The Ogun State government has assured residents of communities along the Ijebu-Ode–Mojoda tollgate axis of the provision of alternative routes to enhance their economic activities and general well-being.
The Chief Economic Adviser and Commissioner for Finance, Hon. Dapo Okubadejo, who chaired a stakeholders’ meeting on toll fare development plan on the road in Ijebu-Ode, gave the assurance that alternative routes serving local communities in and around Isiwo, Itamapako, Oke Ako areas and environ and bypassing the toll will be upgraded for ease of mobility.
This came on the heels of the protest that rocked the Ijebu – Ode – Epe road yesterday. Residents and transporters blocked the highway to demand extortion and high toll fees being collected by the road managers appointed by the state government.
Okubadejo noted that the rehabilitated roads would reduce travel time through the tollgate and ease the cost burden on local commuters.
He affirmed that the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun had granted waivers to motorcycle and tricycle users and operators plying the Ijebu-Ode–Mojoda corridor, in line with campaign promises to cushion the effects of economic hardship in the state.
He appealed to stakeholders to remain supportive of the government’s commitment to delivering the dividends of democracy, through regular engagement on infrastructure development and policy implementation.
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Also speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Transportation, Engr. Olugbenga Dairo, highlighted the economic importance of the road, stressing the need for its maintenance and preservation. He noted that the construction had boosted commercial activities along the corridor.
In his remarks, the Director-General of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Office, Dapo Oduwole reiterated the government’s commitment to the road project, emphasising its role in positioning the state as an industrial hub and unlocking economic benefits for local communities.
He maintained that the road construction was a Public-Private Partnership; therefore, the partners need to recoup their investment through tolling, as the government could not have single-handedly reconstructed it.
Speaking on behalf of the traditional institutions, the Aladeken of Oke-Ako, Oba Joshua Osunsami, commended the state government for the road construction, describing it as a major relief for the affected communities.
He joined other stakeholders in appealing to the government to review the toll fees at the Ijebu-Ode–Mojoda gate and consider opening turning points for certain communities before the toll plaza, to mitigate the impact of the prevailing economic challenges.
Other State functionaries at the meeting were Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, AIG Olusola Subair, Commissioner for Urban Development and Physical Planning, Tpl. Tunji Odulami, Chairman, Odogbolu Local Government, Dr. Oyetola Diya, Permanent Secretaries in the Ministries of Transportation, Works and Finance, respectively Mrs Ronke Tokunbo-Peters, Engr Lateef Yusuf and Mr. Adesina Towolawi, amongst others.
Earlier, the Minority Leader of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Hon. Lukman Adeleye called for calm and assured that collaborative efforts were underway to address the concerns raised by not the commercial transport unions operating in the Ikoto, Emuren, Imagbon, and Imaka communities over the introduction of toll points along the Ijebu Ode/Mojoda road, but also teachers and health workers.
Adeleye, who represents Odogbolu State Constituency, harped on the need for understanding and cooperation to ensure the livelihoods of essential workers and commercial transport operators while maintaining essential road maintenance services.
He admitted that the introduction of toll points sparked off protests and discussions too on the financial strain placed on commercial transport workers, teachers and public health workers who rely on this vital route for their daily engagement.
According to him, he is engaging the relevant quarters to discuss potential solutions that would alleviate the burdens on transport unions and the people of Ikoto, Emuren, Imagbon, Itamapako, Isiwo, Odonoko and Imaka axis.
He emphasized the importance of striking a balance that supports essential workers who keep the local economy running.
The Minority Leader urged all stakeholders, including transport unions and residents of the concerned communities, to remain calm and open to dialogue.
He assured that community forums would be held to discuss the matter and appealed for understanding and harmony to build a more prosperous future for their communities and all who travel these critical roads.