By Lekan Adeniran

The presence of good roads anywhere in the world is a catalyst for economic growth and development. Roads are harbingers of prosperity as they aid businesses transactions, movement of goods and services, and rapid industrialisation. It is in this context that any government desirous of bringing development to its people must, as of necessity, open up the geographical space with a good road network.

This assertion is aptly demonstrated in the ongoing 700km Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road, which was designed by the Federal Government led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to accommodate new communities such as industrial clusters, hotels, factories, housing estates, among others, thereby opening up new frontiers of opportunities for the people along the entire stretch of the road.

Having realised the importance of good road network in its quest for rapid development and economic prosperity, the Prince Dapo Abiodun-led administration in Ogun State has since 2019 constructed more than 500km of roads. To add to this number, the governor last week invited his colleague from Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who is also the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) to commission the newly rehabilitated 6km Siun-Owode road. The commissioned road is the first phase of the Siun-Owode-Ofada-Mowe road. The other segment, taking off from Mowe, is also under reconstruction and is expected to be completed soon to open up the entire stretch.

Opening up this road is very important for the rapid development of that axis of the state. With Lagos unable to contain its massive population explosion, coupled with exploitative rent, the Mowe-Ofada-Owode-Siun axis has become an attractive option for many. The completion of the Lagos-Ibadan expressway, which makes the journey to Lagos faster, has added an impetus to the mass movement of people from Lagos. Most lands in the axis have been snapped up by people desperate to have a roof over their heads.

The axis plays host to many private estates. In the last couple of years, realtors have identified the area as being conducive for business opportunities and moved in in droves to take advantage of its proximity to Lagos. The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Lagos chapter, has another massive estate being developed at Abaren village, which is just a few minutes’ drive from Mowe.

The axis is also becoming another industrial zone in the state, with many companies springing up along the Abeokuta-Sagamu expressway.

The improved road infrastructure will surely attract new industries and businesses, especially in the Siun-Owode axis. This will lead to the growth of local industries and the creation of employment opportunities for the local population. It can also encourage investment in the area and stimulate economic development.

It is bound to enhance transportation efficiency by greatly reducing travel time. It serves as an alternative route to the Lagos-Ibadan expressway anytime there is traffic hiccup on the ever busy road. This allows people to reach their destination in time. It also saves businesses transportation costs and improves the supply chain, making it easier for goods to reach their destination in record time.

•Adeniran is Chief Press Secretary to Governor Dapo Abiodun