Tinubu Government Flags Off N297Billion Reconstruction of Ibadan–Oru-Ijebu-Ode Express Road

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday flagged off the reconstruction of the 56.5-kilometre Ibadan-Ijebu-Ode Road, valued at N297 billion, in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The President also approved the redesign and reconstruction of the Ibadan-Abeokuta Road and 45 other roads across the South-West region.

At the flag-off ceremony, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, pledged that the people of the region would reciprocate the gesture.

The event was attended by the Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun; his deputy, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele; Oba Ladoja; the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Senator Sharafadeen Alli; the Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi; APC chieftains and other dignitaries from Oyo and Ogun states.

Speaking at the event, Tinubu, who was represented by Governor Abiodun, said the project was part of his administration’s infrastructure development programme aimed at easing the hardship faced by Nigerians and improving road connectivity across the 36 states.

He said the project, being handled by JRB Construction Company, was expected to be completed within 36 months.

According to him, the Ibadan-Ijebu-Ode Road, which had been in a deplorable condition for years, serves as a major link between Oyo and Ogun states and connects several agrarian communities along the route.

Tinubu said the completion of the road would boost economic activities and increase the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the affected states while attracting local and foreign investments.

He added that improved road infrastructure would facilitate the movement of people and agricultural produce, strengthen commerce and create opportunities for communities along the corridor.

”Today demonstrate the flag off of 56.5km Ibadan-Ijebu Ode road road. It is must than just a flag off, it is a connect between the two states economically. Ibadan- Ijebu ode is too important for the Federal governnent to neglect. The importance of this road extend more than the boundaries of the states.

“For decade, farmers, manufacturers, farmers, students and other residents depend on the use of this road. This project reflect the commitment of the Federal government in delivering a safer roads for the people of the Country.”

He however charged the contractor to deliver the project on scheduled.

In their various remarks, dignitaries in attendance including political office holders and traditional rulers described the reconstruction of Ibadan-Ijebu Ode road as a landmark project that would outlive the administration of President Tinubu.

The Minister of State for Works, Bello Mohammed said that on completion would ease the transportation bottleneck being experienced by the residents of the two states.

“The project has further shown the commitment of President Bola Tinubu admimistration’s commitment to the infrastructural development in the 36 states of the federation including the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

“The only way to reciprocate the gesture is for the people in the region to vote massively for Tinubu and all the candidates of the All Progressives Congress, (APC) in 2027.

Also in his address, a member of the House of Representatives who moved the motion for the dualisation of the road on the floor of the Green chamber solicited the support of the community dwellers at ensuring the timely completion of the road.

“I am appealing to our people to give the contractor that is handling the project neccessary support at ensuring its speedy completion.

“Also, the Minister should pay due attention to the project noting its imperative to the economic growth of not only the two benefitting states but the entire Country as a whole.

In his remarks, Alli described the road as first to be constructed by the late sage, chief Obafemi Awolowo.

“This road will go a long way to boost commerce in the Southwest region’.

The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi described reconstruction of the road by federal government as a gift to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja from President Tinubu.

“Mr. President directed me to act on the letter written by Oba Ladoja on the need for infrastructural development in the Southwest region which include Ibadan-Ijebu Ode road and other roads in the region. Also, Mr. President has directed the reconstruction of Ibadan-Abeokuta road and other 15 roads in the region.

*Every road that President builds have a lifespan of 109 years. Many roads have been redesigned incliding Ibadan-Ife-Ilesha and others. We may not complete all the projects that we have started by 2027 but all will be completed and commissioned on or before 2031.”

Lauding the gesture of Tinubu towards infrastructural development in the Southwest, Olubadan of Ibadanland in his remarks gave assurance that the people in the region would retaliate with their votes in 2027.

‘Tinubu deserves to be President since a long time. We appreciate him the road project possible having known about insecurity on the road. His performance is likely to help him win the coming presidential election recalls I led the Oyo state Obas to the President in appreciation of the rescued of the Oriire kidnapped victims.

“This road is going to improve the relationship between the Ijebu and Ibadan people. I have been assured that the road will be delivered in 24 months. The people of Ibadan and Oyo state is using this opportunity to thank the President for the project and we shall retaliate in the coming election.”

Also, the Ebumawe of Ago Iwoye, Oba Rasaq who represented all the traditional rulers in Ijebuland said the project would ease the transportation problem in the zone.

He added that it would address the issue of insecurity and improve the economy of the region.