Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Monday, 9 December, 2024, commissioned the Abiola-Onijemo Link Road with a bridge in the Ifako Ijaiye Local Government Area of the State.
The Abiola-Onijemo Link Road with bridge provides a strategic connection linking the Abiola/Ajayi/Ogba and Obawole/Iju-Ishaga communities, which are separated by a 25-meter swamp belt. The project covers a total length of 643 meters, including a 135-meter reinforced concrete bridge with retaining walls.
The infrastructure features 7.3-meter-wide carriageways, alongside slip roads, walkways, and solar-powered street lighting—all representing state-of-the-art infrastructure tailored to meet the needs of a growing population. It also has a drainage system that addresses long-standing flooding challenges, safeguarding the surrounding communities from adverse effects of poor water management.
Abiola-Onijemo Link Road with a bridge is one of the 36 newly constructed roads and bridges scheduled for commissioning by the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration.
Speaking during the formal commissioning of the project at Ifako-Ijaiye, Governor Sanwo-Olu, who earlier handed over to the public the newly constructed Alapere Pedestrian Bridge, built by his administration, said the Abiola-Onijemo Link Road with a bridge embodies his administration’s commitment to addressing long-standing challenges faced by the people of Lagos State.
He said: “Today marks a significant milestone in our collective journey to build sustainable communities, improve connectivity, and enhance the quality of life for all Lagosians. It is with immense pride and joy that we unveil the Abiola-Onijemo Link Road with Bridge, a vital infrastructure project that links Abiola Street and Onijemo Street, separated for decades by a canal that created a divide between these two vibrant communities.
“This project embodies our administration’s commitment to keeping our promises and addressing long-standing challenges faced by the people of Lagos State. If you recall, during our campaigns, we pledged to tackle issues of inadequate infrastructure and persistent flooding, challenges that have plagued this area for years. Today, we deliver on that promise.
“Before now, crossing between Abiola and Onijemo Streets was both difficult and unsafe. Pedestrians had to navigate a wooden bridge over a swamp, which exposed them to danger and was an environmental eyesore. These conditions were unacceptable. Our administration recognised the urgency of providing a lasting solution, which led to the construction of this modern reinforced concrete bridge, complete with pedestrian and vehicular access, as well as a new, well-paved link road and an upgraded drainage network to prevent flooding.”
Speaking on the importance of the project to the people of Ifako-Ijaiye, Governor Sanwo-Olu said: “This project is not just about building roads and bridges. It is about connecting lives, fostering unity, and stimulating economic growth. With these improvements, residents and businesses can now enjoy safer, faster, and more efficient movement. Reduced travel time and better access to other parts of the city will undoubtedly bring new opportunities for trade, commerce, and investment into this community.
“This achievement aligns with the goals of our THEMES+ Agenda, particularly under the Transportation and Traffic Management Pillar, and underscores our determination to deliver impactful projects despite global economic challenges and rising costs. We remain unwavering in our commitment to improving lives and providing the dividends of democracy to all Lagosians.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu urged Lagos residents, particularly the people of Abiola and Onijemo Streets, to take ownership of the infrastructure built by the government. “These are your assets, built with our collective resources, and it is your responsibility to protect and maintain them. Community leaders and associations must ensure these facilities are used responsibly to preserve their quality and longevity. A well-maintained infrastructure inspires further development, and your active involvement will encourage the government to do even more.
“I thank Lagosians for their steadfast support, particularly through the prompt payment of taxes. Your contributions make transformative projects like this possible, and we deeply value the trust you have placed in us.
“As we work together to achieve the vision of a Greater Lagos, I assure you that this administration remains focused, resilient, and committed to building a state that works for everyone.”
Speaking at the event, the Special Adviser on Infrastructure, Engr. Olufemi Daramola, said the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration has shown a persistent commitment and responsibility towards the delivery of strategic link roads not only in Ifako-Ijaiye but in many other parts of the state, as would be witnessed in the coming days.
Daramola, who appreciated her predecessor, Engr. Aramide Adeyoye, for her insight and dedication, which laid a solid foundation for the project, commended the residents of Ifako-Ijaiye for their patience and cooperation, which, according to him, was vital to the project’s success.
He said: “The Abiola-Onijemo Link Road with a bridge is more than just a physical connection; it is a lifeline for multiple communities. The road spans a swampy terrain, connecting College Road through Ajayi Street in Ogba to Aruna, Obawole and Iju-Ishaga. The vital connection will significantly enhance vehicular movement, reduce travel times and stimulate local commerce.
“The Abiola-Onijemo Link Road and Bridge bring substantial socio-economic benefits by enhancing traffic flow and connectivity, increasing property values and investment opportunities, and improving public safety through the provision of street lighting.”
The Chairman of the Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Works and Infrastructure, Hon. Desmond Elliot, commended the Governor Sanwo-Olu administration’s giant strides in the State.
Elliot, who also represented the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, said the incumbent administration would not relent in delivering the dividends of democracy to the people of Lagos State.
Speaking earlier, a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, representing Ifako-Ijaiye I, Hon. Temitope Adewale, disclosed that the Governor Sanwo-Olu administration has delivered 29 roads in Ifako-Ijaiye. He said the people of his constituency appreciate the state government for laudable projects in different communities within the local government.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government Area, Hon. Usman Hamzat, said the Abiola-Onijemo Link Road with a bridge and other projects initiated by the Governor Sanwo-Olu administration is in fulfilment of the THEMES+ developmental agenda.
He said Governor Sanwo-Olu has set a benchmark for good governance in Lagos State.
