Victor EzejaPresident Muhammadu Buhari has stated that the Federal Government would consider funding the reconstruction of the Lagos-Ota-Abeokuta and the Sango Otta-Idiroko Roads in Ogun State through a tax credit scheme.
The president who stated this on Thursday during the inauguration of five strategic projects in the state noted that a similar funding option was adopted for the 100km Sagamu Interchange-Papalanto-Ilaro Road.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe President also promised to consider approval of the reconstruction of Sagamu-Ogijo Road by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited under the tax credit scheme.
He assured Nigerians that the Sagamu-Benin Expressway and the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway would be commissioned before the end of 2022.
The projects inaugurated by the president include: Gateway City Gate; the 42-Kilometre Sagamu Interchange-Abeokuta Road; the 14km Ijebu-Ode-Epe Expressway and two Housing Estates for low, medium and high income earners at Kobape and Oke-Mosan in Abeokuta.
Buhari commended the Ogun State governor Dapo Abiodun, for delivering such visionary and lofty projects for the people, even in the midst of prevailing global health challenge posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
He said such could not have been a reality without the State government’s huge investment in security of lives and property.
‘‘This has made Ogun State one of the safest and most peaceful States in the country and investors’ destination of choice.
‘‘You (Prince Abiodun) have justified the mandate of the people of Ogun State. You have represented our Party very well,’’ Buhari stated.
The President expressed delight that the 14km Ijebu Ode-Mojoda-Epe Road commissioned by him has been reconstructed into a modern expressway by the State government, noting that it would complement the Sagamu-Benin Expressway.
‘‘Just across the road is the 42-kilometer Sagamu-Interchange-Abeokuta Road which the state Government has reconstructed and equipped with street lights.
‘‘That road enjoys a direct linkage with the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway that the Federal Government is rebuilding and due for completion later this year.
‘‘I am particularly impressed by the quality and standard of your road projects, and the creative way you have deployed resources to reconstruct and rehabilitate them.
‘‘It is significant to note that the two road projects being commissioned today are federal roads. This is an example of constructive engagement, cooperation and collaboration between the States and Federal Government.
‘‘These roads also fit well into our rail transportation masterplan that connects Lagos, Nigeria’s economic capital to Kano, with Ogun State having more rail stations, along the Lagos-Ibadan rail corridor.’’
The president also applauded the housing programme of the Ogun Governor, for its inclusiveness, as it cuts across different social strata, capturing the low, medium and high income earners.
Admiring the Gateway City Gate Project, the Buhari said, ‘‘it is not just a Park beautification project. It depicts that something new is happening in Ogun State, a welcoming entrance into the State Capital at the centre point of the State.’’
He added that the project is also an ICON depicting the joining of hands for building the future of Ogun State in togetherness.
‘‘Your Excellency, well done! I am proud of what you have done for your State and your people.
‘‘You have made our great Party, the APC, proud too. You are a worthy example of promises made, promises kept.
‘‘These lofty projects could not have materialised without your huge investment and commitment to security of lives and property.’’
The Nigerian leader thanked the residents of the State for the warm reception accorded him and his entourage in the Gateway State, which is his first visit to any State in the New Year, and urged them to continue to support the governor for the successful implementation of the “Building our Future Together” Agenda of his Administration.
‘‘The reward for success is more hard work to meet the increasing expectations of the people.
‘‘When state governments deliver impactful projects, in consultations with stakeholders, like we have witnessed in Ogun State, the trajectory of our national development will be enhanced,’’ the president added.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with six years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Masters degree in Mass Communication.
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