Solanke Ayomideji Taiwo
The Chairman of the Engineer Jamiu Ogundele Foundation (EJOF), Engr. Jamiu Ogundele, has commended the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, for the successful reconstruction and commissioning of the Imeko-Afon Township Road, describing the project as a major catalyst for economic growth in the area.
Ogundele said the newly commissioned township road would significantly enhance economic activities in Imeko-Afon Local Government Area by improving access for motorists, traders, farmers, and other residents who depend on the road for their daily livelihoods. According to him, the smooth and durable road network will reduce travel time, ease transportation of goods, and improve overall quality of life for the people.
Governor Abiodun on Wednesday officially commissioned the Imeko-Afon Township Road and, during the event, ordered the immediate reconstruction of the Olorunda–Imeko Road after personally experiencing its poor condition earlier in the day.
The Imeko-Afon Township Road, first constructed in 1959 by the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, was unveiled at a well-attended ceremony held in Imeko-Afon Local Government Area, marking a historic renewal of a road that had long suffered neglect.
Speaking at the event, Governor Abiodun explained that his decision to approve the reconstruction of the Olorunda–Imeko Road was based on firsthand observation. He described the road as deplorable and said he promptly directed the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure to prepare cost estimates and ensure that the project is advertised for bidding by qualified contractors.
“I told the commissioner that the project must be presented at the next Executive Council meeting and that construction should begin immediately,” the governor said.
Abiodun disclosed that his administration has constructed over 1,600 kilometres of roads across Ogun State in the last six and a half years. He added that the government also facilitated the construction of the 100-kilometre Sagamu Interchange–Papalanto–Obelle Road using reinforced concrete, a first of its kind in the state.
The governor stressed that his administration would continue to respond to criticism with tangible results, assuring residents of Yewaland that the area would continue to receive its fair share of development. He also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for initiating the Badagry–Sokoto Highway project, which passes through Imeko-Afon, noting that it would greatly improve the transportation of agricultural produce upon completion.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Ade Akinsanya, said the Imeko-Afon Township Road would boost trade between Imeko-Afon and Abeokuta North Local Government Areas while also helping to address longstanding flooding challenges within the community.
Traditional rulers and political leaders at the event showered praises on the state government for its renewed focus on infrastructure development in Ogun West. The Chairman of the Ogun State Council of Obas and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, described the project as evidence of the administration’s commitment to balanced development and urged the governor to sustain the momentum.
Similarly, the Obaladi of Afon, Oba Babatunde Rasheed, applauded the reconstruction of the township road, noting that it had been abandoned by previous administrations despite its strategic importance.
Chairman of Imeko-Afon Local Government, Hon. Theophilus Oloyede, said the project underscored the government’s dedication to economic development, adding that improved road access would stimulate agricultural production and attract investment to the area.
The lawmaker representing Imeko-Afon State Constituency, Hon. Jemili Akingbade, described the road as a major boost to commerce and agriculture, while the member representing Yewa North/Imeko-Afon Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Gboyega Nasir Isiaka, said the project would promote prosperity for both the people and Ogun State at large.
With the commissioning of the Imeko-Afon Township Road and the planned reconstruction of the Olorunda–Imeko Road, residents expressed optimism that the projects would usher in a new era of economic growth, connectivity, and sustainable development for the region.
