As Oyebanji Shatters 18-Year Impasse: Ado-Ifaki Highway Completion Marks New Era (International Edition)

The Ado-Ifaki Highway (as shown inset) Governor Oyebanji

Numerous inhabitants of Ekiti State are now overflowing with unparalleled delight following the completion of a significant highway they believed would take an eternity to rebuild and finish. Previously, this highway was responsible for numerous fatalities, countless vehicle damages, spoiled cargo, and various other losses suffered by travelers using the route.

However, Governor Biodun Oye-banji managed to break the longstanding curse surrounding the construction of the Ado-Iworoko-Ifaki Highway. This challenge had been a constant frustration for the state’s residents until it encountered an unwavering governor committed to completing the project swiftly within his two-and-a-half-year tenure, marking significant progress during this period.

The development of the dual carriageway, initiated around 2007 under the tenure of the previous governor, Chief Segun Oni, has spanned across multiple leadership terms—more than five administrations. This project became a convoluted journey lasting nearly eighteen years. Eventually, residents of Ekiti State lost hope in seeing the completion of this road as progress seemed like an unending relay race.

The initiative began under the tenure of the Oni Administration and has been carried forward through various administrations including the initial term of ex-Governor Kayode Fayemi, the subsequent era led by former Governor Ayodele Fayose, followed by Dr. Fayemi’s second administration, and currently continues into the Oyebanji Administration.

It is important to mention that the Ado-Iworoko-Ifaki Highway is classified as a Trunk 'A' road, also referred to as a federal highway. This key route connects Ado Ekiti, which serves as the state capital, with various communities within the Ekiti North Senatorial District.

Apart from this, the road also serves a major alternative corri­dor to reach neighbouring states like Osun, Oyo, Kwara, Kogi, Fed­eral Capital Territory and other northern states. The people kept wondering why such an import­ant project would suffer such a record delay.

Many of the inhabitants residing in Ado Ekiti rely heavily on crucial establishments such as Ekiti State University, Federal Teaching Hospital in Ido Ekiti, Federal University located in Oye Ekiti, and Ekiti State Polytechnic situated in Isan Ekiti for both education and healthcare needs. For these individuals, this particular roadway serves as a vital passage which they traverse every day enroute to fulfilling their commitments at these places.

Prior to the Oyebanji Administration taking office, progress on the road project had been halted because of certain contractual and legal problems. To make sure these delays were addressed, the new administration resolved to tackle and resolve these obstacles for the benefit of those who would use the roads.

Governor Oyebanji consistently asserts that regardless of which level of govern­ment—federal or state—a particular road falls under, once it is located within the territory of Ekiti State, the primary beneficiaries will inevitably be the residents of said state. He believes this justifies his administration’s commitment to equally prioritize all such roads for proper care and maintenance without showing favoritism.

After resolving the complex issues hindering the project, the Governor made sure the contractor returned to the site to resume work simultaneously from both the Ado end and the Iworoko end, with plans to meet at the Ifaki intersection.

Governor Oyebanji, driven by his unwavering resolve to tackle a challenging issue, made sure he closely monitored the progress of the project through numerous visits to the location. He engaged directly with both the contractor and the engineers, posing questions and requesting further explanations as needed.

In fact, the several days of rock blasting and using the chips of the rock as the stone base of the highway, especially the lane that had not been concluded, left motorists and commuters won­dering what was going on and pondering on when it would be concluded.

Even when attending formal events, the Governor would halt his motorcade and step down from his official car to inspect the progress of ongoing projects, aiming to guarantee timely completion for the benefit of the local population.

Driving on the highway today would bring cheerful expressions to the faces of travelers and fill their hearts with joy and satisfaction, as the patience, inconvenience, and persistence they previously experienced have finally borne fruit.

From both the Ado side and the Iworoko-Ifaki side, it has been an enjoyable development over the last several days that significant progress has been made on the road, culminating in the addition of an asphalt layer.

The pesky potholes that once bothered drivers and commuters are gone. Dusty times have passed; we now enjoy a seamless road with a glossy finish thanks to the recently applied layer of asphalt.

The challenging task of building the highway, recently completed by Governor Oyebanji, is being widely applauded by numerous notable figures, local communities, motorists, commuters, and others set to gain from this improved route. People are thrilled about the relief and renewed vitality the road brings following years of suffering due to its previously deteriorated condition.

