Sanwo-Olu Inaugurates Network Of Roads In Ikoyi

 In his administration’s drive to reduce travel time and en­hance productivity, the Lagos State governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Tuesday, in­augurated a new network of roads at Ikoyi, in the Eti-Osa Local Government Area of the state.

He said the upgrading and rehabilitation of the network of roads in Ikoyi reflects his administration’s commit­ment to transforming Ikoyi into a model district that not only enhances the quality of life for its residents but also strengthens its role as a driver of Lagos’ economic prosperity.

The network of roads comprise Oyinkan Abayomi, Femi Okunnu, Macpherson, Ilabere, Ilu, Inupa, and Kura­mo. The road network has a combined length of 5.90km with the construction of drains and cover slabs serv­ing as walkways, the in­stallation of 80mm, 45Mpa interlocking stones, and the provision of streetlights and road signage.

The upgrading and reha­bilitation of the network of roads have transformed the road network in Ikoyi, en­hancing connectivity with Victoria Island, Osborne Road, and the Third Main­land Bridge while ensuring the area is no longer plagued by flooding.

Speaking during the for­mal commissioning of the Ikoyi network of roads— Phase II, held at Ilabere Road by Macpherson, Governor Sanwo-Olu said the roads would not only enhance mobility but also catalyse economic growth, improve productivity, and make Lagos more competitive globally.

He said: “Our adminis­tration’s THEMES+ Agenda placed transportation and traffic management as a critical priority. We under­stood that the provision of world-class road infrastruc­ture would not only enhance mobility but also catalyse economic growth, improve productivity, and make Lagos more competitive globally.

“Since the inception of our administration, we have devoted ourselves to rehabil­itating, upgrading, and in some cases, reconstructing roads across all five divisions of the state. These efforts are guided by our commitment to creating seamless access within and between com­munities, thereby reducing travel time and enhancing productivity.”

Speaking on why his administration embarked on the upgrading and re­habilitation of the roads, Governor Sanwo-Olu said, “Ikoyi, renowned as a hub of economic activity and the property capital of Lagos, has been central to our devel­opment agenda. Recognising its strategic importance, we launched the Ikoyi Urban Regeneration Initiative in July 2020—a comprehensive effort designed to tackle per­sistent flooding, streamline traffic flow, and upgrade vi­tal road networks. This ini­tiative reflects our commit­ment to transforming Ikoyi into a model district that not only enhances the quality of life for its residents but also strengthens its role as a driver of Lagos’ economic prosperity.

“Phase 1 of this initiative was completed in June 2021, and today, we are delighted to commission Phase 2, which encompasses the rehabilita­tion and upgrading of sev­en strategically important roads: Oyinkan Abayomi, Femi Okunnu, Macpherson, Ilabere, Ilu, Inupa, and Kur­amo Roads. These projects have transformed the road network in Ikoyi, enhancing connectivity with Victoria Island, Osborne Road, and the Third Mainland Bridge while ensuring the area is no longer plagued by flooding.

“These roads are more than just pathways; they are lifelines for economic activi­ty and community well-being. The improved road infrastruc­ture has reduced travel times, minimised disruption caused by flooding, and boosted the property and business value of Ikoyi. These upgrades also contribute to creating jobs and fostering economic sta­bility across the state.”

Governor Sanwo-Olu said the state government is committed to working with Residents’ Associations and Community Development Associations to establish sus­tainable maintenance strat­egies, noting that “through these partnerships, we can extend the lifespan of these roads, reduce the occurrence of road damage, and prevent infrastructure theft.”

He said: “Infrastructure requires collective respon­sibility. As we celebrate the completion of these roads, we must also acknowledge the importance of proper main­tenance. This responsibility does not rest solely with the government but also with the communities that benefit from these projects.

“I urge all residents to take ownership of these projects. Let us refrain from actions that could undermine their durability, such as indis­criminate dumping of waste into drainage systems or il­legal parking on roadways. These roads were built with taxpayers’ money—your money—and maintaining them ensures that resources can be channeled into other communities for similar de­velopments.

“Let us work together to protect what we have built. By doing so, we not only safe­guard today’s investments but also secure the future for generations to come.”

Speaking earlier, the Spe­cial Adviser to the Gover­nor on Infrastructure, Engr. Olufemi Daramola, said each road plays a crucial role in decongesting traffic and im­proving access across Ikoyi, known for its residential, commercial and governmen­tal significance.

He said: “This road net­work is part of a series of urban regeneration projects in Ikoyi, aligned with the THEMES+ Agenda develop­ment plan of the current ad­ministration. This network of roads complements the previously commissioned Phase I, which included Mil­verton, MacDonald, Lateef Jakande Avenue, Thompson Avenue, Reeve and Onileg­bale Roads.

“Under the visionary lead­ership of Mr. Governor, Baba­jide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, the Lagos State government is focused on creating sustain­able, modern infrastructure to improve mobility, reduce travel time and enhance the quality of life for Lagosians.”

Also speaking, the senator, representing Lagos Central Senatorial District, Senator Wasiu Sanni-Eshinlokun; the Majority Leader of La­gos State House of Assembly, representing Eti-Osa I Con­stituency, Hon. Noheem Ad­ams; the Chairman, House Committee on Works and In­frastructure, Hon. Desmond Elliot, and other speakers commended Governor San­wo-Olu on the inauguration of the roads and other iconic infrastructure projects in La­gos State.