Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Wednesday, inaugurated the newly dualised 5.9km Akobo–Ojurin–Olorunda Abaa road, noting that the project is a strategic linkage road that will open up rural communities, stimulate trade, ease transportation and uplift the quality of life of the people.
Makinde, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal, noted that the project was another testament to the visionary governance in the state.
Noting that the administration’s steadfastness and commitment to inclusive development had continued to transform the landscape of Oyo State, Makinde said the road had been named after Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu, in recognition of his contributions to the development of the state.
Recall that Makinde restarted the construction and dualisation of the Akobo-Ojurin Road and Akobo flyover in his first term of office, while the construction of the 5.6km Ojurin-Olorunda Abaa was flagged off in 2023.
Speaking at the project inauguration, held at the Nathaniel Idowu Comprehensive High School, Olorunda Abaa, Ibadan, the governor added that the construction of the road was in fulfilment of his electioneering promise in 2023, adding that it would serve as a critical link connecting communities and boosting economic activity in Lagelu Local Government and beyond.
He said: “It is with immense pleasure and a deep sense of fulfilment that I welcome you all to this historic inauguration of the dualised 5.9km Akobo–Ojurin–Olorunda Abaa–Eniosa Junction Road, a critical link connecting our communities and boosting economic activities in Lagelu LGA and beyond.
“This landmark project, executed under the able leadership of the chairman of Lagelu Local Government, Kamorudeen Mudashiru, stands as yet another testament to the visionary governance of Governor Seyi Makinde, whose steadfastness and commitment to inclusive development continue to transform the landscape of Oyo State.
“During the governor’s campaign visit to Ward 3 of Lagelu LG, he promised the people of Olorunda Abaa and its environs that this road, once a symbol of neglect, would be revived and upgraded to world-class standard.
“Today, we witness the fulfilment of that promise, as the road is not just tarred with asphalt, it is fully dualised, complete with solar-powered street lighting, drainage systems, and tarred adjoining access roads to enhance connectivity and safety.
“This project forms part of the broader dualised corridor stretching from Idi-Ape to Basorun to Akobo-Ojurin to Olorunda Abaa and Eniosa Junction.
“This strategic linkage is more than just a road; it is a lifeline that will open up our rural communities, stimulate trade, ease transportation, and uplift the quality of life of our people,” he said.
He added, “But this is not an isolated achievement. Governor Seyi Makinde’s infrastructure revolution is visible across the length and breadth of Oyo State.
“Permit me to spotlight just a few milestones: The 76.7km Ogbomoso-Fapote-Iseyin Road, which connects two major economic zones and enhances regional agricultural trade.
“We also have the 34.85km Oyo-Iseyin Road, another legacy project, which has reduced travel time drastically while increasing access to rural communities and the dualisation of the 12.5km Challenge-Odo Ona-Elewe-Apata Road in Ibadan, which is now easing the burden of intra-city traffic and improving commuter experience.
“There is also the reconstruction of the Moniya–Iseyin Road, which was completed in the first term (Omituntun 1.0) and remains a shining example of what visionary leadership can accomplish within record time and the completion of the Airport-Ajia-New Ife Expressway with a spur to Amuloko, enhancing access to the Ibadan Airport, and has been encouraging investments in the state.
“Also, projects such as the Ibadan Circular Road, among others, have continued to demonstrate the governor’s commitment to building infrastructure that supports economic growth.”
The governor praised Lagelu Local Government for completing the landmark project, toeing the path of Ido Local Government, which completed the 10.3km Omi Adio-Ido Junction Road in December 2023, noting that all local governments in the state had been beneficiaries of different people-oriented developments.
“Under the Omituntun 2.0 roadmap, each of our 33 local government areas is a beneficiary of people-oriented developments.
“From road construction to health facilities, from model schools to rural electrification and water projects, Governor Makinde has been ensuring that no community is left behind.
“This is why we must continue to rally behind this transformative leadership. The progress we see today is the result of strategic planning, prudent management of resources, and a people-first governance philosophy.
“As we commission this Akobo-Ojurin-Olorunda Abaa-Eniosa Junction Road, let us also recommit ourselves to supporting this administration so that Oyo State can continue on the path of prosperity, stability, and progress.”
The Lagelu Local Government Chairman, Mudashiru, expressed gratitude to the governor for his commitment to the development of the state.
He added that the dualised road was conceived, awarded and executed by the local government, stressing that the road project pointed to how Oyo State’s version of local government autonomy had been working better for residents of the state.
The representative of the contractor that handled the road project, Messrs Samchase Nigeria Limited, Okoro Hyginus, appreciated the government for entrusting the company with the construction of the road infrastructure project.
In their separate goodwill messages, the member representing Akinyele/Lagelu Federal Constituency, Wasiu Olafisoye, the member representing Lagelu State Constituency, Akintunde Olajide and the Oyo State PDP Women Leader, Chief (Mrs) Wulemotu Ibitoye, appreciated Makinde for investing in the growth of the state and for delivering dividends of democracy to the people of the state.
Also, the Ololorunda of Olorunda Abaa, Oba Samuel Abiodun Folarin and the former President-General, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, Chief (Dr) Yemi Soladoye, appreciated the governor for fulfilling his promises to the people of the community.
The event had in attendance former Deputy Governor, Alhaji Hazeem Gbolarumi; Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Debo Ogundoyin, who was represented by Gbenga Oyekola; Deputy Chief of Staff, Kazim Adeniyi; commissioners, service commanders, local government chairmen, traditional rulers and religious leaders.