By Adedotun Ajayi
The governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has expressed his deep appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for approving the construction of the 63-kilometre segment of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway that traverses Ondo State.
Speaking at a town hall meeting held at the Government House on Thursday, Aiyedatiwa emphasised the transformative impact of the project, clarifying that the initiative is not a political project but a reality.
He further explained that the expansive highway will connect several states, including Ogun, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom, before culminating in Calabar.
The project aims to bridge the western and southeastern regions of Nigeria, facilitating improved cross-country connectivity and strengthening trade relations.
Governor Aiyedatiwa assured stakeholders that this project would not merely be left to contractors but would be diligently monitored to ensure effective utilisation and sustained progress.
“This will not be one of those projects that get abandoned. This road will bring tremendous benefits to the people of Ondo State, and we are fully committed to partnering with the Federal Government to make it a reality.”
During the event, Hon. Akin Alabi, Member of the Federal House of Representatives and Chairman of the House Committee on Works, delivered a goodwill message.
He commended President Tinubu’s dedication to advancing national infrastructure, stating, “The challenges facing Nigeria today are deep-seated and cannot be resolved overnight. However, with true legislative oversight and unwavering commitment, we will see this project through to completion.”
He assured attendees that the legislative process would maintain the project’s progress and prevent neglect. Alabi also conveyed his well-wishes to Governor Aiyedatiwa in the forthcoming election, expressing hope for his continued success.
Also speaking, Banji Okunomo, former Chairman of Ilaje Local Government, highlighted the substantial benefits the project will bring to Ondo State’s riverine communities.
“For far too long, these communities have been disconnected,” he remarked, acknowledging the historic significance of President Tinubu’s approval.
He pledged that the local communities would foster a supportive environment to ensure the project’s seamless execution.
Minister of Works, David Umahi, highlighted the federal government’s commitment to infrastructure as a crucial national investment. Addressing the deplorable state of roads across Nigeria, he vowed that “it will not be business as usual but to the benefit of every citizen under this administration. We’re not sleeping; we are committed to ensuring our roads are motorable before December.”
Issuing a stern directive to contractors, Umahi said, “If work does not start as at when due, we’ll terminate the contractor’s contract. This is not a political project; it’s a commitment to the welfare of the people.”
Praising President Tinubu’s vision and resilience, he described him as a man of courage. Umahi added, “The President inherited over 2,000 projects, and Nigerians should be grateful to have a leader focused on fixing the economy.”
He further urged Nigerians to support the President’s efforts with prayers and patience, recognising that the road to meaningful change would require time and collective resolve.
The Minister reiterated the administration’s commitment to working closely with Governor Aiyedatiwa, reinforcing that the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project represents the President’s commitment to the welfare of all Nigerians, transcending political motivations.