IMASHAYI – Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State on Thursday commissioned the completed second phase of the Imashayi–Igan-Okoto–Ayetoro Road in Yewa North Local Government, reassuring residents that his administration is committed to funding and constructing the project’s final leg.
The ceremony, which drew traditional rulers and local politicians, saw the governor pledge that the third and final phase would be tackled to ensure the corridor is fully linked to Ayetoro, a move aimed at easing transport logistics and bolstering commercial activity.
During his address, Governor Abiodun directed the Ministry of Housing to assess the condition of the local Youth Development Centre, with instructions to begin renovation works aimed at upgrading the facility for the benefit of the area’s young population.
Acknowledging the financial constraints limiting the scope of road construction across the state, Abiodun maintained that his administration would continue to prioritise infrastructure across the three senatorial districts for the remainder of his term.
The governor described Yewa North as a critical agricultural hub, or “food basket,” stressing that connecting rural farming settlements to urban markets is essential for post-harvest distribution and economic growth. He asserted that the Yewa area and the larger Ogun West senatorial district, historically perceived as underserved, are now receiving significant infrastructural attention.
“We have executed over 20 road projects here in Yewaland and Ogun West,” Abiodun stated. He noted that while the number may seem modest, the scale of the projects is substantial. He cited the Agbara–Atan–Lusada Road, a 20-kilometre dual carriageway, and the Ilaro–Owode Road as examples of extensive works that count statistically as single projects but cover significant distances.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Ade Akinsanya, provided technical details on the newly commissioned phase. He explained that the second phase of the 21-kilometre road features reinforced concrete drains in areas prone to flooding to mitigate erosion. The project was intentionally segmented into three phases to ensure smooth and efficient delivery, he added. According to Akinsanya, the road serves as a vital artery for the region, improving the transit of agricultural goods, enhancing security response times, and elevating living standards for residents along the route.
Governor Abiodun also took time to praise the policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the federal level. He lauded the administration’s economic reforms and specifically highlighted the ongoing construction of the 1,000-kilometre Badagry–Sokoto Highway. He projected that upon completion, the highway would drastically cut travel time between Imeko and Lagos to under an hour, a development he believes will unlock further economic potential for the border communities.
Local stakeholders present at the event welcomed the project but pressed for continuity. The Iyaloja General of Ogun State, Chief (Mrs.) Yemisi Abass, commended the governor for keeping his promise to complete the second phase—a pledge made during the first phase commissioning—and urged him to see the third phase through to the end to maximise developmental impact.
Similarly, the Chairman of Yewa North Local Government, Dr Olusola Akinbode, praised the governor’s efforts, noting the road’s importance to local farmers. He revealed that the council had distributed 11,000 cash crop seedlings to farmers last year and plans to distribute approximately 30,000 cocoa, cashew, and palm seedlings this year to complement the improved access to markets.
Hon. Gboyega Nasir Isiaka, representing the Yewa North/Imeko-Afon Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, described the road’s reconstruction as a long-overdue relief for communities that had endured neglect under previous administrations.
Echoing the call for completion, the Adokun of Igan-Okoto, Oba Mukaila Akanbi Salako, expressed gratitude for the connection to Ayetori but appealed to the governor to ensure the final phase of the 21-kilometre road is finished to provide full, uninterrupted access for the community.
