Buhari in Ogun, Promises Tax Credit Funding Option for Federal Roads

Buhari in Ogun, Promises Tax Credit Funding Option for Federal Roads

James Sowole in Abeokuta

President Muhammadu Buhari Thursday promised that the Federal Government would consider extending tax credit as funding option for the reconstruction of three strategic roads in the state.

The three roads that may be considered for the funding option are the Lagos-Ota-Abeokuta Road; the Ota-Idiroko Road and the Sagamu-Ogijo-Ikorodu Road.

The Federal Government had earlier approved the reconstruction of the
100km Sagamu Interchange-Papalanto-Ilaro Road to be handled by the Dangote Group.

Buhari also assured Nigerians, that two major Federal roads under construction, the Sagamu-Benin Expressway and the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, would be commissioned before the end of 2022.

The president’s was sequel to the request by the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, during the inauguration of five key projects in the state.

Abiodun had in his speech, sought special funding by the Federal Government for infrastructure in the state.

The governor, specifically noted that the state had highest number of federal roads than any other state in Nigeria, thus the need for the Federal Government intervention, to fix those roads, which he described as strategic.

The president, who addressed residents of the state at Sagamu-Abeokuta Interchange, commended Abiodun, for delivering visionary and trail-blazing projects for the people, even in the midst of prevailing and challenging circumstances occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Describing Abiodun as the ‘‘performing Governor of Nigeria’s Gateway State,’’ the President said he is a worthy example of ‘‘promises made, promises kept.’’

The President noted that the lofty projects: the Gateway City Gate; the 42-Kilometre Sagamu Interchange-Abeokuta Road; the 14km Ijebu-Ode-Epe Expressway and two Housing Estates for low, medium and high income earners at Kobape and Oke-Mosan in Abeokuta, respectively, could not have materialised without the State government’s huge investment and commitment to security of lives and property.

‘‘This made Ogun State one of the safest and most peaceful states in the country and investors’ destination of choice.

‘‘You (Gov Abiodun) have justified the mandate of the people of Ogun State. You have represented our party very well,’’ the President said.

The President expressed delight that the 14km Ijebu Ode-Mojoda-Epe Road commissioned by him had been reconstructed into a modern expressway by the State government.

He noted that the impressive road would complement the Sagamu-Benin Expressway that the Federal Government is currently reconstructing; also due for commissioning this year.

‘‘Just across the road is the 42-kilometer Sagamu-Interchange-Abeokuta Road which the state Government has reconstructed and equipped with street lights.

‘‘That road enjoys a direct linkage with the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway that the Federal Government is rebuilding and due for completion later this year.

‘‘I am particularly impressed by the quality and standard of your road projects, and the creative way you have deployed resources to reconstruct and rehabilitate them.

‘‘It is significant to note that the two road projects being commissioned today are federal roads. This is an example of constructive engagement, cooperation and collaboration between the States and Federal Government.

‘‘These roads also fit well into our rail transportation masterplan that connects Lagos, Nigeria’s economic capital to Kano, with Ogun State having more rail stations, along the Lagos-Ibadan rail corridor.’’

On the housing programme of the Ogun Governor, the President commended its inclusiveness, saying it is equally heart-warming that it cuts across different social strata, capturing the low, medium and high income earners.

The president said Gateway City Gate Project, “is not just a Park beautification project. It depicts that something new is happening in Ogun State, a welcoming entrance into the State Capital at the centre point of the State.’’

He added that the project was also “an ICON” depicting the joining of hands for building the future of Ogun State in togetherness.

“I am proud of what you have done for your State and your people.
‘‘You have made our great party, the APC, proud too. You are a worthy example of promises made, promises kept.

‘‘These lofty projects could not have materialised without your huge investment and commitment to security of lives and property.’’

The President thanked the residents of the State for the warm reception accorded him and his entourage in the Gateway State, which is his first visit to any State in the New Year.

‘‘This welcome by the large crowd brings back the nostalgia of my first arrival on this soil as a young infantry officer in the Nigerian Army at the then Lafenwa Barracks in Abeokuta, not long after independence.

‘‘The traditional hospitality of the people of this state has not waned a bit. Today, I am “Omowale” and very happy at this homecoming to meet my brothers and sisters whose goodwill I have always enjoyed. Thank you.’’

The President also congratulated the people of Ogun State for having such a focused, deliberate and inclusive Administration under the watch of Prince Abiodun, urging them to continue to support the governor for the successful implementation of the “Building our Future Together” Agenda of his Administration.

‘‘The reward for success is more hardwork to meet the increasing expectations of the people.

‘‘When state governments deliver impactful projects, in consultations with stakeholders, like we have witnessed in Ogun State, the trajectory of our national development will be enhanced.’’

The President, who was bestowed with ‘‘honourary indigeneship’’ of the State, said:
‘‘It is also with a sense of responsibility that I receive and cherish the honourary indigeneship bestowed on me as symbolized by the presentation of the key to the Gateway State by Governor Abiodun.

‘‘I will leave Ogun State with fond memories and look forward to enjoying the privilege of my honourary indigeneship.’’

Abiodun had earlier in his speech highlighted some of the projects executed by his administration under the Acronym “ISEYA”

He said many projects executed were ready for inauguration but which cannot be done Thursday due to time factor.

He requested that the president, would before the end of the year visit the state to inaugurate more projects.

The president was received by Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun and five other governors, including Yobe, Mai Mala Buni; Ekiti State, Kayode Fayemi; Osun state, Gboyega Oyetola; Lagos, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Ondo, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu and representative of Oyo State Governor, Mr Rauf Olaniyan.

Also at the reception, was Alhaji Aliko Dangote and former Governor of the State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, Chief Segun Osoba and others.

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