Lagos State Government, Traditional Rulers, Community Leaders, and Stakeholders Rally Behind New Road Projects in Eredo LCDA

By: Lagostrend Correspondent

Residents of Igboye and Poka communities in Eredo Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Lagos State are set to benefit from improved road infrastructure following the flag-off of two road construction projects facilitated by Hon. Ogunkelu Sylvester Oluwadahunsi, popularly known as Hon. Sketel, who represents Epe Constituency II at the Lagos State House of Assembly.

The projects cover the construction of Town Hall Road in Igboye and Palace Road, which links to Araga Road in Poka, marking another step towards addressing infrastructure needs and improving connectivity across the constituency.

The flag-off ceremonies attracted traditional rulers, political leaders, community stakeholders, representatives of government agencies, and residents, all of whom expressed optimism about the expected benefits of the projects.

Lagostrend reports that the development reflects ongoing efforts to improve road accessibility and support grassroots development through collaboration between the Lagos State Government, elected representatives, traditional institutions, and host communities.

LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT COMMENDED FOR APPROVING PROJECTS

Speaking on behalf of the General Manager of the Lagos State Urban Renewal Agency (LASURA), Town Planner Adegun Olufunmike expressed appreciation to the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for approving the projects.

She described the road construction initiative as an important intervention that could improve accessibility, facilitate economic activities, and enhance the quality of life of residents in the benefiting communities.

Adegun also commended Hon. Ogunkelu for his efforts towards infrastructure development and representation of his constituents, noting that road projects are important to the growth and development of local communities.

She urged residents, particularly youths, to cooperate with the contractors throughout the construction period to ensure the smooth execution of the projects.

According to her, community support is essential to protecting construction materials and equipment, maintaining a peaceful working environment, and resolving any challenges that might arise during construction.

She further encouraged residents to exercise patience and understanding, explaining that although road construction might temporarily inconvenience some people, the expected long-term benefits could significantly improve transportation and movement within the communities.

HON. SKETEL: “A PROMISE IS A DEBT”

Addressing stakeholders at the flag-off ceremony, Hon. Ogunkelu expressed gratitude to Governor Sanwo-Olu and the Lagos State Government for supporting infrastructure development in Epe Constituency II.

The lawmaker reaffirmed his commitment to fulfilling the promises he made to his constituents during his first and second terms in office, describing the commencement of the two road projects as part of his continued efforts to deliver on those commitments.

He emphasised that public office comes with responsibilities and that elected representatives must make deliberate efforts to address the needs of the people they represent.

In his words:

“A promise is a debt, and I have always believed that whatever promise you make to your people, you must do everything possible to fulfil it.”

Hon. Ogunkelu explained that the projects represented another step towards addressing infrastructure challenges in Eredo LCDA and other parts of his constituency.

He also highlighted several other projects he had facilitated across Epe Constituency II, including roads in Ilara, Ibonwon, Nazareth, and Onabokun, as well as the Town Hall in Ibonwon and other community development initiatives.

According to the lawmaker, the projects form part of his broader commitment to improving infrastructure and supporting development across the constituency.

He expressed particular delight at returning to Igboye for the commencement of Town Hall Road, noting that the project had further strengthened his desire to see the community benefit from a new town hall.

He explained that road infrastructure and community facilities should complement each other in promoting social interaction, local development, and improved living conditions.

HON. SKETEL CHARGES CONTRACTORS ON QUALITY AND DURABILITY

While addressing the contractors, Hon. Ogunkelu urged them to ensure that the roads were constructed to the required standards and that the quality of work justified the resources committed to the projects.

He stressed the importance of durability, proper execution, and attention to the technical requirements of the construction work.

The lawmaker also appealed to residents and youths in both communities to provide a peaceful and secure environment for the contractors and their workers.

He encouraged community members to cooperate with the construction teams and extend the necessary support to facilitate the timely and successful completion of the projects.

“I want you to give the contractors all the necessary support. Let us make sure they work in a safe and peaceful environment so that they can deliver quality work for our people,” he said.

His appeal underscored the importance of collective responsibility in ensuring that the projects are completed successfully and serve the communities for years to come.

ORIJERU OF IGBOYE PRAISES INITIATIVE, ASSURES CONTRACTORS OF COMMUNITY SUPPORT

The Orijeru of Igboye, His Royal Majesty, Oba Abdulrasak Akanni Musa, commended Hon. Ogunkelu for facilitating the road project and expressed appreciation to the Lagos State Government for approving the construction.

The monarch described the initiative as a welcome development for Igboye, noting that improved road infrastructure could enhance accessibility and support the community’s continued growth.

He urged the contractors to ensure that the construction work met the required standards and that the finished road would provide lasting value to residents.

Oba Musa also assured the construction team of the traditional institution’s readiness to support the project and maintain a cordial relationship between the contractors and the host community.

He encouraged the contractors to approach his palace whenever they required assistance or cooperation from the community.

“Whenever you need anything or require the community’s assistance during the project, do not hesitate to come to my palace. We are ready to work with you to ensure the success of this project,” the monarch assured.

In a further demonstration of the community’s willingness to support the project, Oba Musa promised to provide suitable accommodation for the contractors during their stay in Igboye.

The gesture was welcomed as an expression of cooperation between the traditional institution and the construction team in facilitating the smooth execution of the project.

POKA WELCOMES PALACE ROAD PROJECT LINKING ARAGA ROAD

Following the flag-off ceremony in Igboye, the delegation proceeded to Poka, where stakeholders gathered for the commencement of construction on Palace Road, which links to Araga Road.

