Kunle Adelabu
To compliment the Igbogbo/Bayeku and Asiwaju Bola Tinubu Ways, which are currently under reconstruction, when completed, the representative of the Ikorodu Federal Constituency, Rep. Babajimi Adegoke Benson, has flagged – off the construction of the Akin Ogunlewe Crescent in Igbogbo, Igbogbo/Bayeku Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Ikorodu Federal Constituency, Lagos State, Southwest, Nigeria.
The performing lawmaker officially flagged – off the road on Saturday, May 13, 2023.
Joining Benson, who was re – elected few months ago, were His Royal Majesty, Oba (Barr.) Semiudeen Orimadegun Kasali, the Adeboruwa of Igbogbo, Asiwaju Olorunfunmi Basorun, a chieftain of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), Sen. Adeseye Ogunlewe, also a GAC chieftain, Builder Sesan Daini, Chairman, Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA, Hon. (Chief) Mrs Adebimpe Akinsola, former Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture and Mr Rotimi Erogbogbo, Chairman, Ikorodu – Oga Development Association (IKODASS), among others.
The Vice Chairman, Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA, Hon. Maja and Iyalode of Igbogbo Kingdom, High Chief (Mrs) Karimot Jokotade Ojikutu (nee Idowu) represented the Chairman of the council and the Adeboruwa, respectively.
Rep. Babajimi Benson, speaking at the ceremony, said that he will continue to facilitate projects to every part of his constituency.
“I have six councils in my federal constituency, and I have been accused of favouring Igbogbo with projects, but we will not stop bringing projects here and also other parts too. After Akin Ogunlewe that we are flagging – off today, we will road at construct Selewu, and also look at how we can do the Offin/Oreta road which is a very long road. We will use our leaders’ connections to ensure that the road is reconstructed”, he said.
“In Ikorodu West LCDA, we are going to embark on construction of Ori Okuta road soon”, the lawmaker revealed.
While commending the CDAs in the area, Rep. Benson said that the 1.1km road will be completed in three months with drainage and streetlights.
“This is a 1.1kilometre road which is going to be completed in three months, and we will ensure that its drainages and streetlights are properly fixed”, he said.
“The CDA’s action in apprehending robbers that stole construction materials, has further re – enforced my confidence in them that they are going to maintain the road after completion and we will hand it over to them to ensure that what is happening at Igbe road will not repeat itself here.
“I thank the CDA for being vigilant and cooperative and for making me happy and not regretting bringing the project here. I must admit, the pressure is much but I cannot ignore Akin Ogunlewe road, and not treat it as a priority.
“The unprecedented love that my beloveth constituents have shown has kept me going. You always make me enjoy my work. I enjoy serving you all”, Rep. Babajimi said.
The first Secretary to the Lagos State Government and chieftain of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), Asiwaju Olorunfunmi Basorun, described Rep. Benson as God-sent, while also charging the state government to expedite action on the ongoing construction of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu Way and Igbogbo/Bayeku road which the flagged – off road links together.
“This road is Akin Ogunlewe Crescent because it links two major roads together. It has been in existence for long and we have been hoping that it will be done and today, a God – sent has arrived to construct the road”, the elder statesman said.
“On behalf of the entire residents of Igbogbo, we thank Rep. Babajimi Benson for this. He remembered this road as part of his quality representation that he has been unveiling all – around.
“We appeal to the Lagos State Government to expedite action on the Bola Tinubu and Igbogbo/Bayeku roads, so that the Akin Ogunlewe Crescent could serve as an effective link. I hope that the speed at which this construction will take, will also encourage the state government to improve pace on the two major roads”, Asiwaju Basorun said.
Sen.(Otunba) Dr. Adeseye Ogunlewe, a former Minister for Works and GAC chieftain who stated that people are pleased with the performance of their federal representative, also charged CDAs in the area to mobilise the community to support the contractor, and ensure that the construct work goes smoothly.
“Rep. Benson is our beloved son in whom we are all pleased. He is our glory. We appreciate and love you”, he said.
“The work is just beginning, and I want to charge the CDA leadership to mobilise the entire community, especially the youths, to support the contractor and labourers in ensuring that the work goes on unhindered. We will be ready to support the project in any way”.
The former Minister also attributed the massive win in Ikorodu federal constituency by the ruling party to Rep. Benson’s quality representation.
“If not Jimi, we would have failed in the last general elections in Ikorodu, because there was nothing to campaign with except all that he had done in his federal constituency. I stand challenged if anyone can point to any other thing”, Sen. Ogunlewe said.
“He also made available his resources for us to prosecute the election. It is important that we let the public know what those in public offices are doing”, he added.
A former Head of Service in Lagos State, Prince Adesegun Ogunlewe, also commended the lawmaker, stating that he is delivering service to the people.
“As a former Head of Service, I want to let us know that governance is about service and that is about service and that is what Jimi Benson represents”.
“He won his re – election without buying votes because he has worked for it. That was why there was no competition, but a walk-over for him in the last election.
“I appreciate him for facilitating the construction of the Akin Ogunlewe on behalf of the Ogunlewe family. He has done us great honour. I appeal to the CDAs to let us know where we can contribute to augment what the contract sum will not cover, we will be willing to contribute”, Prince Ogunlewe said.
Hon Adebimpe Akinsola, a former Commissioner who recalled how her mother delivered her on the road, also expressed her happiness at the representative.
“We thank our own representative, Hon. Babajimi Benson, the Otun of Ikorodu. I am particularly delighted to witness the flag – off of this road because about 62 years ago, I was delivered on this road, when the road was still a footpath”, she said.
“I never knew that I was going to build a house on this road. I am very attached to the road and really happy knowing the road was a footpath when it was enlarged but not motorrable, and now, it’s about to be constructed courtesy our representative”, Hon. Akinsola recalled.
“He has been using his advantage as our federal representative to the maximum and we shall witness more of Benson’s representation when Tinubu eventually takes over as the President come May 29″.
Builder Sesan Daini, Chairman, Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA, in his goodwill message, said:
“Hon. Babajimi Benson has done a lot of things. He is the glory and light of Ikorodu. He has assisted us with the hospital. He has also built a new school for us at Olu – Odo, that we are about to commission. He also build a six – classrooms block for us at Elepe School.
“He is a representative that is not tired despite the fact that he has done so much. Earlier today, he distributed food items to over 500 residents, which he always does every month”.
