By Shina Abubakar
OSOGBO — President Bola Tinubu on Thursday flagged off the construction of the Osogbo-Iwo-Ibadan and Osogbo-Gbongan roads in Osun State, directing the contractors handling the projects to mobilise to site immediately.
The projects comprise the 82-kilometre Osogbo-Iwo-Ibadan Road and the dualisation of the 44-kilometre Osogbo-Gbongan Road, both to be constructed using continuous reinforced concrete pavement (CRCP).
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony held at Aje International Market, Osogbo, the President, represented by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, said the projects had been awarded to Messrs Peculiar Ultimate Concerns and Messrs Trucrete Solutions Limited, with a completion period of 24 months each.
According to him, the Osogbo-Iwo-Ibadan Road project, awarded to Messrs Peculiar Ultimate Concerns, is valued at ₦114.85 billion, while the Osogbo-Gbongan Road project will cost ₦101.81 billion.
Tinubu described the projects as part of the Federal Government’s commitment to improving road infrastructure, enhancing connectivity and stimulating economic activities.
“Flagging off these road projects marks a clear commitment to connect our people, unlock opportunities and restore confidence in public infrastructure. These roads are lifelines and form a critical component of the Federal Government’s road infrastructure development programme aimed at enhancing connectivity, improving road safety and stimulating socio-economic activities,” he said.
He noted that the Osogbo-Iwo-Ibadan Road serves as the shortest route between Osogbo and Ibadan, traversing key agricultural communities in Osun and Oyo states, while the Osogbo-Gbongan Road links major towns and connects to the Ife-Ibadan Expressway.
The President said the projects would involve site clearance, earthworks, drainage construction, stone base installation, reinforced concrete pavement, solar-powered street lighting, CCTV surveillance, landscaping and the provision of lay-bys where necessary.
He added that the contractors had been directed to mobilise fully to site without delay.
“The contractors have been directed to mobilise fully to site, as any delay will not be welcomed,” he said.
Earlier, the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, defended the Federal Government’s borrowing for infrastructure, saying the funds were being invested in durable road projects that would stimulate economic growth.
He urged Nigerians questioning the government’s borrowing to tour ongoing federal road projects across the country.
“Those asking why we are borrowing money should travel across the country and see what the Federal Government is doing. We are building roads that will last for about 100 years with minimal maintenance,” Umahi said.
He highlighted progress on several ongoing projects, including sections of the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway and the Trans-Sahara Trade Route linking Calabar to Abuja through Ebonyi, Benue, Kogi and Nasarawa states.
According to the minister, work on Section One of the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway in Sokoto State has reached 40 per cent completion, Section Two in Kebbi State is at 60 per cent, Section Three in Ogun State has attained 18 per cent completion, while work is progressing on the Oyo section recently awarded.
He added that construction had also commenced on sections of the Trans-Sahara Trade Route, with engineering designs ongoing for other segments.
Umahi maintained that the road projects would attract private investment, create jobs and enhance economic activities, noting that some completed roads would eventually be tolled under public-private partnership arrangements.
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