The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, expressed deep concern for the suffering and hardships endured by motorists on the dilapidated Lagos-Ota-Abeokuta expressway.
Akpabio revealed that he had been stuck in traffic for over two hours while en route to the 2023 Yewa Cultural Festival held in Ilaro, Ogun State. This revelation was made during the grand finale of the Yewa Cultural Festival in Ilaro, within the Yewa South Local Government Area of Ogun State, on Saturday, October 14, 2023.
Accompanied by a delegation of 70 senators to the event, Akpabio emphasized that he chose to drive to the venue to experience firsthand the daily struggles of the people who commute on the road. His team’s journey from Lagos to Ilaro had taken over two hours due to traffic and road conditions. Akpabio pledged that the Senate would offer necessary support to the Ogun State Government in the reconstruction of the road, along with other federal roads in poor condition within the state.
He remarked, “When I was coming, I decided to pass through the Lagos-Abeokuta, Papalanto-Ilaro road to experience the pain you people are facing on the road. I spent about two hours in traffic along Papalanto-Ilaro road because two tankers fell on the road. I really sympathize with you. I went through what you people are passing through on a daily basis. I am giving Governor Abiodun the Senate support in rehabilitation of these important roads.”
Akpabio also emphasized the significance of quality road construction, especially in an area with a high density of industries. He reassured the people that improvements would be made to their roads, as the Senate would work in collaboration with Governor Dapo Abiodun to address this issue.
In recognition of his efforts, Akpabio was honored with the chieftaincy title of ‘Fiwagboye’ of Yewaland by the Yewa Traditional Council. He also addressed the youth, encouraging them to stay away from drugs and fraudulent activities, assuring them of a better life when they choose a clean path.
Governor Abiodun appealed to the Senate to persuade the Federal Government to transfer the responsibility of reconstructing the Lagos-Ota-Abeokuta Road to the state, underlining its crucial role in the socio-economic development of the state. He shared the challenges he personally faced during his three-hour drive from Abeokuta to Ilaro due to the road’s deplorable condition. Furthermore, Governor Abiodun mentioned the ongoing discussions regarding the reconstruction of other vital roads in the state.
