LAGOS STATE GOVT, STAKEHOLDERS PARLEY ON REHABILITATION PROJECT OF OBA SEKUMADE ROAD, IKORODU. "We will all enjoy the benevolence of government when the road is completed," Lagos Majority Leader, Hon SOB Agunbiade assures.

A Stakeholders’ meeting on the rehabilitation of Oba Sekumade road, Ipakodo, Ikorodu, Lagos, was on Thursday convened at Ferry Terminal Ipakodo, to address the grey areas preparatory to the flag-off of the road expansion and rehabilitation by the Lagos State Government.

The forum was attended by the traditional ruler, Baales, CDAs, political and religious leaders, youths, property owners, businessmen, government functionaries, and the legislator representing Ikorodu constituency 1 in the State Assembly.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works and infrastructure, Engr. Jimi Hotonu carefully enumerated that the Road Project is of 2.50km including deck on pile and typified as dual Carriageway of two lanes in each direction. Noting that the State major engagement for the infrastructure of the Oba Sekumade road is a major strategic that will serve as an alternative road from Ikorodu road, connecting about twenty communities.

"It is the policy of Mr Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, the Executive Governor of Lagos State, to seek the interest of stakeholders before the commencement of any development projects. We believe strongly that this forum would give the opportunity to know what the project is all about and to address all that concerns," Hotonu said.

In his presentation, the Project Director, Engr. Lateef Ayodele Somide, said The road is a double carriage way of 7.3m each, with concrete rigid pavement, new Jersey median kerb of 0.5m both sides. Longitudinal service dust both sides, cross service dust 4*100mm @250m and street light system both sizes.

"It is important to let the people know that in line with the THEME agenda of Governor Sanwo-Olu, this particular road will complement economic development. This is a way to synchronize the road and the water system," Somide said.

The Majority Leader, Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. S.O.B Agunbiade, in his eloquent remarks said the rehabilitation of Oba Sekumade road signals the preparedness and the determination of the government to repair the road which has inflicted a lots of suffering on the people of Ikorodu Division.

Agunbaide further stated that the communities will benefit more from the road, noting that it is essential to take the ownership of the road and know what the construction will entails to ensure that there is smooth construction. "I am sure the people of Ikorodu will cooperate with Arab Contractor because we have been agitating for this road for a very long time," he said.

The lawmaker thereafter thanked and applauded Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for his gesture and the uncommon leadership quality in the governance of Lagos State. "I sincerely appreciate the Governor and his Deputy, Dr. Femi Hamzat, for yearning to the needs of Ikorodu people.

"The road is commencing soon and it has been awarded to a trusted construction firm. We assure that when it is completed, we will all enjoy the benevolence of the government," Agunbiade added.

The Special Adviser to the Governor, Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Aramide Adeyoye, in her remarks noted that there can be no gain without some level of pain and discomfort, saying that the project would affect some existing structures in a bid to achieve the desired right-of -way.

“We solicit for the understanding and cooperation of all residents, especially, those whose properties will be affected. We realise that this temporary inconvenience will soon give way to all the conceivable comfort that the project, when completed, will bring to the entire communities”, Adeyoye remarked.

The Representative of the Arab Contractor, equally appreciated the Lagos State government for the privilege of working for them, assuring everyone that the reconstruction of the road will be done accurately. He enjoined the commuters to endure during the rehabilitation.

Earlier, Executive Chairman, Ikorodu West LCDA, Hon. Princess Jumoke Ademehin-Jimbo, equally appreciated the gesture of Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu. "In 2005, when the road was firstly constructed, the pains that has been associated with the road was quite understandable because Ikorodu and its environment beyond was expanding and Oba Sekumade road is the gateway to other roads in Ikorodu Division.

"Thank God that the effort put in place by our majority leader, Hon Agunbiade and the community leaders were not left in vein. We want to assure that the leadership of Ikorodu West will synergize with the construction company to ensure that adequate provisions are put in place to give Arab Contractor a full cooperation for the construction of the road," Ademehin- Jumbo said.

The traditional ruler of Ipakodo, Oba Aremu Sotonwa, Sekumade of Ipakodo, who equally spoke at the forum, observed that Oba Sekumade road had suffered neglect for long.

“However, we thank God and Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu for this opportunity. We will support the project because Ikorodu Division is now faced with unimaginable developmental projects," the Monarch said.

The event had in attendance the presence of HRM Oba Aremu Sotonwa, Sekumade of Ipakodo, Majority Leader, Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon SOB Agunbiade, Special Adviser to the Governor, Works and Infrastructure, Permanent Secretary Ministry of works and infrastructure, Engr. Aramide Adeyoye, Permanent Secretary, Engr. Olujimi Hotonu, Chairman, Ikorodu West LCDA, Princess Jumoke Ademehin Jimbo and her Vice, Hon. Sesan Dada, Project Director Engr. Lateef Ayoade Somide, APC Chieftain, Alhaji R.I. Jinadu, Youth Coordinator, CAN Chairman, Chief Imam, Baales, DPO Ipakodo, Baba Loja General, CDAs and Community leaders.

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