Excitement as Abiodun commissions Arepo- Journalists’ estate road
My administration will fix more internal, external roads, says gov
IT was a moment of joy for residents as Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun yesterday commissioned the 2.35km Arepo- Journalists Estate Road, with a promise to continue doing projects capable of making life more meaningful to people and residents of the state.
For years, the road had been in a deplorable state, with failed sections and numerous potholes; making mobility unbearable for residents and visitors.
However, yesterday hope came the way of motorists, especially through the reduction of vehicle maintenance cost, while easing the burden experienced by road users.
Consequently, the reconstruction of the road in Obafemi Owode Local Council by Prince Dapo Abiodun administration after years of neglect is poised to bring about a rebound in social and economic activities in the area.
Apart from further opening up the area to greater development through creation of access to the hinterland, the facility is to engender a rise and improvement in the living standard of residents and indigenes alike. It will also enable easy access to schools, medical facilities, police posts and other essential social vices by residents as well as uplift scenery of the area.
Commissioning the project, the governor, who described the road project as a remarkable one and his administration’s commitment to the provision of good governance in the state, noted that the completion is a demonstration of his administration’s appreciation for the support given by the people of Arepo Community.
While noting that genuine development should be people- oriented, Abiodun disclosed that the road leads to no fewer than 42 communities in Obafemi- Owode Local Council.
He recalled that he had promised during electioneering in 2019 to fix the road if he was elected governor, expressing his delight that Arepo Road, which had been in a bad state for years, had finally been constructed.
The governor said interlocking stones are used because of swampy nature of the terrain, as well as other road infrastructure such as walkway, street lights and drainage, to make it durable and bring out its aesthetics.
He said: “We are determined to raise the bar in road construction in a few years to come. Our administration has constructed most roads in Ogun Central, we will continue to look after the welfare of our people. We are determined to be fair and participatory; we will not develop a section of the state at the expense of others.
“I want to assure you that we will complete all uncompleted projects embarked upon by our predecessor in office, which have direct positive socio- economic well- being for our people, and we will continue to make life better for the people.”
Abiodun, however, called on the residents of the community to take ownership of the road, urging the youth not to be allowed to be used by unscrupulous politicians before and during the conduct of the 2023 general election.
Earlier, the Olu of Arepo, Oba Solomon Atanda Oyebi, thanked the governor for fulfilling his electoral promises by fixing the road, which according to him had brought untold hardship on residents.
On her part, former Chairman of Nigeria Union of Journalists ( NUJ), Lagos State Council, Mrs. Funke Fadugba, commended Governor Abiodun for ensuring the construction and completion of the road. M
EANWHILE, the governor has assured residents of a modern primary healthcare centre to be completed in the next four months.