If an opinion poll is conducted in Nigeria today, on the most important infrastructure the citizens want the government to urgently put in place, one will not be surprised to see people choose road as the general consensus. The reason is not far-fetched as good road network plays important role in driving the economy of any nation. From North to South, East to West, the general complaint of Nigerians has been deplorable conditions of roads which led to the country being tagged as one of the countries with bad road network in the world or “death traps”.
Though efforts have been made by different levels of government, these efforts seem to be like a drop in the ocean, as much still needed to be done. However, Wednesday, February 26, 2020, will remain indelible in the hearts of people living alone the Ijebu-Ode-Epe road, as this was the day the Ogun state goverrnor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, turned the sod for the reconstruction of the road.
Prior to this, residents, motorists and even visitors who ply this road complained of its poor state. One is delighted that the government of Abiodun has heeded the cry of the people and awarded the contract for its rehabilitation. The road will provide alternative route for people going to the South-south, South-east and the North, thereby saving them the nightmare they usually encounter on Lagos-Ibadan expressway.
It is expected that on completion, the road will further open up the state and attract more investors to that axis as well as boost the economy of the areas and impact positively on the lives of the people. It is also gratifying to note that the state government awarded the road to the same contractor that handled the Lagos end of the road. This will ensure that the same quality of work is maintained.
Now that the construction of the Ijebu-Ode- Epe road has commenced, it is hoped that the people of the state and indeed Nigerians who ply this road, will be smiling in 12 months time, when the project is expected to be commissioned.
Elijah Udofia,
Laderin Estate,
Abeokuta, Ogun state
