A federal lawmaker representing Oyo-North Constituency, Senator, AbdulFatai Buhari, on Wednesday night, drew the attention of the Federal Government to the deplorable state of the Lagos-Ibadan-Ogbomosho road, a vital route for economic activities that he said is dire need of rehabilitation.
The lawmaker, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Bashir Salaudeen, raised the concerns at an award ceremony organised by the Christian Youth Movement for Tinubu-Shettima in Abuja.
Buhari was among the award recipients, which also included the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo; the lawmaker representing Surulere Federal Constituency, Fuad Laguda; Director General of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency, Charles Odii and Tony Elumelu Foundation among others.
The 65-kilometre Oyo-Ogbomosho highway connects Ilorin Road and remains a vital corridor that links the North and the South.
The expressway has been under construction for a little over a decade, thereby making the highway unmotorable for travellers and articulated trucks heading to the northern states such as Kwara, Niger, Kaduna, Kano, and Zamfara from Lagos.
Reacting shortly after receiving the award on Wednesday night, Buhari expressed concerns that such a major route shouldn’t be left in its present deplorable state.
He said, “Amid the current economic difficulties, I wish to bring attention to the Ogbomosho-Lagos-Ibadan road, a vital route for economic activities. The repair of this road would greatly enhance the transportation of essential goods between the north and south, bolstering our economy.
“The strong support for this motion underscores its significance. My dedication to my constituents is well recognized and my leadership as a senior senator is Hmm highly respected.
“Our nation’s religious institutions have always been essential in guiding us through challenging times and shaping the fabric of our society. As citizens, we share a responsibility to actively engage in the democratic process by choosing leaders who will genuinely advocate for our interests.”
Earlier in his remarks, the award coordinator and chairman of the movement, Adelele Olorunwa hailed President Bola Tinubu for appointing young brains into his administration, saying some of them are being celebrated in the country today for performing well.
He said, “We took our time to select and put them (recipients) to votes and Nigerians picked the winners that we are celebrating tonight. It is more of the kind of vision President Tinubu has. We know those presented with the awards are actively working for the nation and the development of the country.”
PUNCH