I want to say that we understand that for any government to be able to signpost and show what it has done for its people , infrastructure development is a major driver of that – Babajide Sanwo-Olu
The above quote was taken from Governor Sanwo-Olu’s speech while addressing the Minister of State for Works, Hon. Bello Goronyo, who came on a courtesy visit to the State House ,Alausa, Ikeja recently. It showed the mindset of the leadership of a megacity like Lagos.
So , when a few days ago the government announced that the state would witness enhanced infrastructural development as the governor was set to commission road projects that will improve the lives of the people, in anticipation the residents set sight on the various road construction sites all over the state .
To even substantiate it , the government’s communication team announced the specific projects to come to life.
One of the roads missing on the list of announced projects to be commissioned this December by the governor but has become a talk of the town is the Abiola- Onijemo link road with bridge in the Ifako -Ijaiye Local Government Area of the state.
To the residents of Abiola, Ajayi , Ogba, Haruna, ,Iju-Ishaga, Obawole communities who have endured hectic commuting for years, Christmas came early as the area becomes easily accessible to other suburbs, creating a new lease of life for the people and contributing to the strategic development of that part of the state.
The Abiola-Onijemo Link Road with a solid bridge provides a strategic connection linking the Abiola/Ajayi/Ogba and Obawole/Iju-Ishaga communities, which are separated by a 25-meter swamp belt. The project covers a total length of 643 metres, including a 135-metre reinforced concrete bridge with retaining walls.
The infrastructure features 7.3-metre-wide carriageways, alongside slip roads, walkways, and solar-powered street lighting — all representing state-of-the-art infrastructure tailored to meet the needs of a growing population. It also has a drainage system that addresses long-standing flooding challenges, safeguarding the surrounding communities from adverse effects of poor water management.
This infrastructure is one of the 36 newly constructed roads and bridges scheduled for commissioning by the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration.
During the formal commissioning of the one at Ifako-Ijaiye, Sanwo-Olu, who earlier handed over to the public the newly constructed Alapere Pedestrian Bridge, built by his administration, said the Abiola-Onijemo Link Road with a bridge embodies his administration’s commitment to addressing long-standing challenges faced by the people of the state.
He said: “Today marks a significant milestone in our collective journey to build sustainable communities, improve connectivity, and enhance the quality of life for all Lagosians. It is with immense pride and joy that we unveil the Abiola-Onijemo Link Road with Bridge, a vital infrastructure project that links Abiola Street and Onijemo Street, separated for decades by a canal that created a divide between these two vibrant communities.
“This project embodies our administration’s commitment to keeping our promises and addressing long-standing challenges faced by the people of Lagos State. If you recall, during our campaigns, we pledged to tackle issues of inadequate infrastructure and persistent flooding, challenges that have plagued this area for years. Today, we deliver on that promise.
“Before now, crossing between Abiola and Onijemo Streets was both difficult and unsafe. Pedestrians had to navigate a wooden bridge over a swamp, which exposed them to danger and was an environmental eyesore. These conditions were unacceptable. Our administration recognised the urgency of providing a lasting solution, which led to the construction of this modern reinforced concrete bridge, complete with pedestrian and vehicular access, as well as a new, well-paved link road and an upgraded drainage network to prevent flooding”.
On the importance of the project to the people of Ifako-Ijaiye, the governor said: “This project is not just about building roads and bridges. It is about connecting lives, fostering unity, and stimulating economic growth. With these improvements, residents and businesses can now enjoy safer, faster, and more efficient movement. Reduced travel time and better access to other parts of the city will undoubtedly bring new opportunities for trade, commerce, and investment into this community.
“This achievement aligns with the goals of our THEMES+ Agenda, particularly under the Transportation and Traffic Management Pillar, and underscores our determination to deliver impactful projects despite global economic challenges and rising costs. We remain unwavering in our commitment to improving lives and providing the dividends of democracy to all Lagosians”.
Sanwo-Olu urged Lagos residents, particularly the people in the Abiola and Onijemo streets areas to take ownership of the infrastructure built by the government. “These are your assets, built with our collective resources, and it is your responsibility to protect and maintain them. Community leaders and associations must ensure these facilities are used responsibly to preserve their quality and longevity. A well-maintained infrastructure inspires further development, and your active involvement will encourage the government to do even more.
“I thank Lagosians for their steadfast support, particularly through the prompt payment of taxes. Your contributions make transformative projects like this possible, and we deeply value the trust you have placed in us.
“As we work together to achieve the vision of a Greater Lagos, I assure you that this administration remains focused, resilient, and committed to building a state that works for everyone”, he said.
Meanwhile, a cross section of Lagosians who are impressed by the quality of leadership that the Sanwo-Olu administration is offering the state have applauded Sanwo-Olu’s drive for infrastructure development. Commenting on the newly commissioned Abiola-Onijemo link road and bridge, Ken Omoverah wrote: “That’s what a visionary leader does. He makes the people to rejoice. Gov Sanwo-Olu is evidently one of such leaders”.
A resident of Obawole, Bamidele Johnson, shared his thought on the link road and bridge on Facebook thus: “This is my eighth year here. I didn’t know there was a chance that the two places could be linked. Three or four weeks ago, I had to drive my daughter to Yaya Abatan through which we entered Ajayi Road to get to Modupe where her GCE centre is, a week after she started the bridge was opened and it is straight from here to Modupe, Oke Ira”.
For Taiwo Adisa, the governor deserves some accolades: “When a governor does well in handling public infrastructure, we’ve got to praise him notwithstanding that he is spending public money. Applying the money the right way is a skill that isn’t common, Sanwo-Olu deserves praise”.
More infrastructures are due for commissioning this month according to the Special Adviser on Infrastructure Engr. Olufemi Daramola .
At a press briefing, Daramola said the Sanwo-Olu administration is undeterred in delivering infrastructure that would improve the living standard of residents despite the global economic challenges and the upswing inflation which has seen significant rise in costs.
He said: “It is important to mention that despite the global economic challenges and spiraling inflation which led to a major increase in the costs hitherto earmarked for the projects, almost to a point of abandonment.
“The administration of Mr Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, prioritised the delivery of these projects”.
The Sanwo-Olu administration has completed and is going to commission 36 roads, five bridges alongside the Alapere pedestrian bridge which has been commissioned.
The projects to be commissioned include the following:
— Rehabilitation/upgrading of Babajide Sanwo-Olu Road (Dopemu Road), Agege
— Construction of Babafemi Dada with bridge – Yinka Folarin – Jamiu Lawal -Shalom Academy Road Network, Alimosho LGA
— Construction of Abaranje Road in Alimosho LGA
— Reconstruction and dualisation of Irede Road in Amouwo Odofin
— Rehabilitation/upgrading of Mumuni Adio (Buba Marsa) Amuwo-Odofin
— Navy Town (Section 1) Road in Amuwo-Odofin LGA.
— Reconstruction of Old Ojo Road (Phase 1) from Iree to Oluti in Amuwo-Odofin LGA
— Rehabilitation of Aradagun-Mosafejo-Ajido-Imeke Road in Badagry LGA Phase III, Badagry
— Construction of Samuel Ekundayo Road in Badagry LGA
— Reconstruction of Hospital Road (Phase 1) Badagry
— Construction of Eluku Street/Mosafejo, Agbowa Ikosi in Epe LGA
— Rehabilitation/Upgrading of Ilabere, Ilu and Inupa Roads in Ikoyi, Eti-Osa LGA
Fellow Lagosians, what this writer can say is that, this government will touch everybody one way or the other as it is evident that it is striving not to leave any one behind through it’s THEME+ agenda.
