President Bola Tinubu has flagged off the reconstruction of the 56.5-kilometre Ibadan-Ijebu-Ode Road, estimated at N297 billion, while approving the redesign of the Ibadan-Abeokuta Road and 45 other roads across Southwestern Nigeria.
The President flagged off the project on Monday at the Idi Ayunre end of the Ibadan-Ijebu-Ode Road in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The event was attended by Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, his deputy, Salako Ademola, and the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, among others.
President Tinubu, represented by Governor Abiodun, said; “the project was part of his administration’s efforts to improve road infrastructure and ease transportation across the country.”
He said the administration was committed to making roads in all 36 states motorable to reduce hardship and improve economic activities
President Tinubu said the project, being handled by JRB Construction Company, would be completed in 36 months, disclosing that the road, which has been in a state of disrepair, serves as a link between Oyo and Ogun states, with many agrarian communities along the route.
He further stated that on completion, “the road would increase the Gross Domestic Product of the affected states, with further attraction of local and foreign investment, and charged the contractor to deliver the project on schedule.”
President Tinubu said: ’’It is more than just a flag-off, it is a connection between the two states economically. Ibadan-Ijebu-Ode Road is too important for the Nigerian Government to neglect. The importance of this road extends more than the boundaries of the states.
“For decades, farmers, manufacturers, students, and other residents depend on the use of this road. This project reflects the commitment of the Nigerian Government in delivering safer roads for the people of the country.”
The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi described the road as a gift from President Tinubu to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja.
He said the approval was a response to an earlier letter of request sent to the President by the monarch, and not to a motion moved on the floor of the Green Chamber.
Umahi said the Ibadan-Ijebu-Ode Road was one of the series of roads begging for attention contained in the monarch’s letter to the President, noting that although all the ongoing projects of the present administration might not be completed before 2027, they would all be delivered by 2031.
He said: “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 the President builds has a lifespan of 109 years.”
