Residents of Ijebu-Ode have commended Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, for initiating the reconstruction of key roads in the town, praising the administration for revitalising long-neglected infrastructure.
Speaking with journalists, residents expressed relief and gratitude, describing the improvements as a welcome departure from years of infrastructural decay that had plagued the area.
Mr Oduwole Lawrence, a resident of Tam-Balogun, one of the roads currently under construction, recounted the difficulties faced by residents, especially during the rainy season, when the poor condition of the road disrupted daily life.
“The government is doing well, and I appreciate all their efforts on the roads. Infrastructure like this is crucial to progress. In just one or two years, we’ve seen notable development in Ijebu-Ode, unlike in the past when each administration came with its own incomplete plans,” he said.
Miss Dayo Oluwaremilekun, another resident of the area, also acknowledged the relief brought by the road works. She noted that flooding, which used to keep residents indoors during the rainy season, is no longer a concern.
“Honestly, this road project has brought great relief. We used to be stranded during the rains, but now we can go out freely. We’re truly thankful to the state government for this intervention,” she said.
At the 12.5-kilometre Obalende-Abeokuta road, residents voiced similar sentiments. Alhaji Kehinde Moshood Sanni described the reconstruction effort as long overdue, urging Governor Abiodun to sustain the momentum.
“The road had been in terrible shape for years. We appreciate the governor’s intervention and hope he continues the good work,” he said.
Another resident, Mr Ojoye Ademolu, expressed joy at the progress of the road project.
“We have suffered for so long, but now we are happy. Our only appeal is for the contractor to speed up the work so we can enjoy the completed road even sooner,” he said.
Providing an update on the projects, Michael Umeh, the site engineer with Fort Hermon, the construction company in charge, said significant progress has been made on the 0.85-kilometre Tam-Balogun Road, the 1.1-kilometre Osinubi Road, and the 12.5-kilometre Obalende-Abeokuta Road.
He confirmed that site clearing, excavation, stone base laying, and drainage construction have been completed and the roads are now ready for asphalting. However, he pointed out that rainfall has posed challenges to the speed of the work.
Despite the weather-related setbacks, residents remain hopeful that the completed projects will improve mobility and economic activity across Ijebu-Ode.
