Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has pledged to fix 120 roads across 20 local government areas following widespread criticism from citizens on social media regarding the poor state of the roads. This public outcry was notably amplified by a campaign led by Hauwa Allahbura, who used the hashtag #Dapofixogunroads to share images and videos of the deteriorating road conditions.
Residents have long expressed frustration over the disrepair of major roads in Ogun, impacting both commercial and private motorists. The situation is particularly severe in communities bordering Lagos State, which boasts better road infrastructure.
The state government initially responded by stating that many of the highlighted roads were under federal jurisdiction, while also listing road projects completed by the Abiodun administration. However, this did not satisfy the campaigners, who continued to press for immediate action.
In a statement by the Commissioner of Works, Engr. Ade Akinsanya, on July 3, 2024, the government announced that it had embarked on extensive road rehabilitation and construction. Akinsanya noted that the prioritization of road repairs would be based on funding availability and the economic importance of the roads.
Stakeholders across the state, including royal fathers, lawmakers, local government chairmen, community leaders, and religious leaders, submitted a list of 120 critical roads needing urgent attention. Rehabilitation has already begun on some of these roads, with contractors set to start on the remaining ones soon.
Additionally, Governor Abiodun has secured collaboration with the Federal Government for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of 14 more roads. Some of these roads include:
– Laderin-Train Station (Phase 1) (ongoing)
– Adesanolu Road, Mowe (ongoing)
– Liberty Road, Oru Ijebu (ongoing)
– Babcock Road via Ilisan market road
– Ayegbami road, Iperu
– Safetedo Street, Iperu (ongoing)
– Odo-Egbe Junction/Ereko/Ondo Road Junction (ongoing)
– Major Thompson Road, Sagamu (ongoing)
– Methodist Church, Iperu
– Awokoya Street, Ijebu
The move aims to make Ogun State more attractive to both local and foreign investors and improve the overall infrastructure for residents.