Abeokuta-Sango-Ota Road Construction and Gov Abiodun’s Responsiveness

Hot Source
Hot News
November 4, 2025
0 Comments

By Olaniyi Ajibola

It was a plethora of applause for Governor Dapo Abiodun and huge jubilation among the residents of Ogun State when the Governor, after all odds and seeming obstacles eventually got the nod of the Federal Government to construct the Abeokuta-Sango-Ota road, which had been in a very deplorable condition and almost impassable for 21 years.

Being the second busiest road in Nigeria, with significant economic impact for the people of the state and other Nigerians alike, the Governor swiftly moved to ease the sufferings of the people as soon as he assumed office in 2019, but unfortunately met a brick wall from the Federal Government, as the then Minister vehemently warned the Governor to stay clear of the Federal road irrespective of the degree of urgency of the intervention.

For four years, the Governor kept pushing and lobbying the Federal Government to construct the road, having being disturbed by the daily suffering of the people on the road and the attendant economic quagmire caused by the bad road and his struggle eventually paid off with the current administration of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which put the former Governor of Eboyin State, Engineer David Umahi in the saddle.

Breaking the 21-year jinx of stagnation on the very important road made the jubilation among the people of the State and other road users very unprecedented, they commended the Governor for his tenacity, resilience and compassion, despite suffocating provocation.

The flag off of the 70-kilometre road on August 23, 2024 marked a turning point in the history of infrastructural development in the state, as the road significantly constitutes part of humongous infrastructural deficit Prince Dapo Abiodun inherited upon assumption of office, as he promised to complete the road within 18 months.

Since that time, the contractor handling the project has been working assidiously and consistently to fix the road, through five gangs working simultaneously at Olomore, Midgad/Metroxide, Papanlanto Junction, Owode, and the Toll Gate axis. Meanwhile, the state Government has appealed to motorists and residents plying the road to remain calm and exercise patience as construction work continues along the busy corridor.

A statement issued recently by the State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Ade Akinsanya, acknowledged the temporary inconveniences being experienced by road users, noting that some sections of the road have become slippery due to ongoing earthworks and the prevailing rainy season.

He advised motorists to drive carefully and comply with traffic directives to prevent avoidable accidents, explaining that concrete pavement casting currently ongoing along parts of the Ewekoro axis has necessitated the temporary closure of certain sections and the introduction of traffic diversions.

Engr. Akinsanya assured the public that the government is working tirelessly to rehabilitate and restore the road’s full functionality.

While admitting that persistent rainfall in recent weeks has slowed down the pace of work, he reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to completing the project within record time.

“Key sections such as Obada Oko, Ilese Awo, Onijanganjangan, and Ewekoro are receiving focused attention from the contractor. Efforts are being intensified to improve driving conditions and enhance accessibility across the entire stretch,” he stated.

The Commissioner reiterated that although the Lagos–Abeokuta Expressway is a federal road, the Ogun State Government, in its magnanimity and in line with its people-oriented governance philosophy, has taken over its reconstruction to ease the hardship faced by commuters.

He added that the state’s intervention aims to alleviate traffic congestion, reduce travel time, and prevent the loss of lives and productive hours commonly associated with poor road conditions along the corridor.

Expressing optimism about progress on the project, Engr. Akinsanya assured residents and motorists that as the rains subside, the current challenges would soon be over. He assured the people of the government’s unwavering commitment to delivering durable, safe, and quality road infrastructure across the state.

It is the same compassion and responsiveness the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun has exhibited in tackling similar challenges since inception, in the face of accumulated deficit in road infrastructure across the state, the menace the Governor inherited from previous administrations.

Since government is a continuum, the Governor has no other choice than to correct the anomaly to the best of his ability and within the limit of available resources, which he is doing with utmost determination and commitment, despite the campaign of calumny by naysayers and fifth columnists.

There is no doubt that Governor Dapo Abiodun has creditably done very well to change the ugly face of road infrastructure in the state, from the central senatorial district to the west and east, without abandoning other sectors like Health, Education, Human Capital Development, Agriculture and Security among others.

Of great significance is how he has eased the sufferings of residents living at the Lagos-Ogun borders in Ifo Local Government, namely :Alagbole, Akute and other adjourning communities whose roads have been abandoned for years without single intervention after the administration of Aremo Olusegun Osoba.

