By Ghazali Ibrahim
Hope and excitement filled the air in Ikorodu North and West Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) on Friday as construction officially began on two long-awaited roads; Ojuemuren Road in Odogunyan and Ebuwawa Road in Agbede facilitated by the Senator representing Lagos East Senatorial District, Tokunbo Abiru.
For years, residents of both communities have endured deteriorating road conditions that hampered mobility, trade, and access to social services. The new projects, many said, represent a turning point after years of neglect.
Speaking during the flag-off, Abiru, represented by his media aide, Enitan Olukotun said the initiative was part of his broader commitment to grassroots development and improving the quality of life across Lagos East.
“We listened to the yearnings of our people and worked hard to bring this intervention to life,” Abiru said.
“These projects, alongside others such as schools, markets, health centres, and sports facilities, are part of our effort to drive sustainable community development.”
The event attracted a massive turnout of residents, traditional rulers, party leaders, and community associations, who hailed Abiru for what they described as a “governance style rooted in delivery, not promises.”
Chairman of Ikorodu North LCDA, Hon. Ameen Ibrahim Apanishile, praised the senator’s effort, saying the road would transform the area’s economy and improve property values.
“Our people have suffered for years on these roads. Senator Abiru has shown he’s not just speaking about development, he’s making it happen,” Apanishile said.
His counterpart in Ikorodu West LCDA, Hon. Sulaimon Kazeem Olanrewaju, also applauded the senator’s consistency, noting that his previous interventions including roads like Apnea Jimbo, Odediran, and Ojokoro have already improved transportation and trade in the district.
For residents, the project was a long-awaited dream finally coming true.
“Before now, we spent so much repairing vehicles because of bad roads. This new one will help our business and attract more customers,” said Mrs. Nneka Obazi, a trader in Agbede.
A commercial motorcyclist, Mr. Taofeek Bello, added, “We’ve prayed for this for years. Senator Abiru has done what many only promised.”
Community leader Mr. Lucky Oluku described the project as “a landmark of renewed hope,” thanking the senator for bringing tangible development to the grassroots.
The flag-off ceremony was attended by a host of dignitaries, including Alhaji Rilwan Jinadu, Hon. Kunle Ogunbela, Hon. Toyin Salau, Prince Adeniran Ogunbanwo, and members of the East Consultative Forum (ECF), among others.
With work already underway, residents expressed optimism that the new roads would not only ease mobility but also usher in a new era of growth and economic revival in Ikorodu.
