Abeokuta gets first flyover bridge

The first flyover bridge in Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State, was on Thursday commissioned by the state governor, Mr Ibikunle Amosun.

This will be the first bridge to be constructed in the entire state since its creation in 1976.

The four-lane overhead bridge begins at the end of Lalubu road and opens into the newly expanded lane Ibara-Totoro road.

Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Amosun said the massive investment in infrastructure was in fulfillment of his electoral promises to the people of Ogun State.

He noted that the new bridge would aid movement of goods and services, ease flow of traffic, reduce manpower-time wasted on the road, thereby improving the productive time of every individual plying the road.

“Our goal is to put our state in the league of advanced economies and make it investors’ destination of choice not only in Nigeria but sub-Saharan Africa.”

“To achieve this, we will continue to rehabilitate existing infrastructure and construct not just modern but high-tech infrastructure that will enhance the magnificence of our environment and act as a catalyst for our socio-economic development,” he said.

While expressing gratitude to residents, “especially those whose properties gave way to these beautiful edifices that we are constructing across the state”, the Governor urged them to exercise more patience and continue to support the administration in its mission to rebuild Ogun State.

He also called on the private sector to take advantage of the enabling environment being provided and partner with the state government to create wealth and achieve good returns on investment.

In his welcome address, the state Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Mr. Lekan Adegbite, said the flyover bridge was a product of the vision of Governor Amosun to transform the state.

He explained that every project in the state “complies with the Ogun Standard, which sets benchmarks for others.”

In their separate goodwill messages, Head of Interim National Government, Chief Earnest Shonekan, National Chairman of Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Chief Bisi Akande, National Leader of ACN, Chief Bola Tinubu and Leader of Ogun ACN, Chief Segun Osoba, all lauded the achievements of the state government in the area of urban renewal.

According to the national leader of ACN, “Amosun is an actualizer of our dream and vision” as he referred to the policies of the party.

The Alake of Egba land, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, likened the unveiling of the first ultra-modern flyover bridge to the day “electricity, pipe borne water and railway first came to Abeokuta.

“Amosun has changed the city from the status of 19th century to the 21st century” the monarch stated.