FG Flags Off Reconstruction of Strategic Osun, Oyo Roads to Boost Economy
The Federal Government has officially flagged off the reconstruction of the Osogbo–Akoda–Gbangan and Osogbo–Iwo–Ibadan roads, reaffirming its commitment to improving transportation infrastructure and driving economic growth under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The groundbreaking ceremony, held in Osogbo, Osun State, was performed by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, on behalf of President Tinubu.
Speaking at the event, Oyetola described the projects as critical investments that would enhance connectivity, improve road safety and stimulate socio-economic activities across Osun, Oyo and neighbouring states.
Quoting President Tinubu, he said, “We are not just turning soil; we are turning a page of opportunities and restoring confidence.”
He noted that the roads, originally executed during his tenure as Governor of Osun State, are now being reconstructed by the Federal Government using Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP), a technology designed to provide greater durability and reduce long-term maintenance costs.
According to him, the projects will involve site clearance, evacuation of unsuitable materials, milling of the existing asphalt pavement, construction of a 100mm wet-crushed stone base, a 200mm cement-stabilised base course, and a 200mm continuously reinforced concrete pavement for both carriageways and shoulders.
Oyetola said the completed roads would unlock economic opportunities, create jobs, facilitate the movement of agricultural produce and other goods, and improve the quality of life for residents. He urged the contractors to deliver the projects according to approved engineering standards and within the agreed timelines.
The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, said the projects reflect President Tinubu’s determination to provide critical infrastructure across the country.
According to Umahi, the President’s vision is to connect communities with strong economic potential through strategic road networks that promote trade, create employment, improve security and accelerate national development.
He explained that the roads would significantly reduce travel time, lower transportation and vehicle maintenance costs, improve the movement of agricultural produce and strengthen commercial activities across the region.
Responding to concerns over government borrowing, Umahi defended the administration’s approach, describing the loans as strategic investments aimed at reviving and completing major infrastructure projects that had been abandoned for decades.
He assured residents of Osun and Oyo states that the projects would be completed within the stipulated contract period and appealed to host communities, traditional rulers and other stakeholders to cooperate with contractors to ensure smooth execution.
Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Works, Rafiu Adeladan, described the flag-off as another milestone in the Federal Government’s commitment to delivering quality infrastructure, noting that the roads would serve as vital socio-economic corridors.
Also speaking, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Senator Allwell Onyesoh, and Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Works, Hon. Akin Alabi, pledged the National Assembly’s continued support through adequate funding and legislative oversight.
They commended President Tinubu for prioritising infrastructure development and praised the Minister of Works for the progress recorded on road projects across the six geopolitical zones.
Representatives of the contracting firms—Managing Director of Trucrete Solutions Limited, Roze Mohammed Sherani, and Managing Director of Peculiar Ultimate Concerns Limited, Engr. Olanrewaju Abel Adeleke—assured the Federal Government that the projects would be delivered in line with contractual specifications.
Traditional rulers, including the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi, and the Alapomu of Apomu, Oba Kayode Adenekan Afolabi, welcomed the reconstruction, describing it as a transformational intervention that would improve economic activities and road safety in the region.
The ceremony was attended by the governors of Kogi and Edo states, members of the National Assembly, senior government officials, traditional rulers, community leaders and other stakeholders.
The road projects form part of the Federal Government’s broader infrastructure renewal programme aimed at strengthening regional integration, enhancing economic productivity and improving the nation’s transport network.
