Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, on Thursday said his government will continue with its infrastructural drive, especially in the area of road construction as a catalyst for economic growth and development.
Abiodun disclosed this at the inauguration of the six kilometres (first phase) of the Siun-Owode-Ofada Road in the Obafemi Owode Local Government of the state.
Speaking at the event, which was attended by the Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahaman AbdulRasak, Abiodun emphasised the importance of road construction in the overall development of the state.
He described the newly rehabilitated road as an alternative to the ever-busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, adding that it would also positively impact the socio-economic development of communities along the road.
He said, “The road represents a vital link between communities to boost local economies and connect all those coming from Abeokuta to Siun, Owode up to Mowe. This local government is where people work in Lagos but reside and commune daily.
“The road is an alternative for people from Abeokuta to Lagos. It will significantly impact the socio-economic development of the state.”
He added that the road is the first to be inaugurated this year, just as the Mowe-Ofada Road has been completed, adding that his administration would soon inaugurate more roads including the Ilaro -Owode Road and the Gateway International Cargo Airport at Ilisan.
Abiodun listed Obantoko, Gbonogun, Ikorita Meje-Aderinde-Olokotutu, Olomore-Sanni, Somorin- Kemta-Idi-Aba, Panseke-Adigbe and the Olusegun Osoba-Toyin-Agbado as some of the roads that have been attended to in the Ogun Central Senatorial District.
He explained why some road projects were delayed, blaming the development on the high price of construction materials.
He said, “We have had a slowdown in construction due to the situation of things in the country in the last few months which has not allowed for objective pricing of construction materials.
“But for us, construction represents a lot. Besides the fact that road construction allows for the movement of goods, services, and people, the construction industry is the largest employer of labour. So, we will continue to prioritise construction.
“We have harvested priority roads in each local government area. We will begin our reconstruction all over again as a result of the price stability. Our contractors will go back to the sites. All the roads harvested during our last town hall meetings, you will begin to see construction on the roads.”
Abdulrasak, who is also the Chairman, Nigerian Governors’ Forum, praised Abiodun for the infrastructural revolution going on in the state.
Abdulrasak called on his colleagues from other parts of the country to take a cue from Ogun State by providing their people with the needed infrastructure to enjoy the dividends of democracy.
Others present are the Senator representing Ogun Central Senatorial District, Shuaib Salis; state Chairman, All Progressives Congress, Yemi Sanusi; the Chairman, Obafemi Owode LG, Adesina Ogunsola, amongst others.
