By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Residents of some communities along the Obajana-Kabba Road have commended the Group President of Dangote Group, Mr Aliko Dangote, describing him as God sent.
They said the decision of the billionaire businessman to construct the 43 kilometres road through Dangote Industries Limited (DIL) has improved economic activities in the area.
The Obajana-Kabba concrete road has been described by motorists as the country’s most strategic highway because it aids travellers between the North and the South.
The Bajana of Obajana Land, Mr Idowu Senibi, while commenting on the project, said “our society will be opened as you can see vehicles and commercial activities have started coming up.”
He described Mr Dangote as “our son” and prayed that “God Almighty [blesses him] and all his staff.”
The monarch promised that the community will “protect his (Mr Dangote’s) huge investment and gigantic concrete road [because the project] is a great opportunity for us and many generations to come.”
On his part, the traditional ruler of Okebunku Land in Kabba Bunu Local Government, Mr Timothy Omonile, charged other philanthropists to emulate Mr Dangote because this remains the only way for Nigeria to develop its economy and infrastructure.
According to him, the construction of the road has helped cut down the rate of criminality in the state.
Speaking in the same vein, the traditional head of Akpata Land, Mr Frederick Durojaiye Balogun, said his people were very proud of Mr 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.
A businesswoman in the area, Ms Rechel Olatunji, said the construction of the road has made her make more money because her business is booming.
Another businesswoman identified as Ms 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.
On his part, a driver plying the route, Mr Lamidi Sikiru, expressed delight that the road was built with concrete, noting that “it can withstand any heavy-duty vehicle.”
A member of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Mr John Moses, while commenting, said his taxi business was booming compared to when the road was very deplorable with potholes and barely used by motorists.
The Obajana-Kabba Road is expected to last longer than most asphalt roads in the country because it was built with concrete.
“Concrete roads last longer than asphalt roads and do not have potholes. [They do] not require frequent maintenance as asphalt roads. [They] save fuel for motorists and protect tyres from wear and tears,” a statement from the Corporate Communications Department of the Dangote Group said.
This was confirmed by the Site Engineer, Mr Samuel Obosi, who assured that the dual carriageway will be durable and less susceptible to potholes and repairs like asphalt road, adding that it would reduce the rate of road accident in the country.
