By Lekan Lisoye
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, on Friday commissioned the 3.3-kilometre Adesan Road in Mowe, Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area, announcing the arrest of four additional suspects linked to the abduction of seven students of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade.
The governor described the successful rescue of the students and the arrest of the suspects as a major victory in the state’s fight against criminality, warning that Ogun State would not become a safe haven for criminals.
Two members of the suspected kidnapping gang had earlier been arrested on Thursday during the operation that led to the rescue of the seven students.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Abiodun commended the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), National Association of Ogun State Students (NAOSS) and other student bodies for their patience, understanding and support during the period of the students’ captivity.
He attributed the successful rescue operation to the coordinated efforts of various security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigerian Army, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ogun State Security Network Agency, also known as Amotekun Corps, local hunters and vigilantes.
The governor also acknowledged the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Inspector-General of Police and the Director-General of the DSS.
“Sometime before the end of July, some of our students were kidnapped by unscrupulous elements. To the glory of God, with the cooperation and collaboration of our law enforcement agencies and the support we received from Mr President, the Inspector-General of Police and the Director-General of the DSS, we worked night and day.
“Yesterday, we rescued all seven students alive. We have arrested four more of the kidnappers, while the remaining suspects are still on the run. We will arrest them as well,” he said.
Reaffirming his administration’s zero-tolerance stance on crime, Abiodun stressed that Ogun State, which he described as Nigeria’s industrial capital and gateway to the nation, would not tolerate criminal activities.
“Ogun State will not allow crime or criminality. Those who come here to test our resolve will be tracked down, smoked out, arrested, and made to face the full weight of the law,” the governor declared.
42 Roads Constructed in Ogun Central
Speaking on his administration’s infrastructure achievements, Abiodun disclosed that 42 roads had been constructed or reconstructed across Ogun Central Senatorial District since 2019, with 12 of them located in Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area.
He added that approximately 1,600 kilometres of roads had been completed across the state’s three senatorial districts.
According to the governor, road projects completed in Obafemi-Owode include the Abeokuta-Sagamu Interchange Road, Panseke-Adigbe Road, Journalists’ Estate Road in Arepo, Siun-Owode Road Phase I, the revived Mowe-Ofada Road, Iyana-Oloke Junction-MAPOLY Road, Adesan Road, Kuforiji-Olubi Road, Adigbe-Laderin-Train Station Road, Sagamu-Ofada-Papalanto Road and Magboro-Makogi Road.
“In Ogun Central, within the last seven years, we have reconstructed 42 roads, and we are still constructing more.
“When we assumed office on May 29, 2019, we made several promises. Today, it is gratifying to look back and see how far God has helped us in fulfilling those promises.
“Even as we wind down this administration, we still have more roads to award and complete. There are additional roads in Obafemi-Owode, including the road linking Magboro, that will soon be commissioned. We will remain a promise-keeping administration,” Abiodun said.
The governor noted that Obafemi-Owode, being a border local government and the food basket of Ogun State, deserved sustained investment in infrastructure to support its growing population and expanding economic activities.
He also noted the importance of the area to the state’s agricultural economy, particularly the cultivation and processing of the renowned Ofada rice.
Abiodun urged residents to protect the newly commissioned road by ensuring its proper use and maintenance.
Road to Boost Economic Activities
Earlier, the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Ade Akinsanya, described Adesan Road as a strategic economic corridor that would improve connectivity between adjoining communities and the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
According to him, the road would enhance commercial activities and ease transportation within the area.
The Chairman of Obafemi-Owode Local Government, Hon. Adesina Ogunsola, commended the governor for his sustained investment in infrastructure, saying the road would benefit traders, students, motorists and other road users.
Ogunsola disclosed that the local government had complemented the state government’s efforts by constructing the 1.6-kilometre Adigbe-Ita-Baale-Idi-Mangoro-Police Post Road and the one-kilometre Ogidan-Gele Odun Road.
He added that additional roads had been earmarked for reconstruction.
The member representing Obafemi-Owode State Constituency in the Ogun State House of Assembly, Hon. Damilola Soneye Kayode, thanked the governor for fulfilling a long-standing request for the reconstruction of Adesan Road.
He said the road serves about six communities and would significantly improve transportation and economic activities in the area.
Similarly, the member representing Obafemi-Owode, Odeda and Abeokuta North Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Olumide Osoba, applauded the governor for delivering another strategic infrastructure project.
Osoba described the project as a reflection of the administration’s commitment to inclusive development.
The Olu of Mowe, Oba Oriyomi Yahaya, also commended Governor Abiodun for fulfilling his campaign promise to the people of Mowe.
The monarch, however, appealed to the governor to also reconstruct the town’s market, saying the project would further stimulate commerce and economic growth in the community.
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