Tinubu Flags Off ₦295bn Ijebu-Ode–Ibadan Road Dualisation, 17 Months After Adegbesan’s Legislative Motion
By Adesnaya Adedeji | August 26,2026
IBADAN, OYO STATE — History was made on Monday, August 24, 2026, as the Federal Government formally flagged off the reconstruction and dualisation of the long-neglected Ijebu-Ode–Ibadan Road, valued at about ₦295 billion, in a landmark ceremony held at the open field of Legacy Estate, Idi-Ayunre axis of Ibadan, Oyo State.
The flag-off, performed on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, marks a major infrastructure milestone for Ogun and Oyo states and a significant victory for communities that have endured the deteriorating condition of the strategic highway for decades.
The 56.5-kilometre corridor, linking Ibadan with Ijebu-Ode and connecting communities and economic centres along the route, is expected to improve mobility, reduce travel time and accidents, strengthen agricultural and commercial activities, enhance security and deepen economic integration between the two states.
The project, awarded to JRB Construction Company Limited, was awarded on May 5, 2026, with construction commencing on July 11, 2026. It is scheduled for completion on June 10, 2029.
Representing President Tinubu at the ceremony, Governor Dapo Abiodun conveyed the Federal Government’s commitment to transforming critical economic corridors and delivering infrastructure capable of directly improving the lives of Nigerians.
President Tinubu described the Ibadan–Ijebu-Ode corridor as a major economic artery linking Ibadan, Ijebu-Ode and the wider Lagos–Ogun economic axis.
According to the President, the road is too important to Oyo and Ogun states, Lagos and Nigeria as a whole to remain unattended.
He said the project would improve mobility, boost commerce, reduce transportation costs and create opportunities for farmers, traders, manufacturers and other businesses.
Governor Abiodun, in his remarks, said the completion of the road would have broad socio-economic implications, including improving the movement of agricultural produce from farms to markets, facilitating the transportation of raw materials and finished goods, reducing travel time and opening access to employment, education and healthcare.
He also called on communities along the corridor to cooperate with the contractor, warning against encroachment, disruption and unreasonable demands that could delay construction.
ADEGBESAN: FROM MOTION TO MILESTONE
For Hon. Engr. Joseph Folorunsho Adegbesan, Member of the House of Representatives representing Ijebu North/Ijebu East/Ogun Waterside Federal Constituency, the flag-off represents the culmination of a legislative intervention that began on Wednesday, March 5, 2025.
On that day, Adegbesan moved a motion on the floor of the House of Representatives calling for the rehabilitation and dualisation of the Ijebu-Ode–Ibadan Road.
The lawmaker drew attention to the road’s strategic importance to the South-West and the deplorable condition that had subjected motorists and residents to hardship, while affecting agriculture, commerce, security and other economic activities along the corridor.
The House adopted the motion and referred it to the relevant committees for action. The official record of the proceedings shows that Adegbesan’s motion was seconded by Hon. Aderemi Hussaini, voted on and adopted by the House.
Speaking at Monday’s flag-off, Adegbesan said he had moved the motion because of the road’s importance to the socio-economic development of Ogun and Oyo states.
He noted that the road provides critical access to markets, farmlands and educational institutions and expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for responding to the demands of the people by awarding the reconstruction contract.
For Adegbesan, therefore, the flag-off represents more than the commencement of another federal road project. It is a practical demonstration of how legislative advocacy can translate into executive action and ultimately into infrastructure that directly touches the lives of citizens.
Dignitaries at the ceremony included the, Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, Minister of State for Works, Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Alhaja Salmat Badru, Olubadan of Ibadan; His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rasheed Ladoja, Rt. Hon. Bello Muhammed Goronyo; Chairman, Senate Committee on Works, Senator Allwell Onyesoh; Chairman, House Committee on Works, Hon. Akin Alabi; Ogun State Deputy Governor, the Ebumawe of Ago-Iwoye, Oba Rasaq Adenugba; and the Chief Executive Officer of JRB Construction Company Limited, Mr. Jimoh Badamosi, among others.
For the people of Ijebu North, Ijebu East and Ogun Waterside, Monday’s ceremony also offered a tangible reminder of the potential of purposeful
expected to revitalise commercial activities, improve connectivity, support farmers and businesses, reduce road accidents and strengthen security along the corridor.