Abiodun’s New Road Projects, Prosperity Platform for Ogun Citizenry

Femi Ogbonnikan

When public opinion is guided by cynics, every action of government is met with an involuntary reflex of cynicism. In Ogun State, the Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun faces a wave of public skepticism fueled by faceless social media influencers promoting the hashtag #DapoFixOgunRoads. This appears to be a deliberate attempt to undermine the administration’s modest yet significant achievements in transforming the state’s infrastructure. Despite this coordinated criticism, the Governor remains focused on his developmental agenda, prioritizing projects across the three senatorial districts to showcase a steadfast commitment to growth.
​”We are not just building roads; we are building a state that can compete globally. Infrastructure is the platform upon which the prosperity of our people will be launched,” Governor Abiodun was rightly quoted in a recent public statement.
​In furtherance of this sustained effort, the Governor commissioned Phase II of the 21-kilometre Imashayi–Igan-Okoto–Ayetoro Road in Yewa North Local Government Area, recently. During the ceremony, he reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to completing the final phase, which will fully connect the corridor to Ayetoro, thereby revitalizing transportation and economic activities in the area. The Governor also directed the Ministry of Housing to immediately inspect and commence the renovation of the Youth Development Centre in the community.
​While acknowledging that no administration can reconstruct every road across the state simultaneously, Abiodun emphasized that his government would continue to deliver infrastructure equitably until the end of his tenure. Describing Yewa North as one of the state’s “food baskets,” he noted the strategic importance of linking farming communities with major towns to facilitate the movement of produce to markets.
​“Today, we have constructed over 20 road projects in Yewaland and Ogun West,” the Governor stated. “While the number may not appear large to some, many of these roads are quite extensive. For instance, the Agbara–Atan–Lusada Road is a dual-carriageway expressway spanning about 20 kilometers, yet it counts as a single project. The same applies to the Ilaro–Owode Road and several others recently awarded or nearing completion.”
​Abiodun also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his bold economic reforms and the ongoing construction of the 1,000-kilometre Badagry–Sokoto Highway, which is expected to reduce travel time between Imeko and Lagos to less than an hour. “Ogun State has become the investors’ destination of choice and the fastest-growing economy in Nigeria,” he added.
​The Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Ade Akinsanya, explained that Phase II of the Imashayi–Ayetoro project includes reinforced concrete structures in flood-prone areas to prevent erosion. Local leaders, including the Iyaloja General of Ogun State, Chief (Mrs.) Yemisi Abass, and the Adokun of Igan-Okoto, Oba Mukaila Akanbi Salako, expressed profound appreciation for the Governor’s fulfillment of his promises.
​The infrastructure distribution extends to Ijebu North East, where the Governor commissioned the 5.2-kilometre Iworo–Ogbogbo–Igbeba Road. He pledged to construct two additional roads in the council area before the end of the year, including the priority Central Mosque–Ilese to Benin–Sagamu Expressway. “We are being intentional about this. I describe it as our own infrastructural emancipation of the entire Ijebuland,” Abiodun remarked.
​Further cheering news followed Friday’s Executive Council meeting, where approval was granted for seven additional road projects across the three senatorial districts:
​Ijebu-Ode: Molipa Expressway Roundabout to Ibadan Garage (2.3km) and Okenla Street (0.53km).
​Ota: Bible College Road.
​Sagamu: Ajaka Road via Awolowo Market and Gbadebo Street/Hospital Road.
​Ogere: Yemogun Street (1.25km).
​Abeokuta: Right-hand side of Carwash–Moore Junction Road, Adatan.
​Additionally, the Council approved the reconstruction of the Block E Office Complex at the State Secretariat, renamed “Revenue House,” designed to enhance operational efficiency and boost internally generated revenue (IGR).
​Ultimately, these projects serve as a silent but powerful rebuttal to critics. By enhancing connectivity to industrial hubs like Agbara and Ota, reducing transportation costs, and easing traffic congestion, the Abiodun administration is steadily improving the quality of life for all residents and ensuring Ogun State remains a premier destination for investment.

*Ogbonnikan is a Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Ogun State Governor on Media