The Dangote Group has
completed Nigeria’s longest rigid pavement located in Kogi State.
It is the first of its kind, top engineers say.
The 43KM Obajana-Kabba road
constructed by Dangote Industries Limited (DIL), as
been described by motorists as
the country’s most strategic highway that is aiding travelers between the North
and the South.
Olatunbosun O. Kalejaiye, the
Project Director, said he was excited that the Corporate Social Responsibility
Project is being delivered for use by Nigerians, adding that while the rigid
pavement has been completed, the company was dressing the shoulders.
Site Engineer Samuel Obosi
assured that the dual carriage way will be durable and less susceptible to
potholes and repairs like asphalt road, adding that it would crash the rate of
road accident in the country.
Motorists said it is now one of
the busiest roads linking the two regions in the country.
“Thank God it is a concrete road.
It can withstand any heavy duty vehicle,” Alhaji Lamidi Sikiru, a driver
expressed optimism.
John Moses, a member of the
National Union of Road Transport Workers, said his taxi business is booming
compared to when the road was very deplorable with potholes and barely used by
motorists.
A community leader of Apa Bunu
Kingdom and spokesperson for the community Sam Omosayil commended the Dangote
Group, saying that the road has attracted a lot of businesses along the
road.
Traditional and community leaders
eulogized the President of the Dangote Group.
The Bajana of Obajana Land, King
Idowu Senibi described the project as gigantic and the first of its kind
anywhere in Nigeria.
“Dangote is our son. We would
protect his huge investment and gigantic concrete road. I am happy that this is
happening in my lifetime and in my Kingdom. This is a great opportunity for us
and many generations to come. Our society will be opened as you can see
vehicles and commercial activities have started coming up. May God Almighty
bless Dangote and all his staff.”
Speaking in the same vein, the
traditional head of Akpata Land Frederick Durojaiye Balogun said his people
were very proud of Alhaji Aliko Dangote, adding that the Dangote Cement,
Obajana plant, which is the single largest cement plant in the world, has
brought honour and respect to their Kingdoms.
“His presence has brought a total
turnaround in our lives. Also permit me to appreciate the Federal Government
for this joint effort. We are very grateful,” he said.
Speaking, the King of Okebunku Land
in Kabba Bunu Local Government, Timothy Omonile commended the President of the
Dangote Group and charged other philanthropists to emulate him, adding that
that is the only way Nigeria can develop its economy and infrastructure.
He said the construction of the
road has helped cut down the rate of criminality in the state, while describing
the Group President of Dangote Group Aliko Dangote as God sent.
Rechel Olatunji, a businesswoman
said she makes more money now and that business is booming because of the
road.
Another businesswoman Veronica
Samuel prayed fervently for the Dangote Group, adding that the new road has
changed her life, and enabled her to sponsor her children to school.
Worried by the huge sum of money
used in road repairs, President of the Dangote Group Aliko Dangote had said
plans were afoot to revolutionize Nigerian roads with concrete, stressing that
resources used in road repairs and maintenance would be channeled to other more
important needs of the nation.
“We are going to be building concrete
roads in the country so that anytime we build a road, we do not have to go back
to repair after the third raining season, but move on and use the resources to
address other pressing needs of Nigeria,” Mr. Dangote had said.
It would be recalled that as part
of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CRS), the Dangote Group had earlier
commissioned the 26 km Itori-Ibese Concrete Road.
At the commissioning, the
Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola, had noted that
the stride by the Dangote Group demonstrated the unwavering commitments of an
indigenous investor towards the industrialization of Nigeria.
A statement from the Corporate
Communications Department of the Dangote Group said: “Concrete road last longer
than asphalt roads and do not have potholes. It does not require frequent
maintenance as asphalt roads. It saves fuel for motorists and protects tyres
from wear and tears.”
The statement said it is part of
the Group’s determination to support government and Nigerians in order to grow
the economy and facilitate ease of doing business.
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