Residents of Araromi in Lagos State are finally set to experience relief after nearly three decades of neglect. Babajimi Benson, the House of Representatives member representing Ikorodu Federal Constituency, has launched the long-awaited rehabilitation of the Araromi-Adamo road. The 1.3-kilometre stretch of road, which has been in disrepair since its inauguration in 1996, will be restored after years of pleas for government intervention.

The project, spearheaded by Benson, is expected to be completed within three months. During the commencement ceremony on Thursday, Benson, who is a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), was represented by Muyideen Sanwo-Ola, Executive Assistant on Parks to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. Sanwo-Ola urged the residents to support the contractors to ensure the timely completion of the roadwork. He emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and avoiding activities that could delay the project.

“I urge you to support this project, which will be completed within three months. Let’s remind our youths not to engage in any activity that may hinder the contractors from finishing the work,” said Sanwo-Ola.

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For residents like Ademoriti Maruf, who has lived in the area since childhood, the road’s repair is a long-overdue relief. “This road has been a major challenge for us. Since 1996, when the then military administrator of Lagos, Buba Marwa, inaugurated it, no government has paid attention to it until now. We’ve been pleading for years,” he said. “We thank God that after 28 years, the rehabilitation is finally starting.”

The chief of Olufuja-Mojoda Araromi, Qazeem Oyeniran, also expressed gratitude, acknowledging the devastating impact the road’s condition has had on the community, especially during the rainy season. “The community has gone through a lot. We have suffered, especially when it rains. Floods enter people’s homes, damage property, and even collapse buildings,” Oyeniran said. “This road repair will change everything for us.”

The Baale of Upenyanwa, Chief Nurudeen Shiriki, echoed these sentiments, stating that the rehabilitation would bring much-needed relief. “Once completed, it will bring relief to the community, which becomes nearly impassable even after a small rain,” Shiriki said. “Some residents avoid returning home after rainfall because the road conditions are so bad.”