By: Lauretta Fagbohun, Abeokuta.

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has commissioned the newly completed Imeko-Afon Township Road and ordered the immediate reconstruction of the Olorunda–Imeko Road following its poor state.

The township road, first constructed in 1959 by the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, was commissioned at a ceremony held in Imeko-Afon Local Government Area.

Speaking at the event, Governor Abiodun said his decision to approve the reconstruction of the Olorunda–Imeko Road was based on his personal experience while travelling on the road earlier in the day, describing its condition as deplorable. He said he had directed the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure to urgently prepare the project estimate and ensure it is advertised for bidding by qualified contractors.

“I told the commissioner that the project must be taken to the next Executive Council meeting and that construction should begin immediately,” the governor said.

Abiodun disclosed that his administration has constructed over 1,600 kilometres of roads across the state in the last six and a half years. He added that the government also facilitated the construction of the 100 kilometre Sagamu Interchange–Papalanto–Obelle Road using reinforced concrete.

The governor said his administration would continue to respond to criticism with tangible performance, assuring residents that Yewaland would continue to receive its fair share of development. He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the Badagry–Sokoto Highway project passing through Imeko-Afon, noting that it would significantly ease the movement of agricultural produce when completed.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Ade Akinsanya, said the Imeko-Afon Township Road would enhance trade between Imeko-Afon and Abeokuta North Local Government Areas and help address flooding challenges in the community.

The Chairman of the Ogun State Council of Obas and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, commended the administration for its renewed development focus on Ogun West and urged the governor to sustain the momentum.

Similarly, the Obaladi of Afon, Oba Babatunde Rasheed, praised the governor for reconstructing the township road, noting that it had been abandoned by previous administrations.

Chairman of Imeko-Afon Local Government, Hon. Theophilus Oloyede, said the project reflected the government’s commitment to economic growth, adding that improved road access would boost agricultural activities in the area.

Also speaking, the lawmaker representing Imeko-Afon State Constituency, Hon. Jemili Akingbade, described the road as a major boost to commerce and agriculture, while the member representing Yewa North/Imeko-Afon Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Gboyega Nasir Isiaka, said the project would promote prosperity for the people and the state.