Finally, in the face of this accumulated deficit of road infrastructure, the solace is that the current administration of Prince Dapo Abiodun is showing unflinching commitment to right the wrong of the past and ensure greatness happiness to the greatest number of Ogun State’s residents.

The Governor’s commitment is assuring and his responsiveness remains very inspiring.

*Ajibola is a Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to Governor Dapo Abiodun on Strategic Communications

Hot Source

Hot Source
Hot News
November 28, 2025
1 views
8 minutes Read

Kalu Unveils Bold Strategy to Tackle Nigeria’s Rising Insecurity

Udora Orizu writes that the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, PhD, CFR at the special plenary session on National Security proffered practical solutions to Nigeria’s rising insecurity

“A nation is safest when its institutions collaborate, not compete”.

The above statement implies that national security thrives when the three arms of government stand not as separate pillars, but as one unbreakable shield, thinking together and acting together.

In a rare show of bipartisan unity, the National Assembly this week came together to chart lasting solutions to Nigeria’s worsening insecurity.

Nigeria today stands at a critical juncture, confronted by a complex web of security challenges that continue to test the resilience of its institutions, economy and citizens.

From insurgency in the Northeast to banditry in the Northwest; separatist tensions in the Southeast to farmer–herder conflicts across North Central, the country faces a multidimensional crisis that demands both urgency and strategic clarity. As insecurity continues to spread across several parts of the nation, the federal lawmakers held special plenary session on National Security.

Speaking on Green Chamber floor, on Tuesday, the Deputy Speaker highlighted the multi-dimensional security challenges facing Nigeria, outlining series of actionable and long-term solutions aimed at restoring peace as well as stability.

Kalu called for collaborative action among the federal, state, and local governments, expressing optimism that with sincerity, unity and strong political will, Nigeria can overcome its current challenges.

He noted that Nigeria possesses strong deterrence laws but suffers from weak institutional implementation, inadequate funding, lack of transparency, and misalignment between policy and execution.

The lawmaker detailed the escalating internal security threats, such as indiscriminate kidnappings targeting schools, places of worship and communities in Zamfara, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto and other states.

The Deputy Speaker said, “As you all know, Nigerian security crisis as it is at the moment demands urgent action. And I’m able to put down one or two things so that I will not forget in my presentation. I’ll also save time for some of you who want to deliberate on this.

“Mr. Speaker, Honorable colleagues, it is my core finding, and I’m sure that of others, that Nigeria possesses strong deterrence laws. We don’t have paucity of laws. We have strong laws. But what we suffer is weak institutional implementation, inadequate funding, transparency, and misalignment between policy and execution.

“So the solution requires structural legislative reform, not merely reactive military responses. And since we are not in the military, we are legislative arm of government, we must proffer legislative solutions to the gaps that we have observed.

“Mr. Speaker, I will break my speech into these parts. Number one is situational analysis, which I will break into escalating internal efforts. I will break into escalating internal traits as well as external sovereign traits.

“The next one is legislative gap and strategic failures that we have. The third will be priority legislative agenda, what we need to do in the next six months as parliament. And the next will be what are the messaging pillars that I would like to pass as a member of parliament.

“We are the fulcrum of democracy. Doesn’t matter how emotional we get, doesn’t matter how burdensome the problem is, we cannot argue that the Parliament should be shut down because the problem is much. This is the solution hope of the nation. I want to say that we should be careful in projecting what might be misunderstood by the people outside this chamber.

“Mr. Speaker, no problem is too big for the Parliament to handle. We will not shut the Parliament. We will stay here together because we have best friends that are from all over the country. We will find solutions to our problems. We have faced stronger problems before now, Mr. Speaker.”

