In a bid to reduce rural-urban migration and promote balanced development across the State, the Lagos State Government has flagged off the construction of the 670-metre Adebayo-Akinade Road in Igbogbo-Baiyeku Local Council Development Area, as part of the administration’s commitment to delivering the T.H.E.M.E.S. Plus Development Agenda to rural communities.
The road project was flagged off on behalf of the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Rural Development, Dr. Nurudeen Yekinni Agbaje, at Adebayo-Akinade Street, Igbogbo-Baiyeku.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Agbaje disclosed that the project is one of the numerous infrastructure projects being undertaken by the administration of Governor Sanwo-Olu through the Office of Rural Development, in fulfilment of its commitment to extending the dividends of democracy to every part of Lagos State.
He commended Governor Sanwo-Olu for ensuring that rural communities are not left behind in the State’s development agenda, particularly through the deliberate effort to cascade the T.H.E.M.E.S. Plus Agenda to the grassroots.
Dr. Agbaje added that Governor Sanwo-Olu had recently approved the immediate commencement of six similar road projects in Ajeromi-Ifelodun and Ifelodun Councils, noting that the projects, alongside other rural development initiatives, are opening up economic opportunities and improving the quality of life of residents across the State.
He appealed to residents and community stakeholders to provide a conducive environment for the contractor to execute the project without hindrance. He also charged the contractor to ensure that the project is delivered within the stipulated timeframe, while maintaining the highest standards of quality.
In his goodwill message, the Honourable Member representing Ikorodu Constituency II, Hon. (Dr.) Aro Moshood commended Governor Sanwo-Olu for his inclusive development agenda, particularly the administration’s efforts to transform rural communities into semi-urban communities through the provision of critical infrastructure.
Hon. Moshood noted that, over the past seven years, Governor Sanwo-Olu had approved more than seven critical road projects in Ikorodu, adding that the projects had contributed significantly to the economic empowerment of rural residents and helped to reduce rural-urban migration.
He also appealed to the contractor to deliver the project within the agreed timeline while encouraging the engagement of both skilled and unskilled residents of the community in the execution of the project.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Mrs. Kikelomo Bolarinwa, expressed appreciation to Governor Sanwo-Olu for his sustained commitment to rural development, particularly through the provision of infrastructure and social amenities that have enhanced economic activities and improved living conditions in rural communities.
Bolarinwa urged residents to take ownership of the project and ensure that the road project is protected from vandalism.