IBADAN — President Bola Tinubu has linked the N296 billion reconstruction and dualisation of the 565-kilometre Ibadan-Ijebu-Ode road to his administration’s efforts to boost economic integration, regional trade and infrastructure-led development in the South-West.
Tinubu spoke on Monday at the flag-off of the project at the Idi Ayunre end of the highway in Ibadan, Oyo State, where he also announced further Federal Government interventions on major roads across the region
The project, awarded to JRB Construction Limited following approval by the Federal Executive Council, is expected to improve connectivity between Oyo and Ogun states and strengthen access to the Lagos-Ogun economic corridor
Represented at the ceremony by Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, the President said the project was part of his administration’s infrastructure agenda aimed at easing transportation challenges and improving the nation’s road network
He said the Federal Government was committed to making roads across the 36 states motorable, stressing that the Ibadan-Ijebu-Ode road was too strategically important to be neglected
“Today demonstrates the flag-off of the 565km Ibadan-Ijebu-Ode road. It is more than just a flag-off; it is a connection between the two states economically.
“Ibadan-Ijebu-Ode is too important for the Federal Government to neglect The importance of this road extends beyond the boundaries of the states,” Tinubu said.
The President noted that the highway had for decades served farmers, manufacturers, students and other residents, adding that its reconstruction demonstrated the Federal Government’s commitment to providing safer roads
“For decades, farmers, manufacturers, students and other residents have depended on the use of this road This project reflects the commitment of the Federal Government to delivering safer roads for the people of the country,” he said.
Tinubu said the road had remained in poor condition despite its importance to several agrarian communities along the route
He added that its completion would boost the Gross Domestic Product of the benefiting states and create opportunities for increased local and foreign investment
The President directed the contractor to ensure that the project was delivered according to schedule
According to the Federal Government, the project will improve the capacity of the corridor, facilitate the movement of people and goods, and strengthen economic activities between Oyo and Ogun states
More roads for South-West
In his remarks, the Minister of Works, Engr Dave Umahi, disclosed that Tinubu had expanded the Federal Government’s intervention in the South-West with the approval for the reconstruction of the Ibadan-Abeokuta road and other federal highways.
“Mr President directed me to act on the letter written by Oba Ladoja on the need for infrastructural development in the South-West region, which includes the Ibadan-Ijebu-Ode road and other roads in the region
“Also, Mr President has directed the reconstruction of Ibadan-Abeokuta road and 15 other roads in the region,” Umahi said
He said several roads had also been redesigned, including the Ibadan-Ife-Ilesha road, as part of the administration’s broader intervention in federal highways
“Every road that President builds has a lifespan of 109 years Many roads have been redesigned, including Ibadan-Ife-Ilesha and others,” he said.
However, Umahi acknowledged that the scale of the infrastructure programme meant some projects might not be completed before the end of the current administration in 2027
“We may not complete all the projects that we have started by 2027, but all will be completed and commissioned on or before 2031,” he said
Also speaking, the Minister of State for Works, Bello Mohammed, said the Ibadan-Ijebu-Ode project would ease transportation challenges confronting residents of the two states and demonstrate the Federal Government’s commitment to infrastructure development nationwide
He said the infrastructure programme covered the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory
Mohammed, however, appealed to residents of the region to reciprocate the administration’s efforts with electoral support in 2027
“The only way to reciprocate the gesture is for the people in the region to vote massively for Tinubu and all the candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027,” he said
In his address, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, also linked the Federal Government’s intervention to support for Tinubu
Ladoja thanked the President for approving the project, recalling his earlier engagement with the Federal Government over infrastructure and security concerns in the region
“Tinubu deserves to be President since a long time We appreciate him for making the road project possible, having known about insecurity on the road,” he said.
He also recalled leading other Oyo State traditional rulers to meet Tinubu to express appreciation over the rescue of victims of the Oriire abductions
Ladoja said the road would strengthen relations between the Ibadan and Ijebu people while addressing security and transportation challenges along the corridor
“This road is going to improve the relationship between the Ijebu and Ibadan people I have been assured that the road will be delivered in 24 months,” he said.