By Precious Oluwole

Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has expressed his confidence that the Lagos – Calabar coastal highway will bring huge benefits to the people of the State.

Speaking during a town hall meeting and stakeholders’ engagement on the Alignment of the Ondo State 63km segment of the Lagos – Calabar coastal highway by the Federal Government, Governor Aiyedatiwa noted that highway will connect several states as it aims to bridge the western and southeastern regions of Nigeria, facilitating improved cross-country connectivity and strengthening trade relations.

Governor Aiyedatiwa assured stakeholders that the project would not merely be left to contractors but would be diligently monitored to ensure effective utilisation and sustained progress.

The Governor emphasised his committment to partnering with the Federal Government to make the project a reality, stressing that it will not be one of those projects that get abandoned.

He also disclosed that the state government is partnering with the Federal Government on the protection and restoration projects at Aiyetoro in Ilaje local government area of the state.

Earlier in his address, the Minister of works, Engr. Engr Nweze David Umahi noted that the coastal highway will attract tourism and other investments.

He highlighted the federal government’s commitment to infrastructure as a crucial national investment, said work would soon begin on the Ondo State axis of the coastal highway project.

The Minister commeded Governor Aiyedatiwa for his efforts towards making the project a reality in the State. “Governor is committed to restoring all sectors of the economy the State, stressing that Ondo State has a lot of potentials that only Governor Aiyedatiwa can bring out”.

He stressed that the project would not be politically driven but rather serve as a practical improvement to the socio-economic welfare of the people.

The Minister reiterated the administration’s commitment to working closely with Governor Aiyedatiwa, reinforcing that the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project represents President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to the welfare of all Nigerians, transcending political motivations.

In his goodwill message, Member of the Federal House of Representatives and Chairman of the House Committee on Works, Hon. Akin Alabi commended President Tinubu as well as the works minister for the courageous step. He reiterated the House of Representatives’ backing and support to President Tinubu and the works minister. He also wished Governor Aiyedatiwa success in the coming election.

The Deputy Speaker, Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abayomi Akinruntan appreciated President Tinubu for bringing such project to the State. He assured the contractors that the people will be properly sensitized. He added that the initiative will bring connectivity and many things will be turned around through the coastal highway.

Former Chairman, Ilaje Local Government, Hon. Banji Okunomo, Commended President Tinubu for thinking of the Ondo State’s people. He pledged that the local communities would foster a supportive environment to ensure the project’s seamless execution.

Senator representing Ondo central, Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire, representing the 3 Senators in Ondo State, he assured seamless construction of the coastal highway, stressing that the project will bring development to the people of the State, especially, those at the river rine area.

In attendance were: Members of the Ondo State House of Assembly, led by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji, represented by his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Abayomi Akinruntan, members of the State Executive Council, Traditional Rulers from Ondo South, transition Chairmen and LCDA, among other top government functionaries.