LAGOS, Nigeria – Lagos state Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has pledged to address the infrastructural challenges faced by riverine communities in Ojo and Oriade local government areas of the state by constructing bridges to connect them to the mainland.
The governor made this commitment during the commissioning of four newly constructed roads in Oriade LCDA and Amuwo Odofin on Tuesday.
The newly commissioned roads are Old Ojo (Phase 1), Irede, Navy Town, and Mumuni Adio (Buba Marwa), all leading to the jetties in the area.
Irede, Navy Town, Mumuni Adio (Buba Marwa), and Old Ojo (Phase 1) Roads provide a link to both the Lagos Blue Line Rail on the Lagos Badagry Expressway and the Water component of the multi-model transportation initiative with many jetties along the axis.
Governor Sanwo-Olu outlined plans to assess the best alignment for the proposed bridges to ensure it would effectively connect the riverine communities to the mainland, enhancing mobility for residents.
“We are considering constructing bridges to link the riverine communities. We will evaluate the alignment that will best connect these areas and change the landscape entirely,” Sanwo-Olu said.
Additionally, the governor provided updates on the ongoing construction of the 280 bed Ojo General Hospital, which, when completed, will serve as a multi-purpose specialist hospital with modern equipment and accommodation for medical personnel.
He assured the public that the hospital would be ready for use before the end of 2025.
Sanwo-Olu also highlighted his administration’s commitment in improving infrastructure, to enhance transportation in order to boost economic growth in the area.
He expressed his vision of developing Ojo and Oriade into prosperous localities comparable to Victoria Island and Ikoyi.
Furthermore, he announced the groundbreaking of 1,500 new shops at Iba Community, with 300 being lock-up shops, which he assured would be primarily for the local residents.
The project is being undertaken in collaboration with the Lagos State Development and Property Corporation (LSDPC), with funds already secured for its completion.
In his remarks, Olufemi Daramola, Special Adviser to the governor on Infrastructure, noted that the roads were previously in poor condition due to heavy truck traffic.
However, the state government has upgraded them with durable materials designed to withstand such pressure.
Also present at the road commissioning Lagos State Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mojisola Meranda, represented by Hon. Desmond Elliot, urged the community to take ownership of the newly constructed roads, ensuring they are properly maintained and not misused as parking spaces, which could lead to rapid deterioration and undermine the benefits of the infrastructure investments.
