The Member representing Ikorodu Federal Constituency, Hon. Babajimi Adegoke Benson, has officially commenced the construction of the long-awaited 3.3-kilometre Mowo–Nla Road, a project expected to significantly improve mobility, economic activity, and living conditions across several rural communities in Ikorodu Division.
The flag-off ceremony, held on Friday, January 24, 2025, at the project site, attracted a large gathering of political leaders, traditional rulers, community stakeholders, transport unions, youth groups, and residents, highlighting the strategic importance of the road to the socio-economic development of the area.
Among dignitaries present were Senator Adeseye Kingsley; former Chairman of Ikorodu North LCDA, Hon. Adeola Jokomba; Members of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Aro Moshood Abiodun (Ikorodu Constituency II) and Hon. Gbolahan Ogunleye (Ikorodu Constituency I); Chairman of Ikorodu Local Government, Hon. Adedayo Ladega; and Chairman of Imota LCDA, Hon. Benson Sunday.
Others in attendance included executive members of Community Development Committees (CDC) and Community Development Associations (CDA), leaders of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), traditional rulers, and community heads such as Chief Adebayo Awomodun, the Baalẹ of Gberigbe Enuowa.
Also present were Chief Olawale Kazeem, Joint CDA Chairman of the Bagidan–Mowo-Nla axis; the Councillor representing Ward G (Agura–Iponmi), Hon. Oladimeji Oshikoya; as well as leaders of various ethnic and socio-cultural groups within the benefiting communities.
The Mowo–Nla Road project is designed to link and serve Igbodu, Bagidan, Jajo, Mowo-Nla, Ewuowa, Shonle, and Magbon—communities that have for decades battled poor accessibility, erosion, flooding, and infrastructural neglect, particularly during the rainy season.
Speaking at the event, Rep. Benson described the project as a fulfilment of his campaign promise, noting that the Mowo–Nla axis recorded the second-highest number of votes in the constituency during the last general election.
According to the lawmaker, the road construction aligns with his commitment to delivering people-focused interventions that directly address the pressing needs of his constituents.
“This community stood by us, and we will continue to stand by them. For years, the Mowo–Nla Road has been a major challenge. Today marks a turning point as we take concrete steps to change that narrative,” Benson said.
He assured residents that the project would be completed on or before May 2025, urging them to remain united and supportive of development initiatives.
The federal lawmaker also encouraged residents to participate actively in the ongoing All Progressives Congress (APC) registration exercise, calling for sustained political engagement ahead of the 2027 general elections to ensure continuity in governance and development.
In his remarks, Hon. Adedayo Ladega, Chairman of Ikorodu Local Government, described the project as timely, noting that it would ease transportation challenges, reduce travel time, and improve access to economic opportunities.
“This is responsive leadership in action. Hon. Babajimi Benson has once again demonstrated that promises made can be promises kept,” Ladega said, adding that the road would strengthen inter-community connectivity and boost local commerce.
Speaking on behalf of the benefiting communities, Chief Olawale Kazeem, Joint CDA Chairman of the Bagidan–Mowo-Nla axis, expressed appreciation to the lawmaker and appealed for additional interventions, particularly the provision of functional toilet facilities at Mowo-Nla Secondary School.
He noted that the road project would bring lasting relief to residents who have endured years of infrastructural hardship.
Hon. Gbolahan Ogunleye, Member of the Lagos State House of Assembly representing Ikorodu Constituency I, commended Rep. Benson’s leadership style and commitment to development, while also praising President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for creating an enabling environment for infrastructural growth nationwide.
Former Chairman of Ikorodu North LCDA and APC chieftain, Hon. Adeola Jokomba, urged residents to embrace the APC registration exercise and remain loyal to the party, describing Hon. Benson as a worthy ambassador of Ikorodu Division.
Similarly, Hon. Aro Moshood Abiodun appealed to residents to cooperate with the contractor handling the project to ensure smooth execution and timely delivery.
Highlighting the economic significance of the road, Mr. Anayo Chukwu Mmadu, President of the Nwannedinamba Igbo Union, described the project as a major relief for traders, transporters, and business owners.
He recalled the deplorable condition of the road, which often resulted in frequent vehicle breakdowns due to erosion and poor drainage.
“If you passed this road twice in a week, you would visit the mechanic twice. This project will revive businesses, ease movement, and restore economic life to this axis,” he said.
According to him, the completed road will increase property value, stimulate commercial activities, and promote peaceful coexistence among residents.
The event concluded with prayers, goodwill messages, and expressions of gratitude from residents, who described the Mowo–Nla Road project as transformational.
Residents expressed optimism that the initiative would not only improve safety and living standards but also signal the beginning of sustained infrastructural renewal and inclusive development across the affected communities.
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