The strategic Okerete Road project, a vital artery expected to link Nigeria with neighboring West African Francophone countries, came under royal scrutiny on Tuesday, as the Okere of Saki, Oba Khalid Olabisi, led a high-powered delegation of traditional chiefs and local stakeholders to the site to assess the progress of the ongoing construction.
During the grueling trek along the project alignment, the monarch expressed a mix of optimism and urgency. While acknowledging the presence of contractors on-site, the Okere pointedly charged both the Federal and State governments to “step up the pace” to ensure the project does not fall behind schedule.
Speaking against the backdrop of heavy earth-moving equipment, the Okere highlighted the massive economic windfall awaiting the nation upon completion.
”This is not just a road; it is an international gateway,”Once completed, it will create thousands of job opportunities for our youth and serve as a significant revenue generator for the Federal Government. By linking Nigeria to the West Coast, we are opening a formal corridor for trade.”
A key highlight of the monarch’s intervention was his recent diplomatic push in Abuja. He revealed that he had personally engaged the ministry to advocate for the use of high-grade asphalt technology, similar to the durable materials utilized on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. His goal is clear: a road that can withstand the heavy haulage typical of international border commerce.
Furthermore, the Okere noted that the completion of the Okerete road would significantly bolster national security. A formal border post would allow the Nigeria Immigration Service to collect legitimate fees and, more importantly, shut down the “illegal routes” currently exploited by undocumented immigrants.
Accompanying the monarch were traditional chiefs and local contractors, who all echoed the plea for the Federal Government to expedite funding and logistics.