Esteemed community figure, High Chief Laolu Omosilade, remarks that the highway contributes to numerous legacy initiatives undertaken by Governor Oyebanji, actions for which he will likely be remembered well beyond his tenure as the head of the state. As the Sapetu of Afao Ekiti and a past chairman of the Ekiti State Chapter of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Chief Omosilade commends the Governor for dedicating himself entirely to this endeavor aimed at bringing joy to countless residents across the region.

He stated: "As you observe your surroundings, it becomes evident that Governor Oyebanji has taken action on and finished every infrastructure project left incomplete by previous governors within the state, excluding his personal initiatives for new developments. The Ado-Iworoko-Ifaki road used to be far from satisfactory previously. Only through divine providence did Governor Oyebanji obtain the means necessary to finish this road—a task many before him could not accomplish."

“I urge the people of Ekiti State, particularly the voters, to carefully consider their choice and bestow overwhelming support upon this hardworking governor of our era. Let him have another term to further his commendable efforts, ensuring comprehensive development in Ekiti under the guidance of a grassroots man and visionary leader. This will ensure that his initiatives impact every aspect of daily life.”

Given all this, it's not surprising to consider why numerous former governors, multiple groups, and varied organizations—including an array of individuals—are either eager for or advocating for the governor's extended stay in office. This has effectively transformed the state into a gallery of endorsements and awards for Oyebanji.

We've witnessed situations where Ekiti residents are advising those who remain keen on vying for the position of Governor to take a break and avoid squandering their resources on initiatives unlikely to succeed. Given all the efforts of BAO in Ekiti, he is progressively becoming the new architect of modern Ekitiland.

Mrs. Ruth Olasehinde, who works at the Federal Teaching Hospital in Ido Ekiti, mentions that traveling to her workplace from Ado Ekiti has significantly improved due to the recent upgrade of the road conditions. She expressed gratitude towards the governor for ensuring the completion of this project despite it being classified as a federal road.

She stated, "Oyebanji merits recognition for not using the pretext that the highway is a federal road as an excuse. While we are aware of the difficulties associated with federal roads across various regions of our nation, the governor demonstrated sufficient dedication to ensure completion of the project, which has significantly eased travel for everyone. Now my commute to work is quicker due to the refurbished road, and those who use it regularly like me can truly appreciate it."

A commercial driver, Mr Femi Adaralegbe, opines that his col­leagues and the passengers they convey on daily basis are happy for the completion of work on the road, noting that it has boosted their own vocation and they no longer exercise fear on possible damage to their vehicles.

“Everybody in Ekiti knew the condition of this road, we knew what it used to be but the story has changed. Oyebanji has turned around the condition of this road and that is the rea­son why driver unions whether NURTW, RTEAN or even okada (commercial motorcycle) riders association are rooting for him. At the right time, we are going to support him with our votes,” Adaralegbe said.

A local resident, Mr. Joseph Daramola, pointed out that the reconstructed road will have widespread benefits for all the towns and communities it traverses. He explained that it will enhance social interactions, stimulate economic growth, improve education, promote tourism, and facilitate better transport on a daily basis. This development will add value to people’s lives and bolster the local economy at the grassroot level.

"This newly completed road holds significant importance not just for the residents of Ado, Iworoko, and Ifaki, but also for all the communities linked by this route. As more traffic diverts onto it in its current condition, the towns alongside the road will experience an economic boost due to increased activity. Additionally, more individuals will visit Ekiti from neighboring states as they will have to utilize this road to get to their intended locations," stated Daramola.

Governor Oyebanji continues his remarkable streak, and future generations will look upon him favorably even after he leaves office. His actions once more underscore the power of perseverance and tenacity. Overcoming significant obstacles, enduring countless hardships and restless evenings, the Governor has worked tirelessly to bring relief to the residents of Ekiti State as well as those who travel through it.

It's worth mentioning that this same highway will also connect with the new Ring Road currently being built, which links Iworoko, Are with Ago Aduloju and eventually extends to the Ekiti State International Agro Cargo Airport. Upon completion, the advantages offered by this Ring Road are both enticing and immeasurable.

Residents of Ado Ekiti, Iworoko Ekiti, Ifaki Ekiti, and numerous other communities depending on the recently rebuilt highway for their everyday economic activities eagerly anticipate the inauguration day. On this special occasion, they plan to express their happiness and gratitude towards a governor who has significantly improved their lives.

In the end, the curse has been lifted, and the festivities have only just started.

*Ogunmola serves as the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media (Print Media)

Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).

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