Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke said his administration is bringing iconic bridge to Ile-Ife as he flagged off construction of Mayfair flyover.
The N14.94bn flyover is part of the infrastructure plan of the Governor.
Speaking at the flag off ceremony attended by the Deputy Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi, Speaker Adewale Egbedun, among other top government functionaries, Adeleke said he is bridging the infrastructure gap inherited from his predecessors.
He said, “we are here to bring to reality the construction of a flyover bridge, this iconic bridge, the first of its kind in this land of the source.
“The project location was justified on the ground of easing traffic, facilitating connectivity and attracting adjacent economic activities. Ile Ife deserves not only an infra upgrade but a classical upliftment to enhance the tourism capital of this divine town. This is what our government is launching today. We are on a match to greater height for Ile Ife and Osun State as a whole.
“I want to use this platform to assure elders, sons and daughters of Ile Ife that our government is committed to solving the many developmental issues facing this city. We are applying phased project implementation strategies due to the huge infra deficit with attendant low funding capacity. We however assure all and sundry that our strategy will eventually fulfill the yearnings and aspirations of all our people.
“Our good people of Ile Ife and Osun as a whole, we are here for two in one event. We are flagging off the flyover bridge at Lagere Junction as well as the commencement of 55 kilometers of roads across the 30 local governments and the area office.
“After compliance with the due process and procurement laws, the flyover bridge is awarded to Messrs Sammya Nigeria limited at a total project cost of Fourteen Billion, Nine Hundred and Thirty Eight Million, Seven Hundred and Seventy One (N14,938,924,771.45). The completion period is Twelve Months.
“Additionally, I flag off the construction of Local Government Roads totalling 55.86km at the cost of N30,677,814,099.42. This is also to have a completion period of twelve months”, the Governor stressed.
Earlier at his palace, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi commended the Governor for his foresight.
He said the infrastructure will deepen the economic growth of the ancient town.
“I must commend the foresight and thoughtfulness of Mr. Governor. Your agenda to expand state infrastructure is impressive and unrivaled. This Lagere flyover bridge and its location touch at the economic heart of our people. We deeply appreciate your vision of uplifting and transforming Ifeland , the cradle of Yoruba nation.
“ We are convinced that you will complete it in record time. We are also assured that you will put to practice your avowed commitment to local content and stomach infrastructure. When you finish the Lagere project, we know you will commence another one at Mayfair. At least, Ifeland is the origin of all Yoruba people ”, the Royal Majesty who spoke in Yoruba language noted.