By Ademola Adekusibe
September 15, 2025
The 63-kilometer stretch of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway running through Ilaje local government in Ondo State has been confirmed as entirely within Yoruba land, sparking jubilation among residents who see the project as a major boost to the South West.
Starting from Irokun, passing through Agerige, and ending at Oke Ipare, the Ilaje segment is part of the federal highway connecting Lagos to Edo, Delta, Rivers, and Cross River States. With all surveys confirming its position within Ondo State, local leaders describe the project as a historic intervention for Yoruba communities along the coast.
Residents have expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritizing the highway, highlighting its potential to transform trade, transportation, and socio-economic life in the region.
“This road will finally open up our communities, connect our markets, and bring investors,” said a community elder. “We thank President Tinubu for seeing the strategic importance of Yorùbá land and taking action.”
The highway is expected to facilitate the transport of seafood, timber, and petroleum products, while improving travel between Lagos and South West coastal towns. Authorities warn that proper maintenance will be essential to prevent erosion and congestion, ensuring the road remains a lifeline for local commerce.
Federal and state officials stress that this project is part of a broader plan to modernize infrastructure, empower Yorùbá communities, and create employment opportunities for residents along the coastal corridor.
For the people of Ilaje and surrounding Yorùbá towns, the highway is more than a road, it is a symbol of recognition, development, and hope under the leadership of President Tinubu.
