DANGOTE COMPLETES NIGERIA’S LONGEST CONCRETE ROAD

The Dangote Group has completed Nigeria’s longest concrete road located at Obajana, in Kogi State. The 43KM Obajana-Kabba road constructed by Dangote Industries Limited (DIL), has been described by motorists as the country’s most strategic highway that is assisting travelers between the North and the South. It is the first of its kind, says top engineers.

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.

President of the Dangote Group Aliko Dangote Worried by the huge sum of money used in road repairs, said plans were on top gear 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. Aliko said that “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,” 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.

 

The Project Director Olatunbosun O. Kalejaiye, 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. The 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 drastically reduce the rate of road accident crashes in the country. Some Motorists said it is now one of the busiest roads linking the two regions in the country.
Traditional and community leaders appreciating 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. He said “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.”

Bolariwa Adewale , a truck driver is appreciative of the Road and very optimistic about driving long distance. He said, “Thank God it is a concrete road. It can carry any heavy duty vehicle plus the load inside the truck,”
Tajudeen Bello, a haulage Company Staff said this is a very good gesture and p business will boom more compared to when the road was very deplorable with potholes and barely used by motorists. Aishat Kassim, , a businesswoman said she said she has made more money now and that business is booming because of the road. Praying fervently for the Aliko Dangote and his Company, (Dangote Group), She said her businees has improved.

A community leader of Apa Bunu Kingdom and spokesperson for the community Sam Omosayil commended the Dangote Group, saying that the road will continue to attracted a lot of businesses along the road. Also 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.
Hrm. Timothy Omonile, the King of Okebunku Land in Kabba Bunu Local Government, said the President of the Dangote Group is a true Son of the Land, appreciating him ,he 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.

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.