Ogun @ 50: Abiodun Opens Wole Soyinka Train Station Road, Plans 20 Additional Roads

Ogun @ 50: Abiodun Opens Wole Soyinka Train Station Road, Plans 20 Additional Roads

By: Segun Omo Ojikutu 

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has commissioned the Laderin–Prof. Wole Soyinka Train Station Road in Abeokuta, announcing that no fewer than 20 additional roads will be inaugurated across the state as part of activities marking Ogun State’s 50th anniversary.

Speaking on Tuesday at the commissioning ceremony, Governor Abiodun said the newly completed road underscores his administration’s commitment to expanding critical infrastructure and improving connectivity across the state.

He disclosed that the road is among over 1,600 kilometres of roads constructed and rehabilitated under his administration.

The governor revealed that work is progressing steadily on the Sagamu Interchange–Papalanto–Opele Road, a 100-kilometre east-west corridor described as a major component of the state’s ongoing road reconstruction programme.

According to him, the road will serve as an alternative route for motorists, eliminating the need to pass through Abeokuta to access other parts of the country and opening up new corridors for commercial activities.

Abiodun explained that about 25 kilometres of the Sagamu Interchange–Papalanto section have already been reconstructed with reinforced concrete, adding that the road has been temporarily closed to allow for effective and durable construction.

He noted that, upon completion, trucks and vehicles conveying goods from Ota, Ifo and Ewekoro will be able to connect directly to Papalanto and the expressway, reducing traffic pressure on the Abeokuta–Sagamu Expressway.

Describing the Prof. Wole Soyinka Train Station as a strategic transport hub, the governor said the facility links Ogun State to Lagos, Oyo State and the northern parts of the country.

He added that the presence of five train stations in the state highlights Ogun’s growing importance to Nigeria’s economic and transportation network.

Abiodun noted that although access roads were not originally provided during the construction of the rail line, his administration took the initiative to rehabilitate the Laderin road in line with its multimodal transportation agenda.

He disclosed that between 100,000 and 150,000 passengers, including investors and commuters, travel daily between Ogun, Lagos and Oyo states.

The governor also announced progress on other road projects, including the Atan–Lusada–Agbara Road, where one lane has been completed and work has commenced on the second lane.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Ade Akinsanya, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Engr. Lateef Yusuf, said the three-kilometre road would provide vital access to the MKO Abiola Trade Fair Complex, Laderin, Lukosi and neighbouring communities, while easing movement and boosting economic activities.

Community leaders and transport stakeholders praised the project, describing it as a major improvement over the road’s previous condition.

They commended Governor Abiodun for prioritising infrastructure development, particularly as the state prepares to mark its golden jubilee.