Mariam Akinloye
It was indeed a season of a renewed hope for the residents of Offin and Oreta and entire Igbogbo Kingdom, as their road which has been totally abandoned with attendant adverse economic and social impacts, was announced for reconstruction by the representative of the Ikorodu Federal Constituency, Rep. Babajimi Benson.
The federal lawmaker, who is the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Defense, on Thursday, in a statement on THE IMPACT WhatsApp platform announced that the Igbogbo/Oreta/Offin Road has been included in the 2023 Supplementary budget of the federal government.
The announcement has since generated reactions from residents of Igbogbo and other parts of the division, as they commended the three term lawmaker.
“It gladdens my heart to inform all the residents of Ikorodu Federal Constituency, especially those living in the Offin/Oreta area of Igbogbo-Baiyeku Local Council Development Area (LCDA), that the Offin/Oreta road has been included in the 2023 supplementary budget of the Federal Republic of Nigeria”, Rep. Benson stated on his Facebook handle.
“This means that once the supplementary budget is passed into law and procurement is completed, the 13km road, which is currently in a state of disrepair, will be reconstructed. This will make it easier for people and vehicles to move around in the area.
While stating that the road, when completed, will improve the social and economic development in Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA, Rep. Benson also thanked President Bola Tinubu, his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila and Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbass, for the inclusion of the road in the budget.
“The road is crucial for the economic and socio-economic development of Igbogbo-Baiyeku LCDA, and other nearby LCDAs in Ikorodu Division. It will not only improve the quality of life for residents but also promote business development in the community”.
“I would like to express my sincere appreciation to President Bola Tinubu, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abass, and other stakeholders in Ikorodu Division, for their unwavering support in making this project a reality”.
Meanwhile, Chieftain of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), Asiwaju Olorunfunmi Basorun, commended the lawmaker, stating that he is appreciated for his representation.
“Hon Jimi, warmest congratulations on your successful insertion of Oreta/Offin 13km road in the Supplementary Budget which has now been approved by the National Assembly. Thou art nonpareil among your peers! You are deeply appreciated for this great achievement”, the elder statesman said.
Prince Kunle Ogunleye, a retired Director in the Lagos State Government, described news as a welcome development.
“This is a welcome development and gradually, we hope we can replicate what has been done in Agege, Alimosho and other LCDAs in that axis on road development”, he said.
Former Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ikorodu branch, Barr. Saheed O.K. Shillings, expressed his appreciation to the three term lawmaker.
“And we thank you too for being such a great Rep.!”, he said while reacting to Rep. Benson’s statement on THE IMPACT WhatsApp platform.
Mr Gbenga George Oduniyi, former President, Igbogbo Youth Coalition (IYC), also expressed appreciation to Rep. Benson for his gesture, on behalf of the Offin-Oreta residents.
“Indeed, it was the biggest surprise of the year for the residents of Offin-Oreta axis, and we deeply appreciate the kind gesture extended to us by MHR Hon. Jimi Benson”.
A lecturer, Mr Hassan Ekundayo, also commenting, said:
“A very good development…Lagos State Government needs to be charged to fix the road that leads to Offin-Oreta Road. What if JB is not in Ikorodu?”
