President Bola Tinubu has flagged off the reconstruction of the N216bn Osogbo-Iwo-Ibadan Road and the Osogbo-Akoda-Gbongan Road in Osun State, describing the projects as part of ongoing efforts to improve road infrastructure and stimulate economic activities across the South-West.
The flag-off ceremony, held on Thursday at Ido-Osun, was performed by the President who was represented by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola; and Minster of Works, David Umahi.
The two projects were approved by the President and awarded to contractors in May this year.
Delivering the Tinubu’s speech, Oyetola described the flag-off as the fulfilment of a long-awaited aspiration of residents, saying the reconstruction would end years of hardship experienced by motorists and communities along the corridors.
Oyetola noted that the projects were initially awarded and commenced during his administration as governor but was stopped by his predecessor for political reason.
“I am happy today that this road, which had become a source of concern to our people, is finally receiving the attention it deserves. This project was awarded during my administration, but it could not be realised before we left office. It was started but stopped after we left office. Today, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has revived it, and it is another testament to the Renewed Hope Agenda,” he said.
He added that the roads would improve connectivity, promote economic growth and ease transportation across Osun and neighbouring states.
“This is the surest route to modern infrastructure and better connectivity for our people. It will open up communities, improve commerce and bring lasting relief to road users,” Oyetola added.
“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.
“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,” he said.
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to delivering quality road infrastructure across the country and urged residents to support the administration’s development agenda.
According to him, the reconstruction of the 44-kilometre dual carriageway from Osogbo to Akoda-Gbongan was awarded at a cost of N101.8 billion, while the 82.7-kilometre Osogbo-Iwo-Ibadan Road will cost N114.85 billion, bringing the combined value of both projects to over N216 billion.
He said contracts were awarded on April 30, 2026, commenced on May 25, 2026, and are expected to be completed within 36 months, with a target completion date of May 24, 2029.
The projects include earthworks, excavation, drainage construction, culverts, asphalt paving, road shoulders, solar-powered streetlights, concrete kerbs and other supporting infrastructure aimed at improving safety, durability and the overall condition of the highways.
The Olúwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi, described the commencement of the projects as a long-awaited development, noting that the Iwo-Osogbo road had remained in a deplorable condition for years.
While describing it as an answered prayer, the traditional ruler acknowledged Oyetola’s efforts in facilitating the projects.
“This road has been in a bad condition for years. I recall how I was resuming on this road to fix it shortly after I ascended throne in 2016. I was using my funds to buy cement and construct concrete in order to make it passable. Today, we thank God that it has finally been flagged off for reconstruction. This is a legacy,” the monarch said.
Oba Akanbi further commended President Tinubu for introducing policies such as local government financial autonomy and the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), urging Nigerians to continue supporting the administration.
Also addressing the gathering, the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate in Osun State, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, popularly known as AMBO, said the projects reflected the Federal Government’s commitment to addressing infrastructure challenges in the state.
He recalled that the contracts were initially awarded during the administration of former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola but was stopped due to change of government in the state.
The APC candidate reiterated the need to ensure he takes over the reign of power in the state in order to ensure that more benefits are delivered to the people.
“What we are clamouring for is free and fair elections. We seek the support of the people because we carry your mandate,” Oyebamiji said, adding that greater collaboration between the state and the Federal Government would accelerate development if he is elected governor.
Governors of Edo, Monday Okpebholo, APC National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru called on Osun people to vote for APC in the August 15 election.