By Adekunle Oluwafunmilayo
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON on Thursday commissioned the newly reconstructed Iworo–Ogbogbo–Igbeba Road in Ijebu North-East Local Government Area, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to rural connectivity and economic growth while pledging the execution of two additional road projects in the area before the end of the year.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Governor Abiodun said the road project provides critical access to farmlands and fulfils a key promise made during his 2023 second-term re-election campaign. He assured residents that his administration would sustain its infrastructure drive to improve livelihoods and stimulate commerce across Ogun State.
“I want to promise you that between now and the end of the year, I will construct two more roads in this local government. Let me assure you that the Central Mosque–Ilese to Benin–Sagamu Expressway, for which you have made a case, will be prioritised,” the governor stated.
The governor explained that the newly commissioned road links Ijebu North-East directly with Ijebu-Ode, easing the movement of agricultural produce to major markets. He described the project as a continuation of the Igbeba Road in Ijebu-Ode, which was commissioned by his administration last year.
“We are being intentional about this. I will describe it as our own infrastructural emancipation of the entire Ijebuland,” Abiodun added.
Reflecting on the past condition of roads in the axis, the governor recalled that the previously deplorable state of infrastructure had discouraged commercial transport operators from operating in Ijebu-Ode and its environs. He expressed satisfaction that the improved road network has begun to attract private investors and transport companies willing to provide taxi and mobility services across Ijebuland.
Governor Abiodun also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for creating what he described as an enabling environment for sub-national governments to deliver impactful projects. He assured residents that his administration would continue to respond to critics not with rhetoric, but with “visible and measurable” development across the state.
In his remarks, the member representing Odogbolu, Ijebu-Ode and Ijebu North-East Federal Constituency, Hon. Femi Ogunbanwo, said the constituency had benefitted immensely from the governor’s infrastructure-focused agenda. He pledged the continued support of the people for the Abiodun administration.
The Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya, described the project as a clear demonstration of the government’s resolve to pursue unprecedented development in all parts of Ogun State, noting that the gesture would remain memorable to the people of the area.
Earlier, in his welcome address, the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Ade Akinsanya, said the Iworo–Ogbogbo–Igbeba Road was one of several strategic projects undertaken to boost economic activities and enhance connectivity. He explained that the formerly dilapidated road had been reconstructed with reinforced concrete drainage systems designed for durability, adding that the intervention would significantly improve transportation and commercial exchanges along the corridor.
Traditional rulers from the host communities also lauded the project. The Ilese of Ilese Kingdom, Oba Oluremi Obayomi, described the road as a long-awaited intervention and one of the priority requests presented to the governor during his second-term campaign. He appealed for the reconstruction of the Central Mosque–Ilese to Benin–Sagamu Expressway to further open up the area.
Similarly, the Oniworo of Iworo, Oba Asebisi Onafunwa, said the project underscored the governor’s commitment to grassroots development. He noted that the improved road had enhanced commercial activities and access to farmlands, while calling for the installation of solar-powered streetlights to strengthen security in the communities.
The commissioning ceremony marked another milestone in the Abiodun administration’s infrastructure agenda, as residents expressed optimism that the promised additional projects would further transform Ijebu North-East and deepen economic opportunities across Ijebuland.
