The Federal Government has officially flagged off the construction of the Osogbo–Akoda–Gbangan and Osogbo–Iwo–Ibadan Roads in Osun and Oyo States in the South-West geopolitical zone.
Director, Information and Public Relations of the Federal Ministry of Works, Mohammed Ahmed disclosed this in a statement on Friday.
He said the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola, who performed the ground-breaking ceremony in Osogbo, on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, expressed delight that the two road projects executed during his tenure as Governor of Osun State were now to be reconstructed by the Federal Government, using rigid pavement.
He commended President Tinubu for embarking on bold endeavours that directly improve the lives of Nigerians. “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 emphasised.
He outlined the scope of work to include site clearance, evacuation of unsuitable materials, milling of the existing asphaltic 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 earlier, the Minister of Works, Sen. Engr. David Umahi said, “the projects reflect the avowed commitment of the President to delivering critical road infrastructure across the Federation under the Renewed Hope Agenda.”
The Minister said President Tinubu’s vision is to connect communities with comparative economic advantages through strategic road networks that promote trade, create jobs, enhance security, and accelerate national development.
He added that the projects were “designed to unlock economic opportunities, reduce travel time, lower transportation and vehicle maintenance costs, facilitate the movement of agricultural and other goods, strengthen security, as well as boost commercial activities.” He further stated that the roads are being constructed with the highest standards and are expected to require minimal maintenance for several decades.
Responding to concerns about the Federal Government’s borrowings, Engr. Umahi maintained that they are 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.
Minister Umahi assured the people of Osun and Oyo States that the projects would be completed within their stipulated contractual terms. He, however, appealed to the host communities, traditional rulers, and other stakeholders to cooperate fully with the contractors to ensure the smooth and timely execution of the projects.
In his Opening Address, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Works, Mr. Rafiu Adeladan, described the flag-off as “another milestone in President Tinubu’s commitment to delivering quality infrastructure under the supervision of the Honourable Minister of Works. He explained that the roads would serve as vital socioeconomic corridors. He urged the contractors to adhere strictly to quality standards and delivery deadlines.
