President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Monday, flagged off the N295.9 billion dualisation of the Ibadan-Ijebu Ode Road, describing the project as a strategic infrastructure link that will strengthen trade, economic activities and regional integration across the South-West.
Tinubu, who was represented at the ceremony by Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, said the 58-kilometre project would connect communities, businesses and markets across Oyo and Ogun states while boosting the movement of people and goods.
The project, awarded to JRB Construction Company, will involve the construction of approximately 58 kilometres of dual carriageway, equivalent to about 116 kilometres of single carriageway.
“The contractor has assured me that the road will be completed in less than 24 months,” Tinubu said.
The President said the project formed part of his administration’s broader infrastructure development agenda for the South-West, stressing that every naira invested in public infrastructure must deliver measurable benefits to citizens.
He said the completed road would provide farmers with more reliable access to markets, enable traders and young entrepreneurs to reach customers more easily, and facilitate the movement of raw materials and finished products for manufacturers.
According to Tinubu, the road would also reduce travel time and improve access to healthcare, education and other essential services for residents and commuters.
He further said the project would create direct and indirect employment opportunities while advancing his administration’s vision of a more economically integrated and globally competitive South-West.
“People in government working within their responsibilities while pursuing a common objective of improving the welfare of the people- this is what constructive infrastructure should produce,” he said.
Tinubu commended the collaboration between the federal and state governments and urged stakeholders to support the timely completion of the project.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, commended the President for prioritizing concrete-pavement road infrastructure, saying roads constructed under the administration would have long-term durability.
“Every road built by this administration has a lifespan of 50 years,” Umahi said.
The minister noted that some ongoing road projects might not be completed before 2027, but assured that they would be completed and inaugurated on or before 2031.
Umahi described the approval of the Ibadan-Ijebu Ode road reconstruction as a special gesture to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, from the President.
He said Tinubu had directed him to act on a letter written by the Olubadan requesting improved infrastructure in the South-West, which led to action on the Ibadan-Ijebu Ode road and other major roads in the region.
The minister also disclosed that the President had directed the reconstruction of the Ibadan-Abeokuta Road and 15 other roads across the region.
In his goodwill message, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, expressed appreciation to the Tinubu administration for its infrastructure initiatives in the South-West.
Ladoja said the region would reciprocate the administration’s efforts with electoral support in 2027.
“The performance of the President is likely to help him win the coming presidential election,” he said.
The Ibadan-Ijebu Ode Road is a major transport corridor linking Oyo and Ogun states and serves as an important route for the movement of agricultural produce, commercial goods and passengers between the hinterland, Lagos and other economic centres.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Senator Sarafadeen Ali and Senator Yinus Akintunde, representing Oyo South and Oyo Central senatorial districts respectively.
(Champion News)
