- Safiu Kehinde
President Bola Tinubu has flagged off the reconstruction and dualisation of the 58-kilometre Ibadan–Ijebu-Ode Road linking Oyo and Ogun states.
Tinubu also approved the immediate reconstruction and dualisation of the Abeokuta–Ibadan Road.
The projects, according to the President, are part of the Federal Government’s efforts to strengthen transportation networks, deepen economic integration and address critical infrastructure deficits across the South-West.
In his address at the flag-off ceremony held at the open field of Legacy Estate, Idi-Ape, Ibadan, the president, who was represented by Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, said the projects demonstrated his administration’s commitment to improving strategic economic corridors and delivering infrastructure that directly impacts the lives of Nigerians.
He described the Ibadan–Ijebu-Ode corridor as a major economic artery connecting Ibadan, Ijebu-Ode and the Lekki economic axis, with links to other parts of the South-West and the country.
According to him, the flag-off was more than the commencement of another road project, but “a decisive statement that no critical infrastructure deficit will be ignored and no strategic economic corridor will be allowed to stand in the way of our collective prosperity.”
“The Ibadan–Ijebu-Ode Road is too important to Oyo State, Ogun State, Lagos and, indeed, the entire Nigeria to be left unattended to.
“Today, the Renewed Hope Agenda moves beyond promises into practical action through a project that will improve mobility, strengthen commerce and create new possibilities for our people,” he said.
According to reports, Tinubu noted that improved road infrastructure would boost commerce, enhance productivity, reduce transportation costs and create employment opportunities for farmers, traders, manufacturers and other Nigerians.
He disclosed that the Ibadan–Ijebu-Ode project would involve the construction of approximately 58 kilometres of dual carriageway using continuous reinforced concrete pavement to ensure durability, safety and long-term value.
The president said the contractor had assured the government that the project would be completed in less than 24 months.
He however charged the company to mobilise fully to site, adhere strictly to approved specifications and deliver the project within the agreed timeframe.
Tinubu also appealed to host communities to cooperate with the Federal Ministry of Works, contractors and relevant government agencies to ensure the smooth execution of the project.
He warned against encroachment, disruption and unreasonable demands that could delay construction, stressing that the success of the project depended on the cooperation of all stakeholders.
According to him, the real value of the road would be measured by its impact on Nigerians, particularly through improved movement of agricultural produce from farms to markets, easier transportation of raw materials and finished goods, reduced travel time and better access to jobs, education and healthcare.
In his remark, the Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, disclosed that Tinubu had also directed the immediate reconstruction and dualisation of the 70-kilometre Ibadan–Abeokuta Road, noting that the procurement process was already ongoing.
Umahi said Oyo State currently had 17 major road projects out of the 47 Federal Government projects being executed across the South-West.
He added that Ogun and Ondo states had a combined 82-kilometre stretch of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, which, he said, would provide access to the biggest seaport currently being developed in Ogun State.
While highlighting some of the projects being executed by the Federal Government in the South-West, the Minister listed the 1,068-kilometre Badagry–Sokoto Road, noting that 258 kilometres had already been dualised.
He also mentioned the 56-kilometre Oyo–Ogbomoso Road, which he said was 80 per cent completed, as well as the 34-kilometre Oyo–Ibadan Road, which was abandoned but had been resuscitated by the present administration.
Umahi described JRB, the contractor handling the Ibadan–Ijebu-Ode Road, as one of the best-equipped indigenous contractors in the country, with a record of executing quality projects across Nigeria.
He called on the people of the affected communities to support the contractor and ensure the timely completion of the project.