Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun says the ongoing reconstruction of the Abeokuta-Ifo-Ota expressway will be completed in 18 months.

Abiodun stated this at the flag off of the expressway in Itori, Ewekoro area of the highway on Friday, August 23, 2024.

The governor said the importance of the road prompted his administration to seek the federal government’s approval for rehabilitation.

He noted that the road being the second busiest highway in the country, on completion, would not only boost the economic well-being of the people of the state but the entire country.

Abiodun said the road which was first awarded for construction in 2003 was not completed due to insufficient funds.

He added that his administration’s commitment towards inclusive governance to the people made the state government to apply for transfer of responsibility from the federal government to ameliorate the sufferings of motorists plying the highway.

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Abiodun said the reconstruction would cover a length of about 70km and would be divided into five-team gangs of Ota, Ifo, Papalanto, Ewekoro, and Abeokuta.

Abiodun said: “This road is of great significance not only to Ogun and Lagos States but to Nigeria and the neighbouring West African country, Benin Republic.

“Our people have suffered too much on this road, but, today, our hope is renewed. To expedite the completion of this project, there are five team gangs put in place.

“Each gang will cover about 15 kilometres and will be completed in 18 months.”

Governor Abiodun appreciated President Bola Tinubu for handing over the project to the Ogun State Government.

The Olu of Ilaro and head of traditional rulers in Yewaland, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, appreciated the governor for taking over the reconstruction of the road.

Olugbenle pleaded with the contractor handling the project to ensure that a quality job was done.

The traditional ruler also called for the construction of a flyover at Papalanto junction in Ewekoro Local Government Area of Ogun State to reduce accidents and enhance the free flow of traffic.

The Star