Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun has again appealed to the Federal Government to promptly release and approve the reconstruction of the Abeokuta-Ifo-Lagos Expressway to ease the suffering of commuters on the road.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the Panseke-Adigbe-Opako at the popular Panseke Junction, Abeokuta, noted with regret the deplorable condition of the expressway and the difficulty the people pass through, saying that it was time for the federal government to consider the plea of Ogun and Lagos States to reconstruct the road.
"Let me also take this opportunity to plead that the Federal Government to consider the plea of our two states of Ogun and Lagos that the Federal Government should consider the release and prompt approval for the reconstruction of those roads. The fact is that the argument that some roads are Federal Road, as valid as it is, offers little comfort because there are no Federal citizens. Our people hardly make distinctions on the ownership of road infrastructure. In fact, they often associate States with the particular roads they ply. And, they situate their pains on particular roads with geo-space. All they want and deserve is good governance.
"In fact, we are still looking forward to how to handle some major roads such as Sagamu/Ogijo/Ikorodu road; Abeokuta/Ifo/Sango/Lagos road and other Federal roads across our major cities. In fact, we cannot take full advantage of this particular road without having the Abeokuta/Ifo/Sango/Lagos in good condition", he said
He said the 3 kilometres Panseke-Adigbe-Opako road which traverses Abekouta South, Obafemi-Owode and Ewekoro LG, was one one the roads started but abandoned by the immediate past administration in the state.
Governor Abiodun described the event as symbolic, as the road was one of the inherited road projects from his predecessor's administration, adding that the project was in fulfilment of his administration's promise to the people of Ogun state because of its viability.
"This road has a history. It was started on December, 2018. That makes it one of the inherited projects from the immediate past administration. At the inception of our Administration, and, in our usual methodical, strategic and inclusive approach, we inaugurated a committee to consider the status and viability of these inherited projects. Then, I made a promise to the good people of Ogun State that we will complete all inherited projects that have direct bearing on the development of our dear State. Here we are! We are fulfilling our promises.
According to the Governor, "on the micro level, this road is an added infrastructure and adds to the aesthetics of this area. It has a reinforced concrete median, a carriage width of 8metres in each direction, and reinforced concrete drain and walkway.
"More than that, its benefits on the macro level are far greater. It is no doubt an added advantage to the successful implementation of our Transport Master Plan, especially the road transportation aspect of our multi-modal transport agenda.
The governor noted the road would boost the State's transportation Development Plan for Abeokuta, as one of the fastest growing cities, saying the road of this nature would make the plan easier as there are plans to expand the scope of coverage of the Bus Mass Transit
While expressing delight that the "Building our Future Together” Agenda of his administration has continued to receive both state and nation-wide acknowledgement, Abiodun reiterated that he would not make any promise he would not fulfill, saying efforts were being intensified towards ensuring reconstruction of other major roads, just as new ones were being constructed for a wholesome development of Ogun State.
Abiodun, therefore, charged the people in Ogun State, especially the residents of Panseke-Adigbe-Opako axis, to take ownership of the road and other projects that his administration has continued to provide across the state.
Speaking, Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olakunle Oluomo attested to the fact that the governor has been fair in distributing developmental projects to all sessions of the State, assuring that Lawmakers would continue to perform their duties by making laws that would further engendered development in the State.
Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Akin Adesanya, represented by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Akeem Adesina in his speech said the road which is a bye-pass that link to Obada Oko onward to Lagos, would not only reduce traffic bottleneck but improve the socio-economic development of the people leaving in communities along the road.
According to the Commissioner, the road which is a bye-pass to Lagos would reduce traffic bottleneck and improve the socio-economic development of the people, adding that it was part of efforts of the government to spread the dividends of democracy to all parts of the State.
In his remarks the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, represented by the Osi of Egbaland, Chief Bode Mustapha, lauded the State government for constructing the road which he noted had been in a terrible condition for a long time.
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