By SUNDAY ABBA, Abuja
The Ijora community in Lagos State was full of gratitude to the federal government (FG) on Tuesday as the Minister of State for Works, Muhammad Bello Goronyo, commissioned a failed road at Ijora Causeway situated within the Apapa- Ijora Local Government Area.
The road, built on rigid pavement through direct labour, was completed up to about 80% under the supervision of the Federal Emergency Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), according to a statement signed by Mohammed Ahmed, the Director, Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Works.
Speaking at the occasion, the Minister noted the positive of the road on the economic well-being of the community, saying it will also help to mitigate youth unemployment, insecurity and threats to communal peace.
While commending FERMA for its prompt response to the plight of the community, he charged them to react proactively to ensure the remaining portion of the road is fixed before the end of the year, as it aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who according to him is running an infrastructure-friendly administration.
He enjoined the leaders and people to take full ownership of the facility to prevent it from abuse.
The representative of the Ojora of Ijora who was was unavoidably absent, Chief Samsudeen Ojora, expressed the appreciation of His Royal Majesty and the indigenes of the community for the recovery and reconstruction of the road, which, as he emphasised, was hitherto impassable, terrible and an eyesore.
He appealed to the Minister and FERMA to ensure the speedy completion of the remaining portion of the project.
The MD/CEO of FERMA, Dr Chukwuemeka Agbasi, commended the Oba of Ijora and the people residing in the community for their good manners, support and cooperation while the project was ongoing.
Agbasi promised that FERMA would continue to do their best in adding value to road management in the country.