Oyetola, Makinde jointly commence reconstruction of Osogbo-Iwo-Ibadan road

... We’re leading revolution of ideas, collaborations with sister states regardless of differences– Makinde

…Project, a fulfilment of my campaign promise –Oyetola

BLESSING AKOROWOSI, Osogbo

Osun State Governor, Adegboyega Oyetola has partnered Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State for the rehabilitation of 91km Osogbo-Iwo-Ibadan road.

While N11.3billion was budgeted for the Osun section of the road project covering 55.4km rehabilitation of Osogbo-Iwo-Oyo state boundary, N12.5billion would be spent on the Oyo section spread across 35.6km reconstruction of Ibadan-Iwo road-Osun State boundary.

Speaking during the flag off ceremony in Osogbo on Thursday, Gov. Oyetola said the project is part of his administration’s resolve to spread good road network and enhance the wellbeing of the entire citizenry.

He further stated that flag-off is a fulfilment of his campaign promise to the people of Iwo during the electioneering.

Oyetola said, “When the project was initially conceptualised, our plan was to fix the Osogbo-Iwo section that belongs to Osun. We, however, on a second thought observed that the Oyo State section too was in a very bad shape and capable of defeating the objective of our road Reconstruction/Rehabilitation effort.

“Consequently, we reached out to Governor Makinde and, without hesitation; he embarked on this invaluable voyage with us. I must, therefore, reiterate that but for the tenacity of my counterpart from Oyo State and his understanding, this all-important collaborative project would not have become a reality. For me, I believe this kind of collaboration will further promote regional integration in the South-West.

“The road commences at the rotary intersections connecting it with the Lagos-Ibadan on Ibadan-Iwo-Osogbo and Ibadan-Oyo Highways. The two states inherited the road at the creation of Osun from old Oyo State in the year 1991.”

He noted that the Osun section is to be executed in 18 months under two main segments, “the first segment, the dualisation of Osogbo (Dele Yes Sir Roundabout) to Sawmill, (Ido Osun) has a total length of about 2.8km, 7.3m width carriageway on either side of the road separated by 2.0m width median, 1.0m width hard shoulders on either side of the carriageways, and 1.5m width walkway on either side of the road, furnished with solar powered street lighting.

“The second segment which shall begin from the Sawmill (Ido Osun) and end at the Oyo State Boundary, with a total length of 52.6km, shall be of Single Carriageway with a width of 7.3m and 1.5m width hard shoulder. This leg of the road shall also make provision for adequate hydraulic structures with thorough treatment of the problematic sections by the provision of filter bed, removal of unsuitable materials, and improvement of the vertical alignment of the road.”

On his own part, Gov. Makinde pointed out that it is an era of revolution of ideas and thoughts across the south west states in Nigeria whereby the interest of the people is placed above politics and differences.

He stated that the revolution began with the establishment of the Western Nigeria Security Network codenamed Amotekun corps which is present in five of the six south west states.

He further mentioned the settlement on the ownership of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (Lautech) in Ogbomoso, adding that the joint road construction is another milestone for the development of the two states.

In his words, “Today, I’m joining Gov Oyetola, together again, we are making history. This time as jointly agreed we will be linking our dear state with a road project, another milestone of collaboration is reached with the flagging off of this construction, rehabilitation and expansion of the Osogbo-Iwo-Ibadan road.

“I need to acknowledge the fact that by this collaboration, we have both demonstrated that politics should be left to those few months when INEC says we should campaign for Election or reelection. We must practise politics of justice, fairness without bitterness or rancour.

“The revolution we are leading is a revolution of thoughts and ideas. When we make decisions as leaders of our people we must put the interest of our people first. Despite all these differences, myself and my brother have accomplished things that people from the same party were unable to do. This is the revolution we are talking about.

“This latest collaboration also comes with dividends of good governance because when this road is completed, our people will be able to travel with more ease hereby enhancing trade and commerce.

“With the completion of this road of 91km with dualisation of both sides, it will take care of where you already have serious traffic and will now take about 50mins to move between Osogbo and Ibadan. Time, they say is money, so we are putting money back into the pockets of the residents of both states. By next year, we will begin to see development in real terms.”

In their separate remarks, the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi and the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Lekan Alli Balogun, appreciated the two governors for prioritising the needs of the people, noting that the project will bring development to the towns.

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