Iyunade Grace
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially flagged off the construction of the Osogbo-Iwo-Ibadan and Osogbo-Akoda-Gbongan road projects, valued at about N216 billion, directing contractors to complete the projects within 24 months.
Represented by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, at the flag-off ceremony held at Aje International Market, Osogbo, the President said the projects were aimed at improving transportation, boosting economic activities and strengthening connectivity between communities in Osun and neighbouring states.
Tinubu described the approximately 82-kilometre Osogbo-Iwo-Ibadan Road as a major route that had suffered years of neglect, despite its importance as a link between Osun and Oyo states.
He explained that the road corridor passes through key communities including Osogbo, Ara, Awo, Ede, Telemu, Iwo, Laagun and Ibadan, while serving important agricultural and commercial areas.
The President disclosed that the project was awarded to Messrs Peculiar Concerns Limited at a cost of N114.85 billion, with a completion timeline of 24 months.
He also announced the commencement of the Osogbo-Akoda-Gbongan Road project, which covers about 44 kilometres of dual carriageway and connects Osogbo with Gbongan through major communities such as Owode-Ede, Akoda-Ede, Sekona, Oogi and Odeomu.
According to him, the project will involve upgrading sections of the existing road, including the reconstruction of a failed 20-kilometre single carriageway into a dual carriageway using Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP) technology.
The contract, awarded to Messrs Trucrete Solutions Limited, is valued at N101.8 billion and is also expected to be completed within 24 months.
Tinubu said the completed roads would feature modern infrastructure, including solar-powered streetlights, improved drainage systems, landscaping, lay-bys and CCTV security systems.
He further directed the contractors to create employment opportunities for local residents, particularly youths, during the execution of the projects.
Speaking at the event, Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, defended the Federal Government’s infrastructure investments, describing them as strategic projects capable of generating economic benefits and improving national development.
Umahi highlighted other ongoing road projects across the country, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Sokoto-Badagry Highway, Ibadan-Ife-Ilesha Road rehabilitation and the Ilesha-Akure-Owo-Benin dualisation project, noting that work was ongoing at various stages.
He also provided updates on the Trans-Sahara Trade Route, which links Calabar through Ebonyi, Benue, Kogi and Nasarawa to Abuja, saying construction activities were progressing across different sections.
Traditional rulers, including the Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, and the Olufi of Gbongan, Oba Adetoyese Oyeniyi, commended the Federal Government for approving the projects and called for support for continued development in the region.
The National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Ajibola Basiru, said the Tinubu administration had initiated hundreds of road projects nationwide, while noting improvements in financial allocations to states.
The APC governorship candidate in Osun State, Bola Oyebamiji, also urged party supporters to maintain grassroots mobilisation ahead of the forthcoming governorship election.
Governors Monday Okpebholo of Edo State and Usman Ododo of Kogi State appealed to Osun residents to support the Federal Government’s development efforts through their choice in the upcoming election.
