Road Construction as Democratic Dividends in Ogun

Femi Ezekiel

Governance in any form transcends the old practices of making empty promises whereby the people would easily fall for half-truths, deceit and pretence in the name of playing politics. Aside from the well-known primary duty of any responsible government in improving the lots of the citizenry in terms of economic empowerment, it is remarkable that taking dividends of democracy to the doorsteps of the people is to reward them for the trust they have in the leadership to provide basic amenities and protect lives and property.

Living up to its billing as a responsible government, therefore, the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun officially opened a 2.1-kilometre Lantoro-Elite-Idi-Aba Road, Abeokuta, in Abeokuta South Local Government Area of Ogun State, on June 16, 2021. Unexpectedly, the official event later crystallized into a carnival-like reception for the Governor and his entourage, with various interest groups such as supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC), student union leaders, youth council, trade unions, market men and women, community leaders, among others, seizing the occasion to beckon on the Governor Abiodun, to seek re-election and pledging their unalloyed support to make him realise the bid in 2023.

Highly elated at the speedy completion of the strategically located road project, which connects well over 50 others, within two years in office, dignitaries and notable residents who could not hide their joy, including the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egba land, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, Iyalode of Yorubaland, Chief (Mrs) Alaba Lawson, Esther, widow of the first Civilian Deputy-Governor of the state between 1979 and 1983, Chief Sesan Soluade, and Chief Nurudeen Olaleye, Chairman, Traditional Medical Practitioners Council of Nigeria, Ogun State chapter, commended the Governor for living up to his electoral promise.

Without mincing words, the road which was initially constructed by the Administration of Chief Bisi Onabanjo (1979-1983) and asphalted by the regime of Chief Olusegun Osoba (1999-2003) remained an eyesore and a nightmare to motorists and other road users plying the route in the recent past. The current administration’s drive to ensure that its citizens enjoy dividends of democracy is a manifestation of the premium placed on infrastructural development which is an integral part of the “building our future together” mantra to strategically position the state for economic growth, improve standard of living of the people and decongest tragic jams along major roads.

The 2.1 kilometre Elite-Idi-Aba road which is the first phase of the project linking the four kilometre Oke-Lantoro-Isale-Ake junction is a world class standard, with befitting features like covered drains, walkway, among others. Interestingly, the road is expected to serve as a bypass, connecting Moshood Abiola Way, Isale-Ake, Adatan and OGTV roads. It will equally make traffic light on the hitherto congested routes, and with its well-constructed drainage system, and also, it will control flooding around the area. No doubt, with good access to the area and other adjoining routes, the security network of the locality will be enhanced.

The drive of the current administration in the state, not to embark on white elephant projects, unlike the predecessors, has in no small measure paid off to ensure that viable projects and programmes of economic benefits are initiated and executed for the common good of all and sundry. Result-oriented governance, to Prince Dapo Abiodun, is a necessity and a landmark for a leader to bequeath his legacies to the people who have entrusted him with the exalted office of leadership.

Governor Abiodun’s utmost joy is hinged on his commitment and resolve to embark on landmark projects and programmes that would have direct bearings on the people’s well-being and also subsequently have his name etched in gold for coming generations. In retrospect, the promises of an even, fair, just and equitable development of all parts of the state, that no part of the state will be developed at the expense of others stand outs the administration in its renewed commitment and resolve to better the lives of the people.

It is on record that the completion of all inherited projects attests to the philosophy that government is a continuum no matter party differences and affiliations. This philosophy is a major pillar of the administration of the dynamic governor. As an innovative leader too, Abiodun has clear visions about how his administration would deliver benefits of democracy to the state and her citizenry by initiating new projects and programmes in line with the five Developmental pillars, ISEYA. This clear vision speaks volumes of the landmark achievements the administration has recorded within two years it has come into office.

Of paramount importance, to providing basic amenities in line with the people’s wishes and demands, the choice of building the Lantoro-Elite-Idi-Aba road, as a classical example, was initiated in conjunction with the various Community Development Associations (CDAs), traditional rulers and other stakeholders. This synergy has created direct employment opportunities for the youths in the project catchment area and also in engaging local suppliers of materials, through the direct intervention of the direct labour under the close watch of the Ogun State Public Works Agency (OGPWA). The lofty idea was in support of the socio-economic development agenda to ensure individual prosperity of the citizens.

Meanwhile, despite the sharp decline in revenues accruing to the coffers of the state government, occasioned by the outbreak of the dreaded COVID-19 pandemic in February 2020, the administration has not been found wanting. It is commendable that it has worked out realistic mechanisms that have ensured that it catches up and even continues to complete the ongoing projects it has initiated, including the commissioned Lantoro-Elite-Idi-Ara road, among others. And this has been made possible through the boost received from the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) drive of the state government to enable it execute more projects.
–––Ezekiel writes from Abeokuta, Ogun State capital.