Challenges and Solutions

Institutional Weaknesses: Nigeria Police Force (NPF) constrained by centralised command, inadequate funding, and lack of accountability. Military modernisation (drones, potential jet acquisitions) proceeding without published defense policy or robust legal framework. Weak border control and inter-agency cooperation enabling illicit arms and terrorism financing

External Sovereignty Threats

U.S. Political Pressure: President Trump threatened military strikes against Nigeria over Christian killings. While analysts view this as political theatre with low operational feasibility, it creates diplomatic and reputational risks. Nigeria must assert sovereignty while demonstrating domestic commitment to justice>

The Amnesty Problem: Despite strong anti-kidnapping laws (imprisonment/death penalty for kidnapping), the practice continues because government entities negotiate with bandits and pay ransoms. Security analysts confirm that amnesty deals and peace negotiations legitimize violence, embolden armed groups, and undermine rule of law. Legislative Solution Required is to ban unstructured amnesty negotiations and ransom payments by any government entity; mandate criminal justice enforcement over expediency.

Police Funding Crisis: the NPF suffers from low budgetary allocation with incomplete and late disbursement, unaccounted state government and private donations creating corruption channels. No transparent auditing mechanisms. Legislative Solution Required is to mandate sustained, predictable funding; require rigorous record-keeping and audits for all NPF funds, including donations.

Centralised Policing Model Failure: Federal-only policing model cannot meet diverse, localised security needs of 36 states and 774 LGAs. Let’s tell ourselves the truth. Whether we call it state police, whether we call it community police, whether we call it local government police, the need to decentralise has become very necessary. State police reform must allow Nigerian police force accountability reform to avoid replicating dysfunctional structure at the state level.

Legislative Solution Required is Constitutional amendment to move policing to Concurrent List (amend Section 214 and Second Schedule). This is currently ongoing. State Police reform must follow NPF accountability reforms to avoid replicating dysfunction at state level.

Drone Warfare Regulatory Lag

Nigeria’s military successfully deploys indigenous (Amebo, Gulma) and foreign (CH-4) combat drones for precision strikes but there is no legal framework governing ethical use, accountability for civilian casualties or operational transparency.

Legislative Solution Required is Enactment of a comprehensive UAS Operations and Oversight Act (Drone Act) mandating compliance with international targeting laws, accountability mechanisms, and independent investigation of civilian casualty incidents.

Anti-Banditry Resolution: Legally prohibit ransom negotiations and mandate criminal justice process over amnesty programs. Criminal penalties for government officials who negotiate ransoms or authorise unstructured amnesty deals. Mandate prosecution through criminal justice system for all banditry suspects.

Establish transparent criteria for any future Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR) programs (following proper conflict resolution protocols, not ad-hoc political deals). Create Parliamentary Oversight Committee to monitor implementation.

“As a roundup, finally, these reforms are expensive. That will be the argument of some of you, I will respond by saying, the cause of insecurity far exceeds the cause of reform,” Kalu said.

In tandem with the position of the House, President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday declared a security emergency, ordering the Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Police Force to recruit more operatives.

A statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, also requested the National Assembly to begin reviewing the extant laws to allow states that require state police to establish them.

Excerpts from the statement on the president’s directive read:

“Today, in view of the emerging security situation, I have decided to declare a nationwide security emergency and order additional recruitment into the Armed Forces. By this declaration, the police and the army are authorised to recruit more personnel. The police will recruit an additional 20,000 officers, bringing the total to 50,000.

“The DSS also has my authority to immediately deploy all the forest guards already trained to flush out the terrorists and bandits lurking in our forests. The agency also has my directive to recruit more men to man the forests. There will be no more hiding places for agents of evil.

“My fellow Nigerians, this is a national emergency, and we are responding by deploying more boots on the ground, especially in security-challenged areas. The times require all hands on deck. As Nigerians, we should all get involved in securing our nation.

“Let me take this moment to commend our security agencies for working together to secure the release of the 24 schoolgirls in Kebbi and the 38 worshippers in Kwara State. We will continue to sustain the efforts to rescue the remaining students of Catholic School in Niger State and other Nigerians still being held hostage. I call on the National Assembly to begin reviewing our laws to allow states that require state police to establish them,” he said.

*Orizu is SA Press Affairs to the Deputy Speaker

Udora Orizu writes that the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, PhD, CFR at the special plenary session on National Security proffered practical solutions to

Hot Source
Hot News
November 28, 2025
2 views
5 minutes Read

FG Inuagurate Public Toilets in Nasarawa

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

The federal government yesterday inaugurated a new smart toilet in Nasarawa State, calling for stronger sanitation efforts across the state to ensure Nigeria exits her unenviable position as one of the top nations with open defecation.

