Kunle Adelabu
There seems to be practical answer in sight to the prayers of the Igbe Road Rehabilitation Committee and entire residents of the Igbe community in Igbogbo/Bayeku Local Council Development Area (LCDA) which has been backed with actions through community self-help initiative towards mobilizing funds and materials for the rehabilitation of a very strategic road located in the community but which has been abandoned for more than two decades.
The Representative of Ikorodu Federal Constituency at the Federal House of Representatives, Hon. Babajimi Adegoke Benson, on Saturday, February 29, 2020, pledged to ensure that the efforts of the residents in rehabilitating the road, constructed by the government of Alhaji Lateef Jakande in the early 80s, is cushioned by adopting it as his constituency project and ensure that it is asphalted through a government agency.
He, however, warned that the pledge is not 100% guaranteed except that the work done so far on the road, courtesy of the community, meet the standard of the agency which he said would be coming for inspection.
Hon. Benson, who arrived Igbe junction at 12pm with his entourage which included the Director-General of iCare, Mayor Deen Sanwoola, was welcome by the chieftains of the community led by a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Adekunle Amid Oduborisha.
Other community leaders present were Pastor Adeniyi Joshua Abolanle, Chairman, Igbe Road Rehabilitation Committee, Mr Babatunde Gbolade, Chief Executive Officer, De Sleek Hotel, Pope James K. Alabi, Chairman, Finance Committee and Mr Bolaji Isikalu, Secretary of the Rehabilitation Community.
To identify with the residents of the community, Hon. Benson opted to tour the road on foot in the company of the chieftains of the community.
Speaking with members of the press during the tour, Hon Babajimi Benson stated that he has contacted a federal government agency to asphalt the road upon completion of the rehabilitation work being carried out by the community.
He added that the agency would be coming to inspect the work done so far to determine its involvement. He commended the CDA for their efforts in rehabilitating the road and added that the CDA deserve gold medal award in the state.
“I have contacted a federal government agency. They are willing to asphalt the road when the CDA is done with the construction works but they need to come for inspection and also test the integrity of what has been done till date”, the lawmaker stated.
“If it is within their budget, they will definitely do the asphalt to complete it. Let’s them come first for inspection and determine whether the rehabilitation works done so far is suitable for an asphalting completion. I pray that they find the work on ground satisfying because the pledge regarding asphalting is not 100% guaranteed until the agency approve what is on ground”.
“If the project is completed with asphalt, it will complement the efforts of His Excellency, the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
“So far, I am happy with what I have seen. The CDA should be commended and should even win a gold medal for what they have been able to do. They are the best CDA in Lagos State for saving money and using it for this project. They have been calling us night and day asking for our support. For this, I think they have turned to contractors that can bid for project anywhere. They can form Igbe CDA Construction Company”, he said jokingly while commending the CDA’s efforts in fixing the road.
“I will always partner with any CDA that is engaging in self-help projects to develop their community”, Hon. Benson assured.
Pastor Adeniyi Joshua Abolanle, Chairman, Igbe Road Rehabilitation Committee, speaking with THE IMPACT, stated that they started the rehabilitation project with N18, 000 and have so far spent over N17million.
He revealed that most of the critical areas that made the road impassable for over two decades have been repaired and that the community needs help to complete the project.
“We started the project with N18, 000 and with God on our side, many other members of the community and others from outside started transferring money to us after seeing what we are doing with the money that we have generated and today, we have spent well over N17million”, Pastor Adeniyi stated.
“We have addressed all the critical challenging parts of the project and only trying to put finishing touches to it by completing the drainage system and as soon as that is done, the road will be in top shape. We have already commenced grading to make the road stand the test of time because right now, we have made it passable and motorrable“
“We are appealing to government agencies, individuals and corporate bodies to assist us in completing the project and asphalting it”.
The community leader stated that they are going to embark on prayers and give Hon. Benson a close contact to ensure that the road is asphalted.
“Since Hon. Babajimi has promised to assist in asphalting the project through an agency of the government, the community is going to embark on prayers and also give him a close follow-up so as to actualize that in good time.
“I seized this opportunity to ask the residents and all our donors to still come to our aid and ensure that we complete this project. We also want government to intervene at this stage and support us in completing this project”, he pleaded.
Also speaking during the tour of the road, Prince Amid Oduborisha commended Hon. Benson for not treating him like an opposition figure whenever he calls him and also appreciated the lawmaker’s efforts and contributions so far in supporting Igbe community in the rehabilitation of the road.
