Afe Babalola Urges Federal Government to Hasten Ekiti Highway Construction
Aare Afe Babalola, the esteemed Founder and Chancellor of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), has once again called upon the Federal Government to accelerate the construction of the Ado-Ijan highway. In a passionate appeal, he emphasized the severe hardships faced by residents and institutions, stating, "We are suffering, we are losing on the road." This critical infrastructure project is essential for linking Ado-Ekiti to neighboring states and supporting heavy traffic from key establishments.
Importance of the Ado-Ijan Highway
The Ado-Ijan highway serves as a vital access route that connects Ado-Ekiti to adjacent regions, facilitating transportation for major institutions. These include ABUAD, the Federal Polytechnic, and the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport. The delay in its completion has led to significant disruptions, affecting daily commutes, economic activities, and the overall development of the area. Babalola highlighted that the ongoing construction delays are causing tangible losses for businesses and communities reliant on this corridor.
Event Details and Additional Remarks
Babalola made these remarks during the 2026 edition of the Annual Aare Afe Babalola Distinguished Personality Lecture Series, organized by the Department of Conflict, Peace and Strategic Studies at ABUAD. The event took place on the university campus, where he also praised Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, for his insightful lecture as the Guest Lecturer. In a notable suggestion, Babalola encouraged Governor Oyebanji to consider teaching at ABUAD after completing his second term in office, commending his leadership and intellectual contributions.
The legal icon's appeal underscores the urgent need for infrastructural development in Ekiti State, as the highway's completion is pivotal for enhancing connectivity, boosting local economies, and improving the quality of life for residents. Stakeholders continue to await decisive action from the Federal Government to address these pressing concerns and ensure the timely delivery of this essential project.
