The Ilobu-Asake Development Union (IDU) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the construction of the long-neglected Ilobu–Oko–Ogbomoso road, describing the award of contract for the project as a a fulfilment of a generational promise and a breakthrough for the community.
In a statement issued on Friday in Ilobu, the President of the union, Prof Olufemi Saibu said the development marks the end of decades of neglect and broken promises surrounding the federal highway, which has long been a source of hardship for motorists, traders, farmers, students and residents.
The union noted that the road, once regarded as one of the most dangerous and economically challenging routes in the South-West, would now become a catalyst for economic growth and regional integration.
Saibu stressed further that the approval is more than just a road project, saying it represents the restoration of hope and dignity for the people of Ilobu and its adjourning communities.
“This is more than a road project; it is a restoration of dignity for our people. For years, our farmers watched their harvests spoil in transit, our students risked their lives on their way to school, and our traders lost income because of a road successive administrations forgot.
“President Tinubu did not just approve a contract; he approved a future for Ilobu. On behalf of the Olobu of Ilobu, Oba Ashiru Olaniyan II, and the entire Ilobu people, we express our profound gratitude,” he said.
According to the union, the road project will improve road safety, reduce travel time for commuters and transport operators, stimulate local and regional economic activities, create jobs, accelerate socio-economic development across the South-West and strengthen Ilobu’s connection to national commerce.
The IDU also applauded the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, for driving the Federal Government’s infrastructure agenda and acknowledged the National Assembly for ensuring the project was captured in the national budget.
Also reacting, the General Secretary of the union, Mr. Abiodun Ologunde urged the contractor handling the project to mobilise to the site without delay, assuring that the Ilobu community would provide maximum cooperation to ensure timely and quality delivery.
“We are calling on the contractor to commence work immediately, and we pledge the community’s full support to ensure the project is completed to the highest standard and on schedule. Ilobu will not forget this administration’s commitment to our people,” he said.
The union reaffirmed its support for President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, expressing confidence that the Ilobu–Oko–Ogbomoso Road would stand as one of the enduring infrastructure legacies of the current administration.
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