By Mashe Umaru Gwamna
The Federal Government has flagged off the construction of the Osogbo–Akoda–Gbangan and Osogbo–Iwo–Ibadan roads in Osun and Oyo States, with the projects expected to boost trade, agriculture, security and socio-economic activities across the South-West.
The flag-off ceremony was performed in Osogbo by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
This was contained in a statement signed and issued by the Director, Information and Public Relations, Mohammed A. Ahmed.
Oyetola, who served as Governor of Osun State when the two road projects were initially executed, expressed delight that they would now be reconstructed by the Federal Government using rigid pavement technology.
He commended President Tinubu for embarking on infrastructure projects aimed at improving the lives of Nigerians, describing the roads as critical to the Federal Government’s infrastructure renewal programme.
“These roads are very critical to the Federal Government’s infrastructure renewal, aimed at enhancing connectivity, improving road safety and stimulating socio-economic activities,” he said.
Oyetola said the projects would unlock economic opportunities, create employment, improve the transportation of agricultural produce and other goods, and enhance the overall quality of life of residents.
He urged the contractors to execute the projects in line with agreed engineering standards and timelines.
The scope of work includes site clearance, evacuation of unsuitable materials, milling of the existing asphalt pavement, provision of a 100mm wet-crushed stone base, a 200mm cement-stabilised base course and a 200mm continuously reinforced concrete pavement (CRCP) for both carriageways and shoulders.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Works, Sen. Engr. David Umahi, said the projects demonstrated President Tinubu’s commitment to delivering critical road infrastructure across the country under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Umahi said the President’s vision was to connect communities with comparative economic advantages through strategic road networks capable of promoting trade, creating jobs, enhancing security and accelerating national development.
According to him, the roads are designed to unlock economic opportunities, reduce travel time, lower transportation and vehicle maintenance costs, facilitate the movement of agricultural and other goods, strengthen security and boost commercial activities.
He added that the roads were being constructed to the highest standards and were expected to require minimal maintenance for several decades.
Responding to concerns over Federal Government borrowing, Umahi described the borrowings as strategic investments in the country’s future.
“For those questioning government borrowing money, this is the answer. The funds are being invested to revive and complete strategic road projects that have remained abandoned for decades,” he said.
The Minister assured residents of Osun and Oyo States that the projects would be completed within their stipulated contractual terms.
He, however, appealed to host communities, traditional rulers and other stakeholders to cooperate with the contractors to ensure smooth and timely execution.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Works, Rafiu Adeladan, described the flag-off as another milestone in President Tinubu’s commitment to delivering quality infrastructure.
Adeladan said the roads would serve as vital socio-economic corridors and urged the contractors to adhere strictly to quality standards and delivery deadlines.
The Chairman, Senate Committee on Works, Senator Allwell Onyesoh, and his counterpart in the House of Representatives, Akin Alabi, reaffirmed the commitment of the National Assembly to adequate funding and effective legislative oversight of road projects nationwide.
They commended President Tinubu for prioritising infrastructure development and praised the Minister of Works for what they described as progress in road development across the six geopolitical zones.
The contractors, Managing Director of Trucrete Solutions Limited, Roze Mohammed Sherani, and Managing Director of Peculiar Ultimate Concerns Limited, Olanrewaju Abel Adeleke, separately assured the Federal Government and Nigerians that the projects would be delivered within the stipulated contractual parameters.
Traditional rulers at the ceremony, including the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi, and the Alapomu of Apomu, Oba Kayode Adenekan Afolabi, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for reviving the road projects.
They described the projects as transformational and commended the administration’s commitment to repositioning Nigeria’s road infrastructure.
Never miss a moment! Get the stories shaping Nigeria, delivered straight to your phone. Follow Peoplesdaily Newspaper on WhatsApp for breaking news, exclusive reports, and the headlines everyone will be talking about, before anyone else.
