New Telegraph

Relishing roads’ construction for economic prosperity

We have individual differences in every human creature. Some human beings possess the spirit of likeness in them, on account of their convictions, innovative minds, kindness and other good attributes, while others may not exhibit such attributes for reasons no one can really explain.

In all, providence works in human affairs and some people too through sheer foresight, dedication to duty and a strong passion to affect the lives of others run with a vision to impact positively on the society for good.

 

Prince Dapo Abiodun, the Governor of Ogun State, is one visionary personality that has carved a niche for himself and earned the reputation of an exemplary leadership in all sectors of the economy of the state, with his penchant for the delivery of good governance for all and sundry.

 

Suffice to say, he has won several laurels to his credit, since his assumption of office 29 months ago, despite several intrigues and dirty tricks that his political foes have unleashed to make the state ungovernable. It is interesting to note that his clear vision and commitment to deliver the ideals of democracy to the good people of Ogun  State have kept him on the right track.

 

A good reminder which is still fresh in the memory is his speech at the unveiling of the 2.1-kilometre Lantoro/Idi-Aba road, in Abeokuta South Local Government Area, Abeokuta, four months ago, precisely, Wednesday, June 16, 2021. “In my inaugural speech on May 29, 2019, I made a number of electoral promises.

Amongst others, I promised to ensure an even, fair, just and equitable development of all parts of the state; that no part of the state will be developed at the expense of others. I promised that we will be inclusive, that is, your government will always involve you in the decision-making on issues that affect you. I promised that we will complete any inherited projects that has potential to deliver benefits to our state and to the citizenry, whilst we initiate new projects in line with our five developmental pillars: Infrastructure, Social Well-being and Welfare, Education, Youth Empowerment and Job Creation, and Agriculture (ISEYA). It is also our promise that we will be inclusive, transparent, accountable and always ensure strategic allocation of resources to derive optimal benefits from all our spending.”

This is a valid quote which often reminds one of a responsive and responsible leader in any organisation.

At every point in time, the question that often begs for an answer is: how many elective public officers are responsive and responsible in their assigned constitutional responsibilities?

Just a few indeed! Narrowing down the case to Ogun State, there is no gainsaying the fact that the Gateway State has risen from near comatose (where it was rescued on May 29, 2019) to a rebounding path of new growth and development in all sectors of the economy, courtesy of a visionary leader in the person of Prince Dapo Abiodun, the executive governor.

 

Essentially, a good road network is a sinequa- non for rapid development and growth of any economy. Therefore, free movement of people, goods and services from one location to another through accessible roads can’t be over-emphasised. Before the advent of the current administration of Prince Dapo Abiodun in Ogun State, we were all living witnesses to the sorry state of the roads in different parts of the state.

 

Apart from the ever-busy roads like Lagos/Sango-Ota/Abeokuta, Ijoko/Ota/Owode, Ijoko/Alagbole/Akute, amongst others, that have witnessed an outcry of rage and protest from members of the public, recently, there are other roads that are in a terrible state and impassable in both urban and rural centres which are unnoticeable.

 

It was a worrisome trend then when the government in the saddle which was expected to place premium on the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the deplorable roads was busy playing politics with people’s lives.

 

In reality, the current administration in the state is doing more than enough to ensure the completion of all the uncompleted and abandoned road projects that it inherited from its immediate predecessor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun.

 

The rationale behind the commendable approach isn’t far-fetched and it is predicated on the resolve and commitment of the government to prevent waste of the taxpayers’ funds. Vision drives mission.

 

Without mincing words, robust and friendly business policies and the priority accorded security of lives and property, since the inception of office of this administration, no doubt, are responsible for catching the attention of potential investors who have been expressing interest in doing business with the Gateway State.

 

*Joseph wrote from Abeokuta,
Ogun State capital

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