By Ajibola Olaide, JKNewsMedia Reporter
FEDERAL ROAD projects valued at N216.65 billion have been flagged off in Osun State, with President Bola Tinubu directing contractors to deliver quality work within stipulated timelines.
JKNewsMedia.com reports that Tinubu, represented at the flag off ceremony in Osogbo on Thursday by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, said his administration would ensure the projects deliver value for money and improve connectivity across the region.
He also urged the contractors to engage young people in the execution of the projects, providing them with opportunities to gain practical skills and experience.
“Let me assure you, this administration will enforce quality standards, transparency, and value for money. Every Naira must count. Every milestone must be met. And every community must feel the benefit,” the President said.
“To our contractors and engineers, deliver with excellence and speed. To our state and local partners, let us work as one team. To our citizens, your patience, and support will guide this success.
“Together, we will build not just a road, but trust, not just a route, but a future. May this project stand as a testament to what we can achieve when purpose meets action.”
The Gbongan to Osogbo Road project covers about 44 kilometres of road alignment and will involve upgrading failed sections of the existing carriageway and reconstructing deteriorated dualised sections.
The project links Osogbo with communities including Owode Ede, Akoda Ede, Sekona, Oogi, Ode Omu and Gbongan. It was awarded to Messrs Trucrete Solutions Limited at a cost of N101.8 billion and has a completion period of 24 months.
The President also announced that the approximately 82 kilometre Osogbo to Iwo to Ibadan Road, which serves as the shortest route between Osogbo and Ibadan and passes through key agricultural areas in Osun and Oyo states, had been awarded to Messrs Peculiar Concerns Limited.
The project is valued at N114.85 billion and is expected to be completed within 24 months.
Tinubu highlighted other ongoing federal road projects, including the Ibadan to Ife to Ilesha rehabilitation and the dualisation of the Ilesha to Akure to Owo to Benin Road, which he said were progressing at different stages.
He also provided updates on major infrastructure projects, including the Lagos to Calabar Coastal Highway, Sokoto to Badagry Superhighway and the Trans Sahara trade route.
On the Lagos to Calabar Coastal Highway, Tinubu said Section 1 in Lagos had been substantially completed, while other sections across Ogun, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states were at various stages of completion.
He said work on the Sokoto to Badagry Road was ongoing across several sections, with completion levels ranging from 18 per cent to 60 per cent.
For the Trans Sahara trade route, which spans Calabar through Ebonyi, Benue, Kogi and Nasarawa to Abuja, the President said some sections had commenced while others were undergoing design and mobilisation.
The ceremony was attended by Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, Works Minister Dave Umahi, Osun governorship candidate Bola Oyebamiji and other dignitaries.
Speaking at the event, the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, expressed support for Tinubu’s administration and urged voters to back his re-election bid in 2027.
The monarch also said other presidential candidates seeking support in the 2027 election would not receive his backing.
Meanwhile, Okpebholo and Umahi called on Osun residents to support the ruling party in the forthcoming governorship election, describing it as a way of appreciating the President’s intervention in the state.
The Osogbo to Iwo to Ibadan and Gbongan to Osogbo road projects are part of the federal government’s broader infrastructure programme aimed at improving road networks, easing transportation challenges and strengthening economic activities across states.
The projects are expected to enhance the movement of goods and people while improving connectivity between Osun, Oyo and neighbouring regions.
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