President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has flagged off the reconstruction and dualisation of the 58-kilometre Ibadan-Ijebu-Ode Road linking Oyo and Ogun states.

He also approved the immediate reconstruction and dualisation of the 70-kilometre Abeokuta-Ibadan Road.

The projects are part of the Federal Government's efforts to improve transportation infrastructure, strengthen economic integration and address critical road deficits across the South-West.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony held at the open field of Legacy Estate, Idi-Ape, Ibadan, on Monday, President Tinubu, who was represented by Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, described the Ibadan-Ijebu-Ode corridor as a major economic artery linking Ibadan, Ijebu-Ode and the Lekki economic axis.

Tinubu said the project represented a shift from promises to practical action under his administration's Renewed Hope Agenda, stressing that the road was too important to Oyo, Ogun, Lagos and Nigeria to remain in its deplorable condition.

“The Ibadan-Ijebu-Ode Road is too important to Oyo State, Ogun State, Lagos and, indeed, the entire Nigeria to be left unattended to,” the President said.

He explained that the reconstructed road would improve mobility, boost commerce, reduce transportation costs, enhance productivity and create opportunities for farmers, traders, manufacturers and other businesses.

The President disclosed that the project involved the construction of approximately 58 kilometres of dual carriageway using continuous reinforced concrete pavement designed to ensure durability, safety and long-term value.

He said the contractor had assured the Federal Government that the project would be completed in less than 24 months, charging the company to mobilise fully to site and adhere strictly to approved specifications.

Tinubu also urged communities along the corridor to cooperate with the Federal Ministry of Works, contractors and relevant government agencies, warning against encroachment, disruption and unreasonable demands capable of delaying the project.

According to him, the true value of the road would be measured by its impact on the lives of Nigerians through faster movement of agricultural produce to markets, easier transportation of raw materials and finished products, reduced travel time and improved access to jobs, education and healthcare.

The President further disclosed that his administration had approved the immediate reconstruction and dualisation of the Abeokuta-Ibadan Road, which he said would strengthen connectivity between the two major cities and stimulate economic activities across Ogun and Oyo states.

The Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, said the procurement process for the 70-kilometre Ibadan-Abeokuta Road was already ongoing following the President's directive.

Umahi said Oyo State currently had 17 major road projects out of the 47 Federal Government projects being executed across the South-West.

He also highlighted other major projects in the region, including the 1,068-kilometre Badagry-Sokoto Road, 258 kilometres of which he said had been dualised; the 56-kilometre Oyo-Ogbomoso Road, which he said was 80 per cent completed; and the resuscitated 34-kilometre Oyo-Ibadan Road.

The minister also said Ogun and Ondo states had a combined 82-kilometre stretch of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, which he said would provide access to the major seaport being developed in Ogun State.

Umahi described JRB, the contractor handling the Ibadan-Ijebu-Ode Road, as one of the best-equipped indigenous contractors in Nigeria, urging residents of communities along the route to support the company to ensure timely delivery.

The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Senator Allwell Onyesoh, said the road was conceived in 1965 during the administration of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo as a link between the people of Ibadan and Ijebu.

Conspicuously missing at the event was the Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Seyi Makinde desire the event taking place in his State.

The Oyo State government has alleged that it's officials including the Governor were excluded from the event, lamenting that such a landmark event was reduced to a political jamboree.