Senator Otunba Gbenga Daniel, FNSE, FAEng., FNIMechE has made a passionate appeal to the Ogun State Government to urgently rehabilitate eleven critical road networks in Ijebu North East Local Government, describing the current infrastructure condition as dire.
Speaking at the Midterm Community Assessment and Review Tour of the BATOGD Movement held at Equity Resort, Senator Daniel emphasised that road rehabilitation can no longer be delayed, as these routes serve as vital lifelines for the local economy.
“The condition of our road infrastructure is dire, and rehabilitation can no longer be delayed. We therefore implore the government to immediately commence the rehabilitation of eleven key road networks that are central to the economic and social well-being of this local government,” Senator Daniel stated during his address to constituents from across the local government.
The Senator outlined a comprehensive list of roads requiring immediate attention, including the 15-kilometre Atan (Odo-Eran) – Odosimadegun – Etiobu – Ododeyo – Imewuro – Ilumerin – Atan circular road, and the 10-kilometre Ogbogbo – Iworo – Ibadanijebu – Ipari network, among others.
This call came after Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun came under criticism with his directive demanding stricter technical standards for a federally awarded road project in Sagamu.
The Paddy Arikawe Oye-Igbimo Road, contracted to Minim and Tonye Nigeria Limited by the Border Communities Development Agency (BCDA), was halted for alleged poor quality of roads built under his administration.
Federal University Satellite Campuses Proposed
In a significant development, Senator Daniel announced plans for four satellite campuses following the federal takeover of Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED). The proposed campuses include a Skill Acquisition Mini-Campus at Okelugbogun, an Artificial Intelligence & Innovation Mini-Campus at Illishan/Odogbolu, and a Health Sciences Mini-Campus at Ijebu-Ode.
The Senator revealed that the main TASUED campus at Ijagun, with only 151 hectares, falls significantly short of the 10,000 hectares typically required for federal universities, necessitating the satellite campus approach.
Call for Political Cooperation
Senator Daniel also called for an end to petty politics that could hinder federal project implementation in the state, citing the Paddy Arikawe Road in Sagamu as an example of infrastructure that has suffered from lack of maintenance since 2004.
“What we expect, and indeed require, from the State Government is cooperation, not hostility. Petty politics must never be allowed to short-change our people,” he emphasised.
The Senator reaffirmed his unwavering support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, particularly praising the removal of fuel subsidies as a necessary decision that is beginning to yield positive results for states and local governments.
The midterm assessment tour is part of ongoing efforts to ensure transparent and accountable governance while maintaining focus on people-centred development projects in the constituency.
Seunmanuel Faleye is a brand and communications strategist. He is a covert writer and an overt creative head. He publishes Apple’s Bite International Magazine.
