Lawmaker Stephen Ogundipe Inspects Four Road Projects in Oshodi, Targets Accelerated Completion
In a significant move to enhance connectivity and ease movement within the densely populated Oshodi community, Stephen Ogundipe, the lawmaker representing Oshodi/Isolo Constituency I, has conducted a thorough inspection of four ongoing road construction projects. The roads, namely Oluwasanmi, Baba Ode, Deji Adeoye, and Alhaji Sokoya streets, are being executed by Lagfield Construction Company Limited as part of the Lagos State Government's broader initiative to improve infrastructure and facilitate smoother transit in the area.
Commendation and Commitment to Infrastructure Development
During the inspection, Ogundipe expressed his satisfaction with the visible progress and quality of work, describing the projects as a welcome development for local residents. "We came to inspect the level of work, and I am impressed with what I have seen. This demonstrates the government's commitment to improving infrastructure in Oshodi," he stated. The lawmaker extended his appreciation to the Lagos State Governor and the Speaker of the State House of Assembly for facilitating these initiatives, emphasizing that they reflect a responsive approach to addressing the needs of the people.
Ogundipe urged residents to support the government and cooperate with contractors to ensure timely completion, highlighting Oshodi's critical role as a hub and gateway in Lagos. "Oshodi is a critical hub and gateway in Lagos. Projects like this will further enhance its status and improve the daily lives of our people," he added. He also addressed concerns about security and electoral violence, asserting that Oshodi residents are peaceful and law-abiding, with any violence often perpetrated by outsiders. "Those who perpetrate violence are often outsiders. Our people are calm and focused on their daily activities. We must continue to protect the good image of Oshodi," he noted.
Project Details and Accelerated Timeline
The site engineer, Engr. Oketayo Olushoa, provided detailed insights into the project's progress and timeline. Initially scheduled for completion within 15 months, the contractor is now working towards delivering the project in less than nine months, with a potential finish in four to five months based on current pace. "We are about two months into the project, and work is progressing steadily across the four sites. Significant portions of the drainage and road base have been completed on some streets, while work continues on others," Olushoa explained.
The construction is being executed in phases to minimize disruption, with not all streets opened simultaneously. Specific progress includes:
- Oluwasanmi Street: Drainage slab casting and excavation completed, with base construction ongoing.
- Deji Adeoye and Alhaji Sokoya streets: Drainage construction progressing.
- Baba Ode Street: To be addressed subsequently as equipment remains concentrated on active sections.
Olushoa assured residents of quality delivery, stating that all materials and processes comply strictly with engineering specifications approved by the Lagos State Ministry of Works. "We are using standard materials and adhering strictly to the design. From drainage to road base, everything meets required standards," he affirmed. Addressing concerns about the rainy season, he expressed optimism that the project timeline would not be significantly affected.
Community Calls for Unity and Peace
The Elewu of Ewuland, Oba Shakiru Adeshina Kuti, emphasized the importance of peace and unity in Oshodi/Isolo during a community engagement visit. He warned that division within the community could hinder growth and development, stressing that Oshodi remains the collective home of its people and must not be undermined by internal conflicts. "Oshodi/Isolo must not be destroyed; this is our base, and we have nowhere else to go. It is our responsibility to take care of our home. There is nothing worth fighting over," the monarch stated.
Oba Kuti called for reconciliation among residents and political stakeholders, noting that disagreements are inevitable but must be resolved promptly. "We must remain united. When disagreements occur, they should be settled quickly. Where there is no peace, there can be no development," he added. He also cautioned against the misuse of power, describing it as intoxicating, and urged leaders and residents to embrace contentment and collective progress.
Political Engagement and Development Plans
Community stakeholders echoed concerns about ongoing political and social divisions, calling for renewed commitment to harmony. A resident urged political office holders and community leaders to put aside their differences, warning that leadership conflicts could trickle down to the grassroots. "If our leaders are divided, it will affect the people. We do not want any crisis; we want Oshodi to remain peaceful," the resident emphasized.
On constituency development, Oba Kuti commended elected representatives for facilitating infrastructure projects, particularly road construction, describing such efforts as complementary to their legislative duties. "When lawmakers make laws, they still return home. They need good roads to access their communities. Facilitating development is part of their responsibility," he noted.
Additionally, Olukayode Tinubu, Coordinator of Renewed Hope Ambassadors in Oshodi/Isolo/Ejigbo, highlighted efforts to rebuild unity within the political landscape and mobilize grassroots support ahead of the 2027 general elections. He explained that the initiative aims to strengthen relationships among party members, promote inclusiveness, and educate residents—especially youths—on governance and civic participation. "We are engaging all segments of the community to spread the message of unity and love. Many young people do not fully understand governance, so we are bridging that gap," Tinubu said.
He acknowledged internal divisions within the political structure, noting that such disunity affected voter turnout in the 2023 elections, with over 88,000 voters accredited but only about 27,000 votes recorded. "This gap is largely due to disunity. We are working to ensure leaders come together because, without unity, progress will be limited," he added. Continuous engagement through religious centres, social platforms, and community networks will be intensified to encourage participation and foster cohesion.
Stakeholders at the event agreed that restoring peace and unity is critical to unlocking Oshodi/Isolo's full development potential, with the ongoing road works expected to significantly improve drainage, reduce flooding, and enhance accessibility across the area upon completion.
