Governor highlighted the road’s economic significance, comparing it to the Sagamu-Abeokuta Expressway.
With gas availability in the area, Abiodun pointed out that the road would attract global investors.
He expressed satisfaction with the project’s progress, noting that the road’s construction involves a unique process tailored for heavy-duty industrial use.
He detailed that a stone base would be applied for stabilisation, followed by another layer of stone before reinforced concrete is laid.
“This corridor will soon rival the Sagamu-Abeokuta Expressway. With the gas infrastructure here, industries will find a shorter, more efficient route for distribution to the hinterland,” he stated.
Abiodun commended Aliko Dangote for his unwavering commitment to Ogun State’s development, describing it as an act of patriotism. Dangote, in turn, affirmed that the road would catalyse economic expansion and transform the region into Ogun’s next industrial hub.
“This is not just a road; it will create jobs and drive Ogun State’s economic growth,” Dangote remarked.
To Lead Cement Production in Sub-Saharan Africa
Ogun State is poised to become Sub-Saharan Africa’s largest cement producer with the completion of the $700 million Dangote Cement plant in Itori, Ewekoro Local Government Area.
Governor Abiodun, during an inspection of the second Dangote Cement plant in the state, announced that its total production capacity would surpass any other country in the region.
Situated on a 533-hectare site, the Itori cement plant will produce six million tonnes annually and is expected to be completed by November 2026. Governor Abiodun highlighted that Dangote’s investment further solidifies Ogun State’s position as Nigeria’s industrial hub.
Abiodun praised Dangote for his perseverance despite setbacks from previous administrations.
Dangote reciprocated, commending Abiodun’s leadership for restoring investor confidence in the state.
He noted that the plant, which includes mining and power generation facilities, would generate substantial employment opportunities.
“It is our belief that before the end of 2026, Governor Abiodun will commission this project,” Dangote assured.
The Olu of Itori, Oba Akorede Akamo, also lauded Abiodun for prioritising economic development, describing his administration’s initiatives as transformative for the state.
Urban Regeneration and Infrastructure Overhaul in Ogun East
Governor Dapo Abiodun inspected ongoing road construction projects in Ogun East Senatorial District over the weekend, reinforcing his administration’s commitment to urban regeneration.
He reiterated that his government’s developmental strides must be sustained and announced plans for a dry port to attract more investment.
In addition to infrastructure expansion, Abiodun highlighted the completion of over 4,000 affordable housing units across Abeokuta, Ilaro, Sagamu, Iperu, Ijebu-Ode, and Ota.
He also confirmed that the Blue Rail Line would extend from Agbado to Kajola, while the Red Line would stretch from Okokomaiko in Lagos to Agbara in Ogun State.
“We began our Urban Regeneration at the GRA in Abeokuta, followed by the PMB Estate. Today, I see progress, from housing developments to the airport’s new conveyor belts and scanners coming online. Something remarkable is happening in Ogun State, and we must sustain it,” he declared.
Governor Abiodun announced that contracts for 11 economically significant roads had been awarded to ensure fairness and inclusivity in project allocation. At Ode-Remo, he confirmed that construction would commence on the 12-kilometre Akaka-Ilara-Ilisan road and the Ode-Isara Road.
During his inspection of the 15-kilometre Sagamu-Iperu-Ode-Sapaade road, Abiodun described it as a key arterial route providing an alternative link to the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
The project, divided into three phases, was upgraded from a single to a dual carriageway following extensive community cooperation.
Additionally, the Governor assessed the 14-kilometre Sagamu-Ayepe road in Sagamu Local Government Area, stating that the first phase was already underway in a densely populated zone.
He assured residents that all key roads with economic significance would be completed before his tenure ends.
Inspecting the Igbeba Junction-Yidi road, Abiodun praised the construction quality and noted that the three-foot drainage system would prevent flooding during the rainy season.
Reflecting on past challenges, he recalled that the road had been prone to severe erosion. “Our engineers have devised solutions to end this problem once and for all,” he assured.
Expressing gratitude for the opportunity to govern Ogun State, Abiodun reaffirmed his administration’s focus on education, agriculture, youth empowerment, job creation, and infrastructure development.
He further pledged that these sectors would continue receiving strategic investments to foster sustainable growth.