Few days ago, the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, decried that just about 25 per cent of Nigerians have access to safely managed sanitation facilities leaving over 45 million Nigerians still practice open defecation.

The Federal Ministry of Environment yesterday called for stronger sanitation efforts across the states at the inauguration of new smart public toilets at Orange Market, Mararaba, in Nasarawa state to mark the 2025 World Toilet Day

The Director-General of the Nasarawa State Waste Management and Sanitation Authority (NASWAMSA), Hon. Muhammad Isah, warmly welcomed dignitaries and partners to the 2025 World Toilet Day commemoration, expressing deep appreciation for the strong support the state has continued to receive toward improving sanitation and environmental health.

Addressing the Governor of Nasarawa State, the Honourable Minister of Environment, the Permanent Secretary, the Director of Pollution Control and Environmental Health, the Commissioner of Environment, the Nasarawa State Ministry of Environment, and other distinguished officials and partners, the DG extended his gratitude for their presence and ongoing collaboration.

Isah said: “On behalf of our Authority, I sincerely appreciate His Excellency, the Governor, for his strong support toward improving sanitation and environmental health in our state.”

He applauded the Federal Ministry of Environment for its continued partnership, noting that the provisioning of smart toilets being commissioned at the event, as well as an earlier air pollution monitoring facility, have contributed meaningfully to improving community well-being.

According to him, “our deep gratitude also goes to the Honourable Minister of Environment and the entire staff of the Federal Ministry of Environment for their continued partnership. The provision of the Smart Toilets we commission today, as well as the air pollution monitoring facility earlier provided, are meaningful contributions that strengthen our work and improve the well-being of our communities.” The DG also highlighted new collaborative initiatives between NASWAMSA and the Ministry, particularly in waste-to-energy development and job creation. He noted that the Ministry requested ten locations for public toilets between Mararaba and Masaka, areas where sanitation facilities are urgently needed.

He explained that “NASWAMSA worked with Orange Market management to provide two suitable sites for modern public toilets. These are the facilities being commissioned today.” Hon. Isah further expressed sincere appreciation to Dr. Engr. Bahijjahtu Abubakar, describing her as “maman talakawar jahar Nasarawa,” for her consistent support of women’s engagement and youth initiatives in the state. He stated, “your dedication is having a significant impact, and both the government and the people of Nasarawa State are truly grateful for your contributions. Thank you for your commitment to improving our environment and community.” The DG reaffirmed NASWAMSA’s commitment to continued collaboration with partners in pursuit of a cleaner and healthier Nasarawa State,

Also speaking at the event, the Executive Chairman of Karu Local Government Council, Barr. Abubakar Aliyu Madaki, described the new Public Toilet Project as a significant milestone in efforts to promote public health, environmental sanitation, and community wellbeing in Karu Local Government Area. He expressed appreciation to the ministry for selecting Karu as one of the beneficiaries of the initiative.

He said: “It is with great pleasure and a deep sense of responsibility that I stand before you today on behalf of Government and the good people of Karu Local Government Area.”

He noted that the inauguration marks “another significant milestone in our collective efforts to promote public health, environmental sanitation, and community wellbeing in Karu.”

Madaki emphasised that Orange Market, being one of the busiest commercial hubs in the Local Government, attracts thousands of traders, buyers, transporters, and visitors daily, which creates the urgent need for proper sanitation facilities to prevent pollution and disease outbreaks.

Describing the facility, he said: “This Public Toilet Project is therefore not just a building but it is an investment in public health, dignity, and environmental protection. It provides a safe, hygienic, and accessible facility for all market users, and supports our ongoing efforts toward a cleaner and a healthier Karu for everyone in line with the vision of His Excellency Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule the Executive Governor of Nasarawa State.”

He outlined recent efforts of the Local Government Council toward improving sanitation, stating that “over the past months, we have intensified efforts to improve waste management in markets and across communities, strengthen environmental monitoring and compliance, support community-based sanitation initiatives, and promote health education and community awareness.” Madaki assured the Federal Ministry that Karu Local Government would ensure the facility is well managed, adding, “Karu Local Government Council will take full responsibility for the maintenance, security, and effective use of this facility.”

