Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Monday, unveiled two major infrastructure projects aimed at improving connectivity and quality of life for residents. The projects, located in Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government Area, include the Abiola-Onijemo Link Road with an accompanying bridge and the Alapere Pedestrian Bridge.
The Abiola-Onijemo Link Road with bridge is designed to connect the Abiola/Ajayi/Ogba and Obawole/Iju-Ishaga communities, which have long been separated by a 25-meter swamp belt. This vital infrastructure project covers a total length of 643 meters, including a 135-meter reinforced concrete bridge with retaining walls. The road features 7.3-meter-wide carriageways, slip roads, walkways, and solar-powered street lighting, catering to the needs of the growing population in the area.
Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasized that this road is part of the administration’s broader effort to unveil 36 newly constructed roads and bridges, a commitment to addressing the persistent challenges of inadequate infrastructure and flooding that have long affected the state.
Speaking at the unveiling in Ifako-Ijaiye, Sanwo-Olu highlighted the significance of the project. “Today marks a significant milestone in our collective journey to build sustainable communities, improve connectivity, and enhance the quality of life for all Lagosians,” he said. “This project embodies our administration’s commitment to keeping our promises and addressing long-standing challenges faced by the people of Lagos State.”
He further explained that before the completion of the project, residents had to navigate a wooden bridge over a swamp to travel between Abiola and Onijemo Streets, exposing them to risks and creating environmental issues. “Our administration recognised the urgency of providing a lasting solution,” he added, pointing to the modern reinforced concrete bridge, new paved link road, and upgraded drainage system designed to prevent flooding.
Sanwo-Olu also emphasized the broader impact of the project on the local community. “This project is not just about building roads and bridges. It is about connecting lives, fostering unity, and stimulating economic growth,” he said. The improved infrastructure will enable safer, faster, and more efficient movement, benefiting both residents and businesses by reducing travel times and enhancing access to other parts of the city, which could lead to new economic opportunities.
In his remarks, the Special Adviser on Infrastructure, Olufemi Daramola, praised the Sanwo-Olu administration for its ongoing commitment to building strategic link roads across the state. “The Abiola-Onijemo Link Road with a bridge is more than just a physical connection; it is a lifeline for multiple communities,” he said, emphasizing that the project would significantly improve vehicular movement, reduce travel times, and stimulate local commerce.
The Chairman of the Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Works and Infrastructure, Desmond Elliot, also commended the Governor’s leadership, acknowledging the significant strides made by the administration in improving Lagos’s infrastructure.
In addition to the Abiola-Onijemo Link Road, Governor Sanwo-Olu also inaugurated the Alapere Pedestrian Bridge, another important project designed to enhance safety and connectivity for pedestrians in the area.
The unveiling of these projects is a clear demonstration of the Lagos State government’s continued focus on infrastructure development as a catalyst for economic growth and improved living conditions for residents.