The Alade Uraka of Poka Land, His Royal Majesty, Oba Kolawole Aliru, welcomed the delegation and expressed appreciation to the Lagos State Government and Hon. Ogunkelu for extending the road infrastructure intervention to Poka.

The monarch described the project as an important development for the community, explaining that improved road connectivity could ease transportation challenges, facilitate movement, and support commercial and social activities.

He noted that reliable road infrastructure is an important component of community development because it helps residents move more conveniently while improving access to homes, businesses, and other important destinations.

Oba Aliru urged the contractors to use quality materials and adhere to the required construction specifications to ensure that the road would be durable.

He also called on residents to cooperate with the construction team, emphasising that the successful delivery of the project would require the collective support of the government, contractors, traditional institutions, and community members.

The monarch further assured the contractors of the traditional institution’s willingness to maintain a peaceful atmosphere throughout the construction period.

He encouraged the construction team to maintain open communication with community leaders and seek their assistance whenever necessary.

CONTRACTORS PROMISE DURABLE ROADS WITH DRAINAGE AND STREETLIGHTS

The contractors, led by Engr. Olaniyi, assured stakeholders that the two projects would be completed within a few months.

They promised to deliver durable roads equipped with drainage systems and streetlights, subject to the approved project specifications.

According to the contractors, the drainage facilities would help manage rainwater runoff and reduce the risk of water-related damage to the roads, while the streetlights would improve visibility and contribute to safer movement, particularly at night.

They also appealed to residents to exercise patience during the construction period and cooperate with workers to ensure the smooth execution of the projects.

The contractors reaffirmed their commitment to delivering quality work, assuring the communities that attention would be given to durability and the overall standard of construction.

Their assurances generated optimism among stakeholders, who expressed hope that the completed roads would provide lasting benefits to residents of Igboye and Poka.

HON. LATEEF ADEMOLA COMMENDS HON. SKETEL

Hon. Lateef Ademola, former Leader of the House in Eredo LCDA, also commended Hon. Ogunkelu Sylvester Oluwadahunsi for facilitating the road projects.

He acknowledged the importance of addressing infrastructure needs at the grassroots level and praised the initiative to improve road access in Igboye and Poka.

His remarks added to the expressions of appreciation from community stakeholders who welcomed the commencement of the projects.

APC EREDO CHAIRMAN PRAISES HON. SKETEL, URGES RESIDENTS TO COLLECT THEIR PVCs

The APC Chairman in Eredo LCDA, Comrade Ismail Walliyullah Abiodun, popularly known as Iwalewa, also commended Hon. Sketel for his efforts towards infrastructure development and representation in Epe Constituency II.

He acknowledged the significance of road projects in improving community access and supporting development at the grassroots level.

The APC chairman also used the occasion to urge eligible residents to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), stressing the importance of civic participation and preparedness for future elections.

His appeal highlighted the need for residents to combine their interest in community development with active participation in the democratic process.

MR. MUTIU ENRY GIVES HON. SKETEL A RESOUNDING “GBOSA”

Adding his voice to the commendations, Mr. Mutiu Enry applauded Hon. Ogunkelu for his efforts towards community development and the facilitation of the two road projects.

He gave the lawmaker a resounding “Gbosa!” in recognition of the initiative, expressing appreciation for the steps being taken to address infrastructure needs in the benefiting communities.

The expression of support reflected the enthusiasm among some stakeholders at the ceremonies, as residents looked forward to the eventual completion of the projects.

EREDO STAKEHOLDERS UNITE FOR GRASSROOTS DEVELOPMENT

Among the dignitaries present at the flag-off ceremonies were:

– His Royal Majesty, Oba Abdulrasak Akanni Musa, the Orijeru of Igboye.
– His Royal Majesty, Oba Kolawole Aliru, the Alade Uraka of Poka Land.
– Members of the Eredo Apex leadership.
– The APC Eredo Local Government Area Chairman and executive members.
– Members of the Igboye and Poka traditional councils.
– The Iya Oloja General of Eredo LCDA.
– Representatives of the Lagos State Urban Renewal Agency (LASURA), led by Town Planner Adegun Olufunmike.
– Hon. Lateef Ademola, former Leader of the House in Eredo LCDA.
– Other political leaders, community stakeholders, and residents.

Their presence highlighted the role of cooperation among government institutions, elected representatives, traditional rulers, political leaders, contractors, and residents in advancing development at the grassroots level.

EXPECTATIONS RISE AS IGBOYE AND POKA LOOK FORWARD TO COMPLETION

The commencement of construction on Town Hall Road in Igboye and Palace Road linking Araga Road in Poka represents an important infrastructure intervention for the two communities.

Upon completion, the roads are expected to improve connectivity, facilitate movement, and support economic and social activities. The planned drainage systems could also help address water runoff, while the proposed streetlights are expected to enhance visibility at night.

For residents, the immediate priority will be the successful execution and timely completion of the projects in accordance with the approved specifications.

The contractors’ assurances, combined with the support pledged by traditional rulers and community stakeholders, provide a framework for cooperation throughout the construction period.

The projects also demonstrate the importance of sustained collaboration between the Lagos State Government, elected representatives, relevant agencies, traditional institutions, and host communities in addressing local infrastructure needs.

As construction gets underway, residents of Igboye and Poka will be looking forward to roads that meet the required standards and deliver lasting benefits to their communities.

For Hon. Ogunkelu Sylvester Oluwadahunsi, popularly known as Sketel, the flag-off of the two projects marks another milestone in his stated commitment to infrastructure development across Epe Constituency II. For the benefiting communities, the focus now shifts to quality delivery, timely completion, and the long-term value of the roads.

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