FEATURE: ’I Woke Up In Tears Of Joy’ – How Tinubu’s Road Approval, Benson’s Advocacy Lifted Ikorodu Communities
What began as an ordinary Tuesday morning quickly turned into a moment of celebration across several communities in Ijede and Igbogbo/Baiyeku Local Council Development Areas as news filtered in that the Federal Government, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, had approved the construction of the ₦15.7 billion Pacific – Igbe Laara Road.
For thousands of residents who have long anticipated the opening up of the rapidly expanding riverine corridor, the approval was more than another infrastructure announcement. It was a promise of easier mobility, increased commercial opportunities, accelerated physical development and renewed confidence that the communities’ long-standing aspirations were receiving deserved attention.
Few reactions captured the prevailing mood better than that of Mr. Rotimi Ayoku-Owolawi, Emeritus Chairman of the Community Development Committee (CDC), Ijede LCDA, whose heartfelt message quickly resonated across community and political circles.
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”I was in tears of joy waking up to read about the award of the ₦15.7 billion Pacific – Igbe Laara Road,” he wrote.
According to him, the project will open up more than 150 Community Development Associations (CDAs) across Ijede and Igbogbo/Baiyeku Local Council Development Areas while providing a strategic connection to other parts of Ikorodu Federal Constituency.
Ayoku-Owolawi praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the landmark project under the Renewed Hope Agenda and also commended the Member representing Ikorodu Federal Constituency, Rep. Babajimi Benson, for his unwavering commitment to attracting transformational development to the constituency.
He described Rep. Benson as a leader whose passion for balanced and equitable development has continued to redefine the growth trajectory of Ikorodu Division, noting that the federal lawmaker’s consistent engagement with relevant authorities has ensured that the constituency continues to benefit from critical federal interventions.
Indeed, many residents believe the latest approval did not happen in isolation but reflects the productive relationship between the Federal Government and Rep. Benson’s sustained advocacy for projects capable of addressing the developmental needs of Ikorodu’s rapidly growing population.
Lending his voice to the growing excitement, the Director-General of the iCare Foundation and Executive Assistant to the Governor of Lagos State on LASPA, Mayor Deen Sanwoola, said the approval reflects years of purposeful engagement and a shared commitment to development. According to him, Rep. Babajimi Benson has consistently prioritised strategic infrastructure capable of transforming communities, while President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope administration has continued to provide the enabling platform for such landmark interventions to become reality.
Mayor Deen Sanwoola therefore urged residents of Ikorodu Federal Constituency to reciprocate what he described as the President’s visible commitment to the development of the area by giving President Bola Ahmed Tinubu overwhelming support at the January 2027 General Election. According to him, the approval of the Pacific-Igbe Laara Road is another practical demonstration that the Renewed Hope Agenda is translating into tangible dividends for the people, adding that the constituency should continue to support leaders who have consistently delivered meaningful development.
The Pacific – Igbe Laara Road is expected to become one of the most economically significant road corridors within the constituency. Beyond improving transportation, it is projected to stimulate commerce, support agriculture, enhance property development, attract private investment, create employment opportunities and improve access to schools, healthcare facilities, markets and neighbouring communities.
The project is also expected to positively impact traders, artisans, farmers, transport operators, students, civil servants and countless families whose daily activities depend on efficient road connectivity within the axis.
Residents and community leaders have therefore continued to express appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for extending another major federal infrastructure project to Ikorodu Division, describing the approval as a practical demonstration of the Renewed Hope Agenda in action. They also acknowledged Rep. Babajimi Benson’s sustained commitment to ensuring that Ikorodu Federal Constituency remains a priority destination for impactful federal projects.
As anticipation builds for the commencement of construction after the necessary statutory processes, optimism is growing that the Pacific – Igbe Laara Road will become a defining infrastructure that not only connects communities but also unlocks new opportunities for economic growth, social development and shared prosperity across one of the fastest-growing corridors in Lagos State.
