Traditional rulers, community leaders, farmers, transport operators, traders and residents have commended Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, following the commissioning of the reconstructed Gao Junction–Ibi-Ade Road in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area, describing the project as a landmark infrastructure intervention that is set to unlock new economic opportunities and improve the quality of life in the riverine communities.
Commissioned amidst widespread jubilation, the newly reconstructed road is expected to improve connectivity, facilitate the seamless movement of agricultural produce, reduce travel time and transportation costs, and stimulate commercial activities in one of Ogun State’s key agricultural corridors.
Residents could recall that the road had remained in a deplorable condition for many years, making movement extremely difficult, particularly during the rainy season, noting that the poor state of the road contributed to significant post-harvest losses, increased vehicle maintenance cost for transport operators and limited access to markets, healthcare facilities and educational institutions.
Speaking in an interview during the commissioning, the Ojotumoro of Abigi, His Royal Majesty, Oba Segun Ogunye, described the project as the fulfilment of a long-standing aspiration of the people, lauded Governor Abiodun for responding to the developmental needs of the area through impactful infrastructure projects, pledging the continued support of traditional institutions for government initiatives that promote peace, prosperity and sustainable development across the State.
A community leader, Chief Semiu Ajakaye described the road as more than a physical infrastructure project, saying it represented a renewed hope, economic growth and had also restored public rconfidence in government, expressing gratitude to the State government for fulfilling its promise to the people of Ogun Waterside.
The Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Ogun State Chapter, Alhaji Mustapha Adewale, said the project was a major relief for commercial drivers, commuters, farmers and traders who had endured years of difficult travel on the route, adding that the improved road will enhance safety, reduce travel time, reduce vehicles maintenance costs and improve the overall efficiency of transportation in the area.
Speaking on behalf of farmers in Ibi- Ade axis, Mr. Akilabi Abayomi and Mrs. Risikat Adekunle, said the road would enable them to transport produce more efficiently to urban markets, thereby increasing productivity and income, emphasising that easier access to markets would significantly reduce post-harvest losses and improve returns on agricultural investments.
On her part, a trader, Mrs. Bose Adewale, who described the commissioning as “a new beginning” for businesses in Ogun Waterside, said the road would attract new investments, create employment opportunities and encourage business expansion across the area, calling on government to sustain the momentum of rural infrastructural development by extending similar projects to other underserved communities.
Earlier, in his welcome address, the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Ade Akinsanya, said the successful completion of the project had reflected Governor Abiodun’s unwavering commitment to delivering durable infrastructure that supports economic growth and would also enhance the welfare of the people, explaining that the road was constructed in tandem with modern engineering standards, which featured, reinforced concrete drainage systems, box culverts, kerbs, access slabs and lane markings, designed to ensure durability, safety and efficient traffic flow.
He added that the Gao Junction–Ibi-Ade Road was one of several strategic road projects being executed under the present administration’s infrastructure renewal agenda, which had seen the construction, reconstruction and rehabilitation of nearly 2,000 kilometres of roads across Ogun State, noting that the initiative was aimed at strengthening connectivity, stimulating economic development and improving the socio-economic well-being of residents in both urban and rural communities.