In a bold move to open up the tourism and economic corridors of Lagos’ western frontier, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Wednesday commissioned a network of roads in Badagry and Olorunda, declaring that the long-neglected division will no longer be left behind in the state’s development agenda.
Addressing a jubilant crowd at the commissioning ceremony, Sanwo-Olu described the completion of the Badagry road projects as “a fulfillment of promises” and a testament to his administration’s commitment to inclusive growth and responsive governance.
“We have kept faith with the people of Badagry and fulfilled our promises,” Sanwo-Olu said, recalling his earlier pledge to complete the entire stretch connecting Aradagun–Mosafejo–Ilado–Imeke Road to the Lagos-Badagry Expressway.
“Through the delivery of these road projects, we have once again demonstrated that our administration is not just about promises and hopes, but about concrete plans, execution, and a steadfast commitment to serve our citizenry better.”
The commissioned roads include the strategic Samuel Ekundayo/Toga Road, which provides an alternative route to a busy section of the Lagos-Badagry Expressway, linking Badagry Roundabout to Limca/Ibereko, and the Hospital Road, which lies near the Badagry Marina, a critical hub for water transport linking Lagos to neighbouring West African nations.
“Hospital Road is a critically strategic route situated in close proximity to Badagry Marina, a key artery for facilitating the smooth movement of people and goods, contributing significantly to regional connectivity and economic activities,” the Governor stated.
He emphasised that the road upgrade aligned with his administration’s T.H.E.M.E.S.+ Agenda, which prioritises multimodal transportation to enhance mobility and unlock economic growth.
Sanwo-Olu went further to underscore the economic and cultural importance of Badagry, citing its international gateway status and rich heritage.
“Badagry holds enormous economic importance to Lagos State and Nigeria, sharing a major international boundary and serving as a gateway to at least five West African countries,” he noted.
“We recognise the critical need for strategic infrastructure to facilitate socio-economic exchanges with our neighbours,” he added.
He also promised that additional infrastructure would soon follow. “To the people of Oko Afo, Ilogbo, Eremi, and Pota, I assure you that your road networks will be commissioned very soon,” Sanwo-Olu said.
During the reconstruction of Hospital Road, the government upgraded the old Nigerian Correctional Service staff quarters into a modern 12-room bungalow, complete with ensuite facilities.
This gesture, Sanwo-Olu said, was a demonstration of his administration’s commitment to staff welfare and sustainable community development.
Furthermore, he announced future plans to connect Hospital Road to Topo, another initiative aimed at expanding the state’s multimodal transport network.
The Governor paid tribute to the people of Badagry for their resilience, patience, and continued support throughout the construction period.
“Your steadfast loyalty and trust in our administration have been invaluable pillars in our collective journey toward progress and development,” he said.
“Your willingness to accommodate the challenges that often accompany such large-scale infrastructure works has been instrumental.”
Reaffirming his administration’s policy of inclusive governance, Sanwo-Olu said: “At the core of our policy of inclusiveness is a steadfast determination to extend development far beyond the central urban areas—to the inner parts and less accessible corners of the metropolis.”
He assured the people that all ongoing projects in Badagry would be completed promptly, even as he called for collective responsibility in preserving the newly delivered infrastructure.
“I urge all community leaders, the people of Badagry, and all road users to guard jealously the infrastructure being handed over today, ensuring its preservation for generations to come,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu concluded his address by restating the deep bond between the state and the people of Badagry: “You belong to us, and we belong to you.”