Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has flagged off the construction of the 670-metre Adebayo-Akinade Road in Igbogbo-Baiyeku Local Council Development Area and approved the immediate commencement of six other road projects in Ajeromi-Ifelodun and Ifelodun councils.
The road project was flagged off on behalf of the Governor by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Rural Development, Dr Nurudeen Yekinni Agbaje, at Adebayo-Akinade Street, Igbogbo-Baiyeku.
Speaking at the event, Agbaje said the project was one of the numerous infrastructure projects being undertaken by the Sanwo-Olu administration through the Office of Rural Development to extend the dividends of democracy to every part of Lagos State.
He commended the Governor for ensuring that rural communities were not left behind in the state’s development agenda, particularly through efforts to cascade the T.H.E.M.E.S. Plus Agenda to the grassroots.
Agbaje disclosed that Sanwo-Olu had recently approved the immediate commencement of six similar road projects in Ajeromi-Ifelodun and Ifelodun councils.
He said the projects, alongside other rural development initiatives, would open up economic opportunities and improve the quality of life of residents across the state.
The Special Adviser appealed to residents and community stakeholders to provide a conducive environment for the contractor to execute the project without hindrance.
He also charged the contractor to deliver the project within the stipulated timeframe while maintaining the highest standards of quality.
In his goodwill message, the member representing Ikorodu Constituency II, Hon. (Dr.) Aro Moshood, commended Sanwo-Olu for his inclusive development agenda, particularly the administration’s efforts to transform rural communities into semi-urban communities through the provision of critical infrastructure.
Moshood noted that, over the past seven years, Sanwo-Olu had approved more than seven critical road projects in Ikorodu, adding that the projects had contributed significantly to the economic empowerment of rural residents and helped reduce rural-urban migration.
He also appealed to the contractor to deliver the project within the agreed timeline while encouraging the engagement of both skilled and unskilled residents of the community in its execution.
Similarly, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Mrs Kikelomo Bolarinwa, in her welcome address, expressed appreciation to Sanwo-Olu for his sustained commitment to rural development, particularly through the provision of infrastructure and social amenities that had enhanced economic activities and improved living conditions in rural communities.
Bolarinwa urged residents to take ownership of the project and protect the road infrastructure from vandalisation.
The Chairman of Igbogbo-Baiyeku Local Council Development Area, Prince Hammed Olalekan Aroyewun, applauded Sanwo-Olu for his continued investment in Ikorodu and other rural communities across the state.
He noted that the numerous development projects undertaken by the administration had contributed significantly to the transformation of Ikorodu, making the area an increasingly attractive destination for residents and investors.
Aroyewun also urged residents and community stakeholders to refrain from activities that could undermine the work of the contractor or delay completion of the project.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Odera Community Development Association (CDA), Professor Noah Imodu, expressed gratitude to the Governor on behalf of the residents, describing the road project as a symbol of progress, improved accessibility, economic empowerment, safety, security and, most importantly, hope for the community.
He assured the state government that residents would regard the road as their heritage and work closely with the contractor and the Ministry to ensure that the project was completed within the stipulated timeframe.
The development comes a week after Sanwo-Olu, through the Office of Rural Development, flagged off a series of road projects across the state.
The projects include the 560-metre Isikalu Road, 270-metre Odofin Road, 320-metre Alayabiagba Road and 250-metre Cemetery Road in Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government Area, as well as the 320-metre Asubiojo Road and 320-metre Owoseni Road in Ifelodun Local Council Development Area.
The flag-off ceremony was attended by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Local Government and Rural Development, Mr Babatunde Durojaiye; executives of Community Development Associations in Igbogbo-Baiyeku; community and religious leaders; residents of Adebayo-Akinade community; other invited guests; and members of the press.