He urged traders and residents to safeguard the facility, saying: “This facility is yours. I urge you to take ownership of it. Let us use it properly, keep it clean, and protect it from vandalism.”

In his remarks, he expressed special appreciation to the Honourable Minister of Environment, the Honorable Commissioner of Environment, the DG NASWAMSA and their staff “for the support and dedication to environmental sustainability nationwide,” and stated that Karu Local Government remains open to more partnerships aimed at uplifting the health, economic, and social wellbeing of the people.

As the ceremony concluded, the chairman reminded attendees that “development is meaningful only when it touches the lives of the people directly,” urging renewed commitment toward a cleaner society.

He added: “Together, let us continue to promote a cleaner, safer, and healthier Karu for us and the future generation to come,” and ended with, “Thank you and may God bless us all. God bless Karu Local Government Area, Nasarawa State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

Michael Olugbode in Abuja The federal government yesterday inaugurated a new smart toilet in Nasarawa State, calling for stronger sanitation efforts across the state to ensure Nigeria exits her unenviable position

Hot SOURCE News

Or check our Popular Categories...

Hot SOURCE News

Or check our Popular Categories...

Abeokuta-Sango-Ota Road Construction and Gov Abiodun’s Responsiveness

Related

Hot Source

Related Posts

Kalu Unveils Bold Strategy to Tackle Nigeria’s Rising Insecurity

FG Inuagurate Public Toilets in Nasarawa

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Business & Economy

ECOWAS suspends Guinea-Bissau from decision-making bodies over military coup

10 richest countries in Africa based on GDP per Capita in 2024

NNPC/Heirs Energies breaks new ground as OML 17 doubles output, adding over 135 MMscf/d to Nigeria’s domestic gas supply

Linkage Assurance moves to raise N16 billion fresh capital to drive growth

Nigeria’s PMI hits 56.4 in November, marking 12 months of expansion

OPS asks National Assembly to withdraw Customs Tariff Amendment Bill

CBN orders immediate withdrawal of misleading bank advertisements in Nigeria

Trump vows to permanently halt migration from ‘Third World Countries’

Nigeria’s Company Income Tax rises 40% to N2.78 trillion in Q2 2025

Bahrain cuts golden residency visa threshold by 35% to lure foreign capital

FIRS to shut down IT systems for three days to carry out maintenance

FG designates Victor Attah Airport in Uyo as international airport

Experts Lament Short Life Span of Nigerian Airlines as Arik Air Heads Towards Extinction

The Decline of Billionaire Rankings…

Nigerian Airlines Move to Regain West Coast Dominance

TTP Seeks Regulatory Approval to Deploy N200M Port Traffic Digitisation Solution

How Caverton is Electrifying Nigeria’s Inland Waterways

Addressing Growth Challenges of Nigerian Airlines

CSCS: T+2 Settlement Cycle Go-live in Nigerian Capital Market

FAAN Unveils Plans to Make Nigeria Cargo Hub for W’Africa

Najomo: Nigeria Rewriting Its Aeropolitical Imbalance Story

Air Peace Reaffirms Commitment to Nigeria-UK Busiest Air Corridor

Kosofe CCI Strengthens Economic, Security Dialogue with Nigeria Police

FROM RECOVERY TO GROWTH: STRATEGIC MONETARY POLICY

Nigerian equities market gains N111.08 billion driven by MTNN, Banking, Insurance sectors

NESREA shuts down Abuja quarry after flying rocks injure students

Nigeria ranks 4th in nationality of non-EU+ migrants in the UK

Former President Jonathan safe, departs Guinea-Bissau following military coup—FG

NAICOM: 18 insurance companies now ready for capital verification

Governor Bala Mohammed presents N878 billion 2026 budget to Bauchi Assembly

Senator Olamilekan Adeola blames International Conspiracy for insecurity in Nigeria

World Bank urges FG to cut import tariffs to curb inflation

NRC to reactivate Osogbo-Dagbolu-Erunmu, Idogo rail lines for freight

UK net migration drops nearly 80% in 2 years

Sheriff Deputies Limited celebrates 25 years of security leadership and announces historic ‘Secure Nigeria’ Initiative

Transcorp vs UACN vs Unilever: Who’s delivering the most value for shareholders?