Gov Abiodun Unveils Wole Soyinka Train Station Road, Targets 20 More Road Projects
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has commissioned the Laderin–Prof. Wole Soyinka Train Station Road in Abeokuta, announcing plans to inaugurate no fewer than 20 additional roads across the State as part of activities marking Ogun State’s 50th Anniversary.
The Governor made the disclosure on Tuesday during the commissioning ceremony, where he also provided updates on the ongoing reconstruction of the Sagamu Interchange–Papalanto–Opele Road, a 100-kilometre highway designed to serve as a major east–west transportation corridor within the State.
Governor Abiodun described the project as a strategic infrastructure initiative that would enhance connectivity, reduce congestion and stimulate economic activities.
According to him, the road will offer motorists an alternative route across Ogun State, eliminating the need to pass through Abeokuta when travelling to other parts of the Country.
Revealing what he termed a major component of his administration’s reconstruction agenda, the Governor said the Ogun East–West Connector stretches from the Sagamu Interchange through Papalanto to Opele.
He noted that the road had been completely closed to allow for full-scale reconstruction, adding that about 25 kilometres of the 40-kilometre stretch between Sagamu Interchange and Papalanto had already been rebuilt using reinforced concrete.
He explained that upon completion, trucks and vehicles conveying goods and services from Ota, Ifo and Ewekoro would no longer need to use the Abeokuta–Sagamu Expressway, as they would be able to connect directly through Papalanto, thereby reducing traffic pressure and improving travel efficiency.
Governor Abiodun also described the Prof. Wole Soyinka Train Station as a critical transportation hub linking Ogun State with Lagos, Oyo State and northern Nigeria. He noted that the presence of five train stations within the State highlights Ogun’s strategic importance to National Economic Growth.
He explained that although access roads were not originally provided during the construction of the railway line, his administration took the initiative to rehabilitate the Laderin road in line with its multimodal transportation policy.
He added that between 100,000 and 150,000 passengers, including investors and business operators, commute daily between Ogun, Oyo and Lagos states.
The Governor further disclosed that the train station road forms part of over 1,600 kilometres of roads constructed across the state since the inception of his administration.
He added that one lane of the Atan–Lusada–Agbara Road has been completed, while work has commenced on the second lane.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Ade Akinsanya, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Engr. Lateef Yusuf, said the three-kilometre road would provide access to the MKO Abiola Trade Fair Complex, Laderin, Lukosi and other surrounding communities, noting that it would significantly ease movement and boost commercial activities.
A former member of the House of Representatives and the Osi of Egbaland, Chief Bode Mustapha, recalled the previously deplorable condition of the road, stating that its reconstruction, alongside other infrastructure projects, has brought notable development benefits to Ogun Central Senatorial District and Abeokuta.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Articulate Motorcycle Owners Association of Nigeria (AMORAN) in the State, Alhaji Taofeek Sokoya, said the road was once a no-go area for transporters due to its poor condition.
He commended Governor Abiodun for rehabilitating the road, describing it as a major relief for road users and residents.
