Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has commissioned the newly completed 3.3-kilometre Adesan Road in Mowe, Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area, while announcing the arrest of four additional suspects in connection with the abduction of seven students of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony on Friday, the governor described the rescue of the students and the latest arrests as a significant breakthrough in the state’s efforts to combat crime. He reiterated that Ogun State would not tolerate criminal activities or provide refuge for offenders.
The announcement followed the arrest of two members of the kidnapping gang on Thursday during the security operation that led to the successful rescue of the seven students.
Governor Abiodun commended the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), the National Association of Ogun State Students (NAOSS), and other student organisations for their patience and cooperation while the students were in captivity.
He credited the success of the rescue mission to the joint efforts of the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Ogun State Security Network Agency (Amotekun Corps), local hunters and vigilantes. He also acknowledged the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Inspector General of Police and the Director-General of the DSS.
According to the governor, all seven students were rescued unharmed, while four additional suspects had been taken into custody. He added that security agencies were continuing efforts to apprehend the remaining members of the gang.
Reaffirming his administration’s stance on security, Abiodun said Ogun State, which he described as Nigeria’s industrial hub and a major gateway to the country, would continue to pursue criminals and ensure they face justice.
The governor also highlighted his administration’s record on infrastructure, stating that since assuming office in 2019, 42 roads had been constructed or rehabilitated across Ogun Central Senatorial District, including 12 in Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area. He added that approximately 1,600 kilometres of roads had been completed across the state’s three senatorial districts.
Among the completed projects in Obafemi-Owode, he listed the Abeokuta–Sagamu Interchange Road, Panseke–Adigbe Road, Journalists’ Estate Road in Arepo, Siun–Owode Road (Phase I), the revived Mowe–Ofada Road, Iyana-Oloke Junction–MAPOLY Road, Adesan Road, Kuforiji–Olubi Road, Adigbe–Laderin–Train Station Road, Sagamu–Ofada–Papalanto Road and Magboro–Makogi Road.
Abiodun said his administration remained committed to completing additional road projects before the end of its tenure, including more schemes within Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area.
He noted that the council, which borders Lagos State and serves as a major agricultural centre renowned for Ofada rice production, required sustained investment in infrastructure to support its growing population and expanding economy. He also urged residents to protect and maintain the newly commissioned road.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Ade Akinsanya, described Adesan Road as a key transport corridor that would improve connectivity with neighbouring communities and the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, while promoting trade and easing movement.
The Chairman of Obafemi-Owode Local Government, Hon. Adesina Ogunsola, praised the governor for continuing to invest in infrastructure, saying the project would benefit residents, traders, students and motorists. He added that the local government had also completed the 1.6-kilometre Adigbe–Ita-Baale–Idi-Mangoro–Police Post Road and the one-kilometre Ogidan–Gele Odun Road, with additional road projects planned.
The member representing Obafemi-Owode State Constituency in the Ogun State House of Assembly, Hon. Damilola Soneye Kayode, expressed appreciation to the governor for fulfilling a long-standing request to reconstruct Adesan Road, noting that it serves six communities and would boost transportation and economic activities.
Similarly, the member representing Obafemi-Owode, Odeda and Abeokuta North Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Olumide Osoba, described the project as further evidence of the administration’s commitment to inclusive development.
The Olu of Mowe, Oba Oriyomi Yahaya, also commended the governor for delivering the road project in fulfilment of a campaign promise. He appealed for the reconstruction of the town’s market to further support commercial activities and economic growth.
