…….Lawmaker Consults Stakeholders on ₦200m Project.
…….Community Leaders Urge Voters to Reward Performance Over Politics.
Ifeanyichukwu Emmanuel.
Residents of Olulosin Ajayi Street and Ajibade Oke both in Ajao Estate in Oshodi-Isolo Federal Constituency II have expressed excitement over plans by the member representing the constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Okey-Joe Onuakalusi, to rehabilitate a critical road that has remained in a deplorable condition for years.
The excitement followed the lawmaker’s visit to the community for an on-the-spot assessment of the road linking the CPM axis to the Anglican Church area, where he met with engineers, community leaders and other stakeholders to evaluate the extent of work required before construction begins.
The inspection, according to residents, marks the first serious attempt by an elected public official to address the long-standing infrastructural challenge facing the neighbourhood.
Addressing residents during the visit, Hon. Onuakalusi said he deliberately came to inspect the road personally because he believes every constituency project must be guided by the actual needs of the people and executed to the highest standard.He explained that engineers who assessed the site recommended the construction of a comprehensive drainage system before laying the road, noting that building the road without addressing the drainage challenge would amount to wasting public funds.
“This is not just another project inspection. I came here to see things for myself and hear directly from the people because every project must solve a real problem.
Our engineers have advised that drainage must come first if we want this road to stand the test of time,” he said.
The federal lawmaker disclosed that ₦200 million was appropriated for the project in the 2025 budget but admitted that the amount would not be enough to execute the entire drainage and road construction as designed.
He, however, assured residents that discussions with stakeholders would help determine the most effective way to maximize the available resources while ensuring that the project delivers lasting value.
“We want to do it once and do it well. Even if resources are limited, we will ensure that whatever is done will stand the test of time and truly benefit the people,” he stated.
Describing Ajao Estate as one of the most strategic communities in Oshodi-Isolo Federal Constituency II, Onuakalusi said the area deserves modern infrastructure because of its growing population, commercial importance and contribution to the local economy.
He stressed that effective representation should not be measured by speeches alone but by visible projects that improve the quality of life of the people.
The lawmaker said his record in office reflects his commitment to people-centred governance.
According to him, since assuming office, he has facilitated the construction of several roads, installed solar-powered streetlights across dozens of communities, built classrooms, provided boreholes and electricity transformers, and implemented various empowerment programmes aimed at improving the welfare of residents.
He revealed that beginning in April 2024, he facilitated the construction of about eight roads and installed solar-powered streetlights on between eight and nine streets in Ajao Estate alone, while approximately 47 streets across Oshodi-Isolo Federal Constituency II have benefited from similar projects.
Onuakalusi further disclosed that his medical outreach programme provided free eye examinations and prescription glasses to more than 450 beneficiaries, while his foundation organised a cooking competition and empowerment initiative in 2025 to encourage entrepreneurship and support families.
He also listed the completion of the NNPC Mushin Road project, installation of solar streetlights in Otasunmi, Ejigbo and Segun Awolowo Road, as well as the provision of electricity transformers in several communities, among the projects delivered under his representation.
“Our responsibility is to ensure that government is felt in every community. That is why we continue to invest in roads, classrooms, healthcare, solar lighting, water projects and empowerment programmes. These are the things that improve people’s everyday lives,” he said.
Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, the federal lawmaker encouraged eligible Nigerians to register, collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and participate actively in the democratic process.
“Democracy only works when the people participate. Go and register, collect your PVC and vote. If you don’t vote, you lose the opportunity to decide who represents you,” he said.
The visit drew glowing tributes from community leaders, who praised the lawmaker for what they described as responsive leadership and a genuine commitment to development.
A landlord and respected community leader, Chief Chinedu said the proposed intervention has restored hope to residents who had watched the road deteriorate for many years without government attention.
“This is a residential community, and this is the first time somebody is genuinely thinking about this road. Nobody has ever paid attention to it before.
We are happy that Hon. Okey-Joe Onuakalusi is giving this road the attention it deserves.
“He has shown that leadership is about service and not empty promises. My appeal to Nigerians is that we should begin to judge leaders by what they do, not by political party, religion or ethnic sentiment.
People are going through hardship, and what they need are leaders who can improve their standard of living. This lawmaker has demonstrated that commitment through his projects,” he said.
Another community leader, Chief Olu Isijola, described the inspection as a turning point for the area.
“We were pleasantly surprised when we heard about this project. Many of us never imagined that a representative would come personally to inspect the road and consult with residents before work begins. That alone shows seriousness and respect for the people.
“We believe this project will transform the community, and we encourage residents to continue supporting leaders who fulfil their promises.”he said
Lending his voice,the project’s consultant, Engr. Nnaji Emeka Emmanuel, Chief Executive Officer of EmmyJoyce Engineering Concept Limited, gave a technical assessment of the proposed intervention, explaining that the project involves the reconstruction of an approximately 2-kilometre road with a comprehensive drainage system designed to provide a lasting solution to flooding and road deterioration.
According to the engineer, preliminary findings showed that the ₦200 million budgeted for the project would not be sufficient to complete the entire stretch of the road because of the extensive civil works required.
“The scope of work is quite enormous. From our assessment, this road requires proper drainage and quality engineering work to ensure durability.
With the available ₦200 million, it will be difficult to complete the entire 2-kilometre road to the standard we desire. However, we are exploring practical options that will allow us to commence the project and achieve meaningful progress within the available resources,” Engr. Emmanuel stated.
Following the engineer’s presentation, community leaders and residents pledged their unwavering support for the project, assuring Hon. Okey-Joe Onuakalusi and the engineering team of their cooperation throughout the construction period.
The stakeholders commended the lawmaker for involving the community before the commencement of work, describing the consultation as a demonstration of transparency, accountability and inclusive leadership.
They expressed optimism that with collaboration between the community, the contractor and the lawmaker, the project would be successfully delivered despite the funding constraints.
Hon. Onuakalusi welcomed the community’s commitment, saying their support would play a vital role in ensuring the smooth execution of the project. He reiterated that his priority is to deliver quality infrastructure that will stand the test of time rather than embark on substandard projects that would fail after a short period.
Many residents who witnessed the inspection expressed optimism that the proposed project would not only improve access to homes and businesses but also reduce flooding, enhance public safety and stimulate economic activities within Ajao Estate.
For the people of Ajao Estate, the visit was more than an inspection—it represented renewed hope that years of neglect may finally be giving way to purposeful development, driven by a representative determined to translate campaign promises into visible and lasting dividends of democracy.
Beyond the road inspection, Hon. Okey-Joe Onuakalusi also paid an unscheduled visit to the Ajao Estate Police Station, where he interacted with officers and assessed some of the operational challenges confronting the division.
During the visit, the lawmaker commended the officers for their dedication to maintaining peace and security in the community despite limited operational resources.
He acknowledged that effective policing requires adequate logistics and assured the officers of his commitment to supporting their efforts.
As part of that commitment, Onuakalusi promised to provide the police division with a mini bus to enhance its operational capacity, improve patrol activities and enable officers to respond more swiftly to distress calls within Ajao Estate and surrounding communities.
He noted that security remains a critical pillar of development, stressing that no community can truly prosper without a safe and secure environment.
“Development is not only about constructing roads and providing infrastructure; it is also about supporting the institutions that protect lives and property.
Our security agencies deserve encouragement, and we will continue to partner with them to ensure that our communities remain safe for residents and businesses,” the lawmaker said.
The officers expressed appreciation for the visit and the promised intervention, describing it as a morale booster and a demonstration of the lawmaker’s commitment to the welfare of security personnel and the safety of constituents.
