From Layi Olanrewaju, Ilorin
Businessman and former presidential candidate, Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has inaugurated a newly-constructed N102 million asphalt road in Ifedolapo community, in the Pipeline area of Ilorin, Kwara State.
The ceremony was performed by former chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and former governor of Akwa Ibom State, Dr. Victor Obong Attah. Dignitaries at the ceremony were former governor of Jigawa State and former minister of Foreign Affairs, Alhaji Sule Lamido; former speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Asimiyu Alarape; and Chairman of Sobi FM, Mallam Lukman Mustapha.
Others included former Kwara State commissioner for Water and Women Affairs, Dr. Mopelola Abdulmalik Bashir, and former commissioner for Housing, Akaje Ibrahim, among others.
Obong Attah applauded Olawepo-Hashim for his vision and philanthropic efforts, describing the one-kilometer road as a significant contribution to the socio-economic development of the area.
Former governor Attah said “what the sponsor is giving us is a situation in which our health can improve, our social life can improve and improvement in the economic well-being of the people of the community.
Lamido also praised Olawepo-Hashim for the road project. He jokingly renamed the road “Gbenga Residential Area (GRA),” stating that he expected nothing less from a man of Olawepo-Hashim’s stature. He noted that people in Kwara did not fully recognise Gbenga’s value as much as those outside the state do, emphasizing his national significance as a leader.
On his part, former Jigawa state governor urged Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq “to tar other roads that remain untarred in the community and support the sponsor to do more.
“I know Olawepo-Hashim can do more. He is a very kindhearted man. By the assemblage of ordinary folks of the society here today, I am proud of you. It shows you are a man of the people.”
Dr. Olawepo-Hashim emphasised the importance of private sector involvement in infrastructure development, noting that quality roads are essential for economic growth and community well-being. He reaffirmed his commitment to supporting development projects that improve the quality of life for Nigerians.
Residents of Ifedolapo community, led by their council chairman, Gani Adeshina, expressed their gratitude, highlighting the road’s impact in easing transportation, boosting local businesses, and improving access to essential services.
Adeshina said the importance and usefulness of the rehabilitation and asphalt overlay cannot be over-emphasized.
“It is our hope and desire that this project will add a new vistas of development and progress in our fast developing state of Harmony and Ifedolapo community in particular.
“There are those who are close to the government, those who have been in Governments and those whose voice can easily get to the ears of the government.
“Without the fear of being seen to be guilty of repetition, our community is in dire need of the rehabilitation of our main access road from Excellence Hall to the Awolowo-Danialu Road end of the community. We call again, on other well meaning individuals and the state government to come to our aid and make the road accessible.
“These link roads therefore serve multiple purposes that relieve people from Agbabiaka-Danialu- Awolowo Road and Akata axis to connect Tipper Garage in Tanke and Mark-Ilesanmi-Sarab all on Tanke Oke Odo axis.”
The new road is an addition to the various micro-level major roads Olawepo-Hashim has mended over time, linking Excellence Hall to the newly constructed Danialu Awolowo Road.
This initiative further solidifies Dr. Olawepo-Hashim’s reputation as a leader committed to national development and community empowerment.