By: Manoah Kikekon
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| Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu commissioning road in Badagry |
Lawmakers representing Badagry at both federal and state levels have applauded Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for the ommissioning of a new road network in the area on Wednesday August 6th 205.
However, they have called on the Lagos State Government to expedite work on several abandoned projects that are critical to the region’s economic and tourism growth.
During the commissioning ceremony, Hon. Sesi Whingan, Member of the House of Representatives for Badagry Federal Constituency, described the event as “a celebration of progress.” He commended Governor Sanwo-Olu and President Bola Tinubu for supporting key projects like the Sokoto-Badagry Highway and the Lagos-Abidjan ECOWAS International Corridor. However, Whingan stressed the urgent need to complete the long-neglected Erekiti-Ikoga Road, which remains in a deplorable state.
Hon. Solomon Bonu, representing Badagry Constituency 1 in the Lagos State House of Assembly, noted that the first phase of the road was virtually commissioned during the COVID-19 lockdown, with the second phase following shortly after. Bonu also emphasized the need to revive the "Point of No Return", a historic tourism landmark in Badagry, to boost the state’s tourism potential.
Engr. Setonji David, representing Badagry Constituency 2, revealed that the newly commissioned Aradagun-Mosafejo-Ilado-Imeke Road was abandoned for over nine years before construction resumed. He called for immediate attention to other critical roads, including Ajara-Erekiti-Ikoga Road, Morogbo Road, and Oke Ogebe in Olorunda, which remain in poor condition.
In his address, Governor Sanwo-Olu acknowledged the resilience of Badagry residents and reiterated his administration’s commitment to infrastructural development. He highlighted the importance of the newly commissioned roads in boosting trade, tourism, and interconnectivity among Badagry communities. The governor also assured residents of Oko Afo, Ilogbo, Eremi, and Pota that their road networks would soon be commissioned.
The governor emphasized Badagry’s strategic importance as a gateway to West Africa, sharing borders with several neighboring countries. He pledged to harness the region’s tourism potential by improving infrastructure, including the Hospital Road near Agbalata Market, which provides access to historic sites like Nigeria’s first storey building and the Badagry Heritage Museum.
Hon. Babatunde Hunpe, Executive Chairman of Badagry Local Government, while thanking the governor, urged further intervention in ongoing and new projects, including the Marina Reclamation Project, Mowo-Ikoga Road, and the proposed Badagry Deep Sea Port. He expressed confidence that the Sanwo-Olu administration would deliver on these critical initiatives.
Governor Sanwo-Olu concluded by urging Badagry residents to protect the newly commissioned infrastructure for future generations. As Lagos State continues its push for inclusive development, all eyes remain on Badagry, awaiting the fulfillment of promises that could transform the region into a tourism and economic powerhouse.