The member representing Ijebu North, Ijebu East and Ogun Waterside Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Joseph Folorunsho Adegbesan, has received commendation for his role in championing the reconstruction and dualisation of the long-neglected Ijebu-Ode–Ibadan Road.
Adegbesan was among the prominent figures at the flag-off ceremony of the 56.5-kilometre road project held on Monday, August 24, 2026 at the Idi-Ayunre end of the highway in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The Federal Government, through President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, flagged off the reconstruction and dualisation of the strategic corridor, a project valued at about N295 billion and expected to significantly transform transportation, commerce and economic activities across Ogun and Oyo states.
For Adegbesan, however, the ceremony represented more than the commencement of a major federal infrastructure project. It marked the culmination of a legislative intervention he initiated on the floor of the House of Representatives, where he moved a motion calling for the rehabilitation and dualisation of the road.
His intervention drew attention to the deplorable condition of the highway and its far-reaching consequences on residents, motorists, farmers, traders, students and businesses operating along the corridor.
At the flag-off ceremony, Adegbesan was accorded the opportunity to address the mammoth gathering, where he highlighted the importance of the road to the socio-economic development of both Ogun and Oyo states.
He explained that the road provides critical access to markets, farmlands and educational institutions, stressing that its reconstruction was essential to improving the lives and economic prospects of communities along the corridor.
Adegbesan also expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for responding to the demands of the people and approving the reconstruction of the road.
His appearance and address at the ceremony further underscored the significance of his legislative advocacy, particularly as the project he had pushed for on the floor of the National Assembly had moved from a motion and public demand to an actual construction project.
The development has consequently positioned Adegbesan as one of the key legislative voices behind the renewed attention being given to the strategic road corridor.
The Ijebu-Ode–Ibadan Road links communities in Ogun and Oyo states and serves as an important route for the movement of people, agricultural produce, raw materials and finished goods. Its prolonged deterioration had not only increased travel difficulties but also affected commercial activities and raised security concerns along parts of the corridor.
Speaking at the flag-off, President Tinubu, who was represented by Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, described the Ibadan–Ijebu-Ode corridor as a major economic artery connecting Ibadan, Ijebu-Ode and the wider Lagos-Ogun economic axis.
The President said the project would improve mobility, strengthen commerce, reduce transportation costs and create new opportunities for farmers, traders, manufacturers and other Nigerians.
The 56.5-kilometre project, awarded to JRB Construction Company Limited, is expected to be completed in 2029, with construction having commenced in July 2026.
The flag-off also witnessed the presence of several dignitaries, including the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi; Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Senator Allwell Onyesoh; Chairman of the House Committee on Works, Hon. Akin Alabi; the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashid Ladoja; the Ebumawe of Ago-Iwoye, Oba Rasak Adenugba; and other political leaders, traditional rulers and stakeholders from Ogun and Oyo states.
