By Oluwaseun Sonde
Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun has said that since 29th May, 2019, the State has witnessed a new vista in infrastructural development, while commissioning the Pansheke Adigbe Opako road in Abeokuta metropolis on Tuesday.
Speaking further at the inauguration ceremony of the road at the popular Panseke Junction, the Governor described the event as symbolic, because the road was one of the inherited road projects from his predecessor's administration.
The road which traverses Abekouta South, Obafemi-Owode and Ewekoro LG, was one of the roads started but claimed it was abandoned by the immediate past administration in the state, Abiodun further described the project as fulfilment of his administration's promise to the people of Ogun state.
According to him, "This road has a history. It was started on December, 2018. That makes it one of the inherited projects from 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 development of our dear State. Here we are! We are fulfilling our promises", Abiodun boasted.
The Governor noted that since 29th May, 2019, Ogun has witnessed a new vista in infrastructural development. "We thank God that we are here gathered today not only to commission this road, but to fulfil the promise made. This is to show that our words are our bond with the people of Ogun State.
He explained that the 3km road is particularly of economic importance as it traverses three Local Government Areas and also provides a viable bye pass to the busy Ita-Oshin-Lafenwa end of the Abeokuta-Ifo-Sango-Lagos expressway through Obada Oko.
Added that, "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 8m in each direction, and reinforced concrete drain and walkway.
Abiodun further said, "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.
"This road will all boost our transportation development plan for Abeokuta as one of our fastest growing cities. As we look forward to expanding the scope of coverage of the Bus Mass Transit Scheme, the kinds of this road will make the plan easier", he stated.
He noted that Ogun people have been enjoying the benefits of the road before the official commissioning, pointing out such underlined fact that his government is more committed to the provision of amenities that make life easier to the people than the pomp and pegeantry.
While expressing elation that “Building our Future Together” Agenda of his administration for the continued development of Ogun has continued to receive both state and nation-wide acknowledgement, Abiodun reiterated that he would not make any promise he never wished to fulfill, said 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.
"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.
"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.
"On this, our administration will continue to do more for the individual prosperity of our people and development of our dear State".
Abiod reassure that his Administration is irrevocably committed to a continuous provision of infrastructure and security in all parts of the State.
"In this regard, the roads leading to our farm settlements, rural areas and township roads, in general, will continue to receive utmost attention to facilitate even socio-economic development of all parts of our dear State. All these will enhance our job creation, poverty alleviation and food security programme", the governor said.
He, 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.
"You are to protect them as they are truly yours. By doing this, you will not only partner in the successful implementation of Administration’s “Building our Future Together” Agenda, but also in creating a viable economy for our dear state", he said.
The Governor acknowledged the dedication and cooperation of all those behind the successful completion of the project, sought the people's continued support for his administration in the drive to provide more infrastructure to the benefits of all by paying their taxes and other levies regularly as and when due.
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