Kunle Adelabu & Mariam Akinloye
-Commissions 3.6km Erunwen Road
The Ikorodu Federal representative in the House of Representatives, Rep. Babajimi Adegoke Benson, is not showing any sign of tiredness at all on his quest to develop Ikorodu infrastructurally, especially in terms of road networks.
Rep. Benson, who said that there are over 20 projects that he has facilitated which are ongoing aside from the completed ones that his constituents have lost counts of, also listed more projects including a flyover bridge from Ogolonto, completion of Agbede to Ita – Oluwo Road, construction of Igbo – Oluwo Road, Radio Road and expansion of Erunwen Road among others, as next in line for construction.
He also assured his constituents of construction of schools that they have requested for.
He gave the assurance at the commissioning of the 3.6km Eruwnen Road in Ikorodu North Local Council Development Area of Ikorodu Division area of Lagos State, Southwest, Nigeria, at weekend, which he facilitated after over three decades that the road was in bad shape.
The three – term lawmaker said that President Bola Tinubu is interested in approving infrastructural development for Ikorodu, because of the votes its people delivered to him and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the last general elections.
The road, which its construction was facilitated by Rep. Benson, is connecting about 10 communities to Ikorodu – Itamaga – Ijede – Imota/Itoikin/Epe/Ijebu Ode Road.
“We are having access to road construction in Ikorodu, because Ikorodu people voted for our party. Once a people voted for our party, such always gets what they want.
“Asiwaju told me that he wants me to connect all the roads in Ikorodu. The ongoing Lagos – Calabar Expressway doesn’t concern you, but I will make sure that you do the same thing that I am doing connecting Lagos to Ogun, Ondo, Delta and Calabar States.
“I am going to empower you to do the same for Ikorodu”, Rep. Benson informed leaders and residents of Ikorodu.
While stating that 22 other projects that he has facilitated are currently ongoing at different parts of Ikorodu Federal Constituency, Rep. Benson also listed new projects that are coming.
“We are poised to do more roads in Ikorodu. We are planning to construct flyover bridge from Ogolonto. That is Asiwaju for you. We are going to complete Agbede, extend this road (Eruwen), Igbo – Oluwo, Koko – Abu and many others.
“We have 22 projects going on at the moment.
“In this year’s budget, Asiwaju assured all the House of Representative members and Senators that his administration will do massive projects in each federal constituency”, he said.
Also speaking on the reforms of President Tinubu, the lawmaker said that the derivation principles and local government autonomy which would take effects soon, will provides more funds for the council authority to execute projects for their people.
“In all the local councils, particularly in Ikorodu North LCDA, there would be a derivation principle on the taxes and VAT that you generate. Meaning that all the VATs from companies in Odogunyan Industrial Estate, will no longer go to Lagos State, but will stay where they were derived.
“The winner among the aspirants for the Ikorodu North LCDA Chairmanship will be a lucky person because of the funds from the local government autonomy that he will work with will be available.
“I remember when I was living in the New York, I did not know the governor of the state but I know my Mayor. So, the way Nigeria should be operating there is no need to be talking about Sanwo- Olu (governors) all the time.
“The local government chairman should be able to provide roads, water, schools, and should be able to do as many things as possible and from the end of this month, the local government chairmen will be getting direct allocations.
“This is the work of Mr President and he deserves our commendations”, the lawmaker commended President Tinubu.
Prince Abiodun Ogunleye, former Deputy Governor, Lagos State and chieftain of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), commended the lawmaker for his pursuit of infrastructural development in Ikorodu Federal Constituency.
The elder statesman, who said that Rep. Benson has attained pinnacle in his political career, also prayed for the representative to continue to go higher and develop the capacity to bring more dividends of democracy to his people.
The Chairman, Central Development Committee (CDC), Mr Ogunbanwo, also speaking, thanked Rep. Benson for embarking on road construction to open up and transform Ikorodu which, according to him, lkorodu North LCDA has benefitted immensely from.
He pledged the support of the entire people in Ikorodu North LCDA, to repay the lawmaker with massive electoral supports.
Asiwaju Olorunfunmi Basorun, former Secretary to the State Government and chieftain of GAC, Sen. Adeseye Ogunlewe, former Minister of Works and also a GAC chieftain, in their own remarks, also commended the representative but emphasised the importance of residents registering for the forthcoming council election and the subsequent ones, if they are to appreciate the good representation of Rep. Benson.
In the same vein, Hon. Kolade Alabi, Chairman of the Conference 57, Dr Nurudeen Agbaje, Special Adviser to the Governor on Rural Development, Hon. Adebimpe Akinsola, former Commissioner for Tourism, Arts & Culture, and Hon. Olawale Apanisile, Vice Chairman, Ikorodu North LCDA among others that spoke at the commissioning, also commended the lawmaker for the infrastructural development of Ikorodu Federal Constituency.
