More than 64 years after, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday flagged off the reconstruction and dualisation of the 58-kilometre Ibadan–Ijebu-Ode Road linking Oyo and Ogun states.
The Ijebu Ode–Ibadan road corridor began as a colonial earth/cleared route in the late 19th and early 1930s but was substantially engineered, paved, and asphalted as a modern regional highway around 1962 under the Western Region government led by Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
Approval for the reconstruction of the Ijebu Ode – Ibadan road is a big relief from commuters only the road.
Many calls for the reconstruction of the vital road since early 90s had been ignored by the military and civilian federal governments that have rule the country.
With the flag off the reconstruction of the Ijebu Ode -Ibadan road today, August 24, 2026 by President Tinubu , the event will go down in the istory of Nigeria.
President Tinubu has also approved the immediate reconstruction and dualisation of the Abeokuta–Ibadan Road which currently in a terrible state.
The projects, according to the President, are part of the Federal Government’s efforts to strengthen transportation networks, deepen economic integration and address critical infrastructure deficits across the South-West.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony held at the open field of Legacy Estate, Idi-Ayunre, Ibadan, President Tinubu, who was represented by Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, said the projects demonstrated his administration’s commitment to improving strategic economic corridors and delivering infrastructure that directly impacts the lives of Nigerians.
President Tinubu described the Ibadan–Ijebu-Ode corridor as a major economic artery connecting Ibadan, Ijebu-Ode and the Lekki economic axis, with links to other parts of the South-West and the country.
He said the occasion demonstrated what purposeful leadership could accomplish when political will was driven by genuine concern for the welfare and prosperity of the people.
According to him, the flag-off was more than the commencement of another road project, but “a decisive statement that no critical infrastructure deficit will be ignored and no strategic economic corridor will be allowed to stand in the way of our collective prosperity.”
“The Ibadan–Ijebu-Ode Road is too important to Oyo State, Ogun State, Lagos and, indeed, the entire Nigeria to be left unattended to.
“Today, the Renewed Hope Agenda moves beyond promises into practical action through a project that will improve mobility, strengthen commerce and create new possibilities for our people,” he said.
The President noted that improved road infrastructure would boost commerce, enhance productivity, reduce transportation costs and create employment opportunities for farmers, traders, manufacturers and other Nigerians.
He disclosed that the Ibadan–Ijebu-Ode project would involve the construction of approximately 58 kilometres of dual carriageway using continuous reinforced concrete pavement to ensure durability, safety and long-term value.
President Tinubu said the contractor had assured the government that the project would be completed in less than 24 months, charging the company to mobilise fully to site, adhere strictly to approved specifications and deliver the project within the agreed timeframe.
He also appealed to host communities to cooperate with the Federal Ministry of Works, contractors and relevant government agencies to ensure the smooth execution of the project.
He warned against encroachment, disruption and unreasonable demands that could delay construction, stressing that the success of the project depended on the cooperation of all stakeholders.
According to him, the real value of the road would be measured by its impact on Nigerians, particularly through improved movement of agricultural produce from farms to markets, easier transportation of raw materials and finished goods, reduced travel time and better access to jobs, education and healthcare.
President Tinubu added that the approval for the reconstruction and dualisation of the Abeokuta–Ibadan Road would further improve connectivity between the two major cities and stimulate economic activities across Ogun and Oyo states.
The Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, disclosed that President Tinubu had directed the immediate reconstruction and dualisation of the 70-kilometre Ibadan–Abeokuta Road, noting that the procurement process was already ongoing.
Umahi said Oyo State currently had 17 major road projects out of the 47 Federal Government projects being executed across the South-West.
He added that Ogun and Ondo states had a combined 82-kilometre stretch of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, which, he said, would provide access to the biggest seaport currently being developed in Ogun State.
While highlighting some of the projects being executed by the Federal Government in the South-West, the Minister listed the 1,068-kilometre Badagry–Sokoto Road, noting that 258 kilometres had already been dualised.
He also mentioned the 56-kilometre Oyo–Ogbomoso Road, which he said was 80 per cent completed, as well as the 34-kilometre Oyo–Ibadan Road, which was abandoned but had been resuscitated by the present administration.
Umahi described JRB, the contractor handling the Ibadan–Ijebu-Ode Road, as one of the best-equipped indigenous contractors in the country, with a record of executing quality projects across Nigeria.
He called on the people of the affected communities to support the contractor and ensure the timely completion of the project.
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashid Adewolu Ladoja, noted that the poor condition of the road had created security challenges, including making parts of the corridor vulnerable to criminal activities.
He expressed optimism that the reconstruction would help reduce incidents of road crashes,banditry and kidnapping, while further strengthening the existing peaceful relationship between the people of Ibadan and Ijebu.
Oba Ladoja urged the contractor to work diligently towards the speedy completion of the project for the benefit of the people.
Also speaking, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Works, Senator Allwell Onyesoh, said the road was conceived during the administration of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo in 1965 to link the people of Ibadan and Ijebu.
He noted that President Tinubu’s decision to reconstruct and modernise the road would make it more functional, reduce travel time and minimise accidents along the corridor.
The member representing Ijebu North, Ijebu East and Ogun Waterside Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Joseph Adegbesan, said he moved the motion for the reconstruction of the road because of its importance to the socio-economic development of Ogun and Oyo states.
He said the road provided critical access to markets, farmlands and educational institutions, expressing appreciation to President Tinubu for responding to the demands of the people by awarding the contract for its reconstruction.
The Chairman, House Committee on Works, Hon. Akin Alabi, said the project would bring relief to the people after many years of travelling on the deplorable road.
He assured that the people would cooperate with the Federal Government and the contractor to ensure the timely completion of the project.
In his goodwill message, the Ebumawe of Ago-Iwoye, Oba Rasak Adenugba, recalled the deplorable condition of the road and its negative impact on the socio-economic development of communities along the corridor.
He said its reconstruction would revive commercial activities, improve connectivity and reduce accidents, calling on the people to support and cooperate with the contractor for the speedy completion of the project.
The Ibadan–Ijebu-Ode Road project was awarded on May 5, 2026, and commenced on July 11, 2026. It is expected to be completed by June 10, 2029.
(vitalnewsngr.com)
