Senator Kola Balogun has been showered with praises and encomiums by the residents of Ibadan North East local government area, for reconstructing the Omitade/Onipasan road, leading to Araromi market, Gate
Spare part dealers and traders working in the area were also full of praises for Sen. Balogun who was on an inspection visit to the ongoing reconstruction at the area on Friday, saying the road reconstruction has made their trading activities easier.
The reconstruction work, handled by a construction firm, FSK Nigeria Limited, was facilitated by Senator Balogun, representing Oyo South Senatorial District in the National Assembly.
The federal lawmaker led his team, including the president of SDM Group, Prince Niran Adeyoju, Asiwaju Omilabu Gandhi, Chief (Mrs) Funmilayo Arulogun, Honourable Abiola Ayorinde, Honourable Niyi Ajani and Dr Adebayo Hamzaat, on the inspection tour.
Meanwhile, Engineer Kehinde Osunkoya, the chairman of FSK Nigeria Limited, the construction company handling the project, led his team on the tour.
Commending Sen. Balogun for easing the plight of the commuters and traders plying Omitade road, Alhaji Qozeem Olayiwola, the Osupa Adinni of Ibadan land, said it would enhance and make trading activities easier in and around Araromi market.
“I did not even know the person behind the project until when you came for the inspection today. But we have been praying for whoever that is behind it.
“The effort is very commendable. This is because we know that the road is to our own benefit. It will greatly make our trading activities easier.
“Before now, we have been finding it difficult to engage in trading because of dust. But now that the road has been reconstructed, things will be very easy for us. Elimination of dust alone will enhance trading.
“The effort is very encouraging and highly commendable. We appreciate Senator Kola Balogun for this. I can assure you that the road would be put in good use and its maintenance is our responsibility.
“We would continue to assist Senator Balogun with our prayers. We want people like him in power. If we have more of responsible people like him in public offices, we the people will not be bothered about whatever is happening in the corridors of power,” he said.
It has been gathered that work has been completed towards end of Omitade road, while the construction work is still going on Onipasan portion.
However, the engineer handling the project, Mr. Kola Oladejo, assured that the entire work, including the bridge leading to the market, would be completed within two months.
Senator Balogun urged the residents, spare parts dealers and traders around the market to put the road into good use, and admonished them to ensure its proper maintenance.
Also speaking on the development, Mrs. Okunola Duduyemi, a public secondary school teacher, could not hide her joy as she said she didn’t know that the Omitade Road was wide until the reconstruction work began.
“I never knew before now that the road is as wide as this. I don’t know Senator Kola Balogun; I have never met him in person, but I have been hearing about him and his good works.
“As he brings relief and happiness to the residents and various spare parts dealers and traders around this market, God will reward him and we would continue to pray for his progress”, she prayed.
The project engineer has also revealed that the bridge leading to Araromi market would be repaired and the road would be extended by 10 metres beyond the bridge as requested by Sen. Balogun.
“The additional work asked for by Senator Balogun would be done, up to the bridge and 10 metres beyond. We would come for its inspection.
“It would take 28 days for the first set of layers on that portion to be solidified. Thereafter, we would lay the last layer in another four days and the bridge would be delivered for the use of the people,” he said.