Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, guaranteed on Friday that the current reconstruction of the Abeokuta-Ifo-Ota highway would be finished within 18 months.
Abiodun made this announcement during the groundbreaking ceremony/official launch of the highway in Itori, Ewekoro region.
The governor noted that the critical significance of the road led his administration to request the Federal Government’s sanction for its full renovation.
He elaborated that, being the second most trafficked highway in Nigeria, its completion would enhance the economic prosperity of both the state’s residents and the nation as a whole.
The governor noted that the road, which was initially contracted for construction in 2003, remained unfinished due to a lack of financial resources.
He mentioned that his administration’s dedication to inclusive governance prompted the state government to request the transfer of responsibility from the Federal Government to alleviate the hardships faced by drivers on the highway.
Abiodun stated that the reconstruction project would span approximately 70 kilometers and would be segmented into five teams covering Ota, Ifo, Papalanto, Ewekoro, and Abeokuta.
“Each gang will cover about 15 kilometres and will be completed in 18 months,” the governor said.
Abiodun expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for transferring responsibility for the project to the state government.
The Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, thanked the governor for taking charge of the road’s reconstruction.
Olugbenle urged the contractor overseeing the project to ensure that the work met high standards.
The traditional leader requested the construction of a flyover at Papalanto junction in Ewekoro Local Government Area to minimize accidents and improve traffic flow.
Mr. Yemi Sanusi, the state chairman of the All Progressives Congress, emphasized that the highway reconstruction represented a significant benefit of democracy both for the state and the nation.
Attendees at the event included House of Representatives members, traditional leaders, several members of the State Executive Council, representatives from transport unions, and students, among others.
NAN
