STAKEHOLDERS MEETING ON THE RECONSTRUCTION/UPGRADE OF IGBOGBO - BOLA AHMED TINUBU - IGBE ROAD. | Shakiru Seidu. "Promise made, Promise fulfilled", Oba Shotobi, Oba Kasali, Ogunleye, Basorun, Akinsola, Benson, Sholaja, Ogunlewe, others, applauded Governor Ambode.

An occasion which brought together technocrats, engineers, professionals, political and traditional leaders, coupled with the progressives in the community was staged at Bola Ahmed Tinubu/Igbe junction, Oreyo, Igbogbo, on Thursday 24th of August, 2017.

Immediately after the official declaration of the commencement of the stakeholders meeting, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works and infrastructure, Engr. Jimi Hotonu carefully enumerates that the Road Project is of 7.114km including deck on pile and typified as dual Carriageway of two lanes in each direction. The P.S. further itemized that the road shall consist of, 'Standard Bus Laybys, dedicated lanes for cyclists and pedestrians, provision of longitudinal and transverse service ducts, construction of pedestrian bridges along the route, provision of dedicated left and right turn lanes.'

Others include, 'Construction of Reinforced concrete Drainage and Culverts, provision of traffic management signage and markings, provision of traffic signal light and the provision of streetlights to illuminate the route.' He affirmed that the project will be duly supervised by Lagos State Ministry of Works and Infrastructure.

The Hon. Commissioner for Physical Planning who was ably represented by TPL Adegun Olufunke informed the residents of the importance of the road project and the right of alignment which will necessitate issuing of notices to owners of Houses that fall within the perimeter of the proposed road. She further advised proposed builders to always keep to rules of building construction in the future to avoid demolition of their buildings.

However, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode who was ably represented by Prince Rotimi Ogunleye, the Honourable Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives, emphasized the importance of the stakeholders meeting. The Governor said the idea was conceptualized early this year, i.e Ipakodo/Igbogbo/Igbe Road and Agric/Isawo Road; The project is said to last for about 15 months in completion. ' He further added that, the road construction equally aimed at exposing Igbogbo/Bayeku to industrial development. He therefore sues for the support from the people to cooperate with the contractors and the Ministry of Works and infrastructure.

Ambode also reiterated that Imota will play host to rice milk production company and an industrial park for the production of various products and services which will enhance the governor's corporate social responsibility with the provision of an uninterrupted power supply in the Division.

Without much ado, there was a session for responses from the stakeholders. First to speak was the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, HRM Oba Kabir Adewale Shotobi who said the road project is one of the dividends of democracy. He applauded Oba Kasali on the laudable project that will commence in his reign as the king of Igbogbo Kingdom. He thereafter urged the residents not to auction their landed property. However, he reiterated the contribution and supports of the stakeholders at the Town Hall Meeting in Ikorodu. He did not hesitate to heartily appreciate all the representatives at the State and National Assembly and in the Ministry.

The Adeboruwa of Igbogbo Kingdom, HRM Oba Semiudeen Orimadegun Kasali thanked Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode for his magnanimity and also urged the residents of Igbogbo to key into the vision as Lagos State is being transformed. He further enjoined everyone to seize the opportunity to be part of the success story.

The former Deputy Governor, Prince Abiodun Ogunleye enjoined all to see rapid development of Igbogbo community as a matter of concern, while everyone should ensure adequate cooperation. In the same vein, Asiwaju Olorunfunmi Basorun applauded Gov. Ambode for the decision to include the road project in his budget. He therefore appealed for the renovation of Igbogbo Stadium and Ogolonto/Ipakodo road that have become dilapidated.

The representative of Ikorodu Constituency II at the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Nurudeen Sholaja-Saka thanked everyone particularly Gov. Ambode for his tenacity and consistency. He did not hesitate to emphasize on the quality of the road project. He further said that miscreants and touts will not be spared if they constitute any form of nuisance.

The former HOS, Lagos State, Prince Adesegun Ogunlewe, appreciated the efforts of the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure for costing the project and ensuring that the value of the money is actualized. However, the CDC Chairman, Iyaloja general of Igbogbo, Joint CDA Rep. Mrs Funke Awoyemi and Barr. Dankuwo reacted on valid areas of concern.

The P.S. Engr. Jimi Hotonu intimated everyone that Hi-Tech is the Construction Company on the road project. He however said that the project specification is very high with the durability of 25 - 35 years. He also elaborated the 3 sections of the road project and the stoppage point.

The Vote of thanks was made by the Chairman of Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA, Comrade Olusesan Daini who appreciated Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode, the Royal fathers and all the dignitaries present. The Acting Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Hon. Adebimpe Akinsola who was unavoidably absent was also appreciated alongside Hon. Babajimi Benson, MHR. The Chairman officially informed everyone that their absence was owing to an official assignment outside the country.

Moreover, Daini further assured all and sundry that Gov. Ambode is a promise keeper and has delivered on his promise. He therefore called for supports from all the nooks and crannies, while eschewing all forms of extortion and unnecessary demands that may arise from any corner to distract the Contractors. He urged everyone to pay their tax promptly and levies/rates should be paid at local government level to assist him in serving the community better.

According to Hon. Adebimpe Akinsola when speaking with MegaXpression Magazine on phone, she said, "The project is beyond an eye-saw, I am so much elated and glad that our efforts are yielding positive result, my absence at the occasion came unexpectedly, but be that as it may, the project is equally mine. I shared in the celebration of our Royal majesties, Oba Kasali and Oba Shotobi and other progressives, Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode has indeed made name for himself in the history of Igbogbo and Ikorodu Division at large."

The meeting brought to a close as prayer was rendered by the Chief Imam of Igbogbo, Sheik Dhikirulahi Andu Tanimose.

Among those that witnessed the programme includes Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode, who was ably represented by Prince Rotimi Ogunleye, His Royal Majesties, Oba Kabir Shotobi, Oba Semiudeen Kasali, Prince Abiodun Ogunleye, Asiwaju Olorunfunmi Basorun, Hon Adebimpe Akinsola and Hon Babajimi Benson, MHR, who were both represented, Hon Nurudeen Sholaja-Saka, Comrade Olusesan Daini and Comrade Fatiu Salisu.

Others were Prince Adesegun Ogunlewe, Chief Mrs Fausat Gbadebo, Otunba Ayodele Elesho, Mrs Bolanle Basorun, Chief Oye Soyebo, Chief Adenrele Olowu, ably represented by his wife, Adeboruwa-in-Council, Regent and Aro of Ijede, DPO Igbogbo, DSP I. O. Lawal, CDCs, Igbogbo and Ijede, Olojas, and many more.

SHAKIRU SEIDU,
The Publisher, MegaXpression Magazine,
The source of GENUINE Information.