ADEOLA OGUNLADE
It was a moment of relief and celebration for residents of Fagbohun Street, Alausa, Ikeja, as the Executive Chairman of Ikeja Local Government, Comrade Akeem Olalekan Dauda (AKOD), officially performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of an interlocking paved road on the street, marking another milestone in his administration’s infrastructure renewal drive.
The ceremony was attended by the Vice Chairman, Ikeja Local Government, Hon. Abisola Omisore; Secretary to the Local Government, Prince Adeyinka Illo; Councillor representing Ward F, Hon. Lawal Ganiu; Hon. Folami Babatunde; Council Manager, Mr. Bawa Rasheed-Bada; traditional ruler, Baale Mufutar Toyin Badmus; Chief Imam of Alausa Central Mosque, Alhaji Rufai Saliu; Rev. Sunday Makinde; CDC Chairperson, Alhaja Adefolami Taibat; Alhaji Adepitan; and Alhaji Lateef Ajenifuja. Also present was Engineer Bode Best, representing the contractor.and other stakeholders.
Speaking at the event, Comrade Dauda explained that the construction of Fagbohun Street was a direct response to a request made by residents during a stakeholders’ engagement meeting shortly after his administration assumed office.
According to him, the project is strategically important as it will connect Fagbohun Street with Balogun Street, providing an alternative access route into Alausa and reducing the distance motorists and residents have to travel within the community.
He noted that the road would improve connectivity for people coming from Ikeja towards Alausa, particularly through the Mobil axis, while facilitating the movement of people, goods and services.
“One of the requests made by the community during our stakeholders’ meeting was the construction of this road. We considered it necessary because of its strategic importance in connecting the streets and improving access into Alausa.
“This road will make movement easier, support commercial activities and provide residents and business owners with better access in and out of the community,” he said.
The Chairman disclosed that the project would be executed by Road Makers and Builders Integrated Limited (RC 946282), with the Works and Infrastructure Department of Ikeja Local Government responsible for supervision. The project has a three-month completion timeline.
He charged the contractor to ensure quality delivery and strict adherence to project specifications, expressing confidence that the work would be completed within the stipulated period. He also appealed to residents to cooperate with the construction team to ensure smooth execution and timely delivery.
The Council Chairman assured residents that the project would be closely monitored to guarantee value for public resources, adding that the road would be formally commissioned and handed over to the community upon completion.
Fagbohun Street is the seventh road project being undertaken by the Comrade Dauda-led administration, with more infrastructure interventions expected as part of its commitment to development under the I.K.E.J.A Agenda, particularly the pillar of Infrastructure and Urban Renewal.
The Councillor representing Ward F, Hon. Lawal Ganiu, commended the Chairman for responding to the needs of the people, disclosing that he personally facilitated the request for the road’s construction following complaints from residents about its condition.
He explained that the intervention would improve connectivity
between the Odewale, Makinde axis and Balogun Street, making movement within the community easier.
Hon. Ganiu also praised residents for their cooperation with the contractor and construction team, noting that their support had helped remove potential obstacles to the commencement of work.
Earlier, in his welcome address, the Council Manager, Mr. Bawa Rasheed-Bada, described the project as another significant milestone in the administration’s commitment to infrastructure renewal, improved accessibility and sustainable development across Ikeja.