…targets economic revival

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday committed over N216.6 billion to the construction and reconstruction of two major federal highways in Osun State, describing the investment as a strategic intervention aimed at boosting regional commerce, improving transportation and stimulating economic growth across the South-West.

The projects, officially flagged off in Osogbo, include the 82-kilometre Osogbo–Iwo–Ibadan Road, valued at N114.85 billion, and the reconstruction and dualisation of the 44-kilometre Gbongan–Osogbo Road, awarded at N101.81 billion.

Combined, the Federal Government will spend N216,660,993,433.02 on the two projects, both of which are scheduled for completion within 24 months.

Speaking during the flag-off ceremony, President Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola, said the projects represent more than road construction, noting that they are intended to reconnect communities, enhance mobility and strengthen economic activities across Osun and neighbouring Oyo State.

“We are not just turning soil; we are turning a page. These roads are lifelines that will connect our people, unlock opportunities and restore confidence in public infrastructure,” the President declared.

Tinubu explained that the Osogbo–Iwo–Ibadan Road, which serves as the shortest route between Osogbo and Ibadan, has deteriorated significantly over the years despite its importance to agricultural production and commercial activities.

According to him, the highway traverses major communities including Osogbo, Ara, Awo, Ede, Telemu, Iwo, Laagun and Ibadan, making it a critical economic corridor for farmers, traders and commuters.

The President disclosed that the contract was awarded to Peculiar Concerns Limited at a cost of N114.85 billion, adding that the road would be constructed using Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP) to ensure durability.

He also announced the reconstruction of the Gbongan–Osogbo Road, a major gateway linking Osogbo with the Ife-Ibadan Expressway and northern parts of the country through Ikirun, Offa, and Ilorin.

The project involves upgrading failed sections of the existing highway into a modern dual carriageway, while previously dualised but deteriorated sections will be rebuilt using rigid concrete pavement technology.

Tinubu said the contract, valued at N101.81 billion, was awarded to Trucrete Solutions Limited, with contractors directed to mobilise immediately, warning that delays would not be tolerated.

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Beyond road construction, the President revealed that both projects would include modern infrastructure such as solar-powered streetlights, CCTV surveillance cameras, improved drainage systems, lay-bys, landscaping, and other safety features.

He stressed that the projects formed part of the federal government’s broader infrastructure renewal programme approved by the Federal Executive Council to ease transportation challenges and improve the economic fortunes of host communities.

The President further cited progress on other flagship road projects across the country, including the Ibadan-Ife-Ilesha Highway, the Ilesha-Akure-Owo-Benin dualisation, the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, and the Trans-Sahara Trade Route.

He assured Nigerians that his administration would insist on quality execution, transparency and accountability in all infrastructure projects.

“Every naira must count. Every milestone must be met, and every community must feel the benefit,” Tinubu said.

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He also urged the construction firms to engage young Nigerians during project execution to promote skills acquisition and local capacity development, describing the contractors as partners in national development rather than mere service providers.

Speaking at the event, the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, defended the federal government’s huge investment in road infrastructure, insisting that funds being channelled into the sector would yield long-term economic benefits for Nigerians.

Umahi said the ongoing road projects across the country were strategic investments designed to improve connectivity, facilitate trade and stimulate economic activities, adding that the infrastructure would have a multiplier effect on the national economy.

Highlighting progress on other federal highways, he disclosed that rehabilitation of the Ibadan–Ife–Ilesha Road and the dualisation of the Ilesha–Akure–Owo–Benin Highway was advancing steadily, with both projects being executed using rigid concrete pavement technology to ensure durability.

He also gave updates on flagship national projects, saying Section One of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway had been substantially completed, while other sections in Ogun, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River states were at different stages of execution.

 According to him, construction on the Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway and the Trans-Sahara Trade Route is equally progressing, with some sections completed, others under construction and additional segments undergoing engineering design.

The minister assured Nigerians that the Tinubu administration remained committed to delivering quality infrastructure capable of transforming the nation’s economy and improving the standard of living of the people.

Also, the Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, described the commencement of work on the Osogbo–Iwo Road as the fulfilment of a long-awaited aspiration of residents, recalling that the highway had remained in a deplorable condition for over 13 years.

The monarch commended President Tinubu for approving the project and acknowledged the role played by former Osun State Governor and current Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, in facilitating its execution.

According to the royal father, the decision to construct the highway using concrete pavement would guarantee durability and reduce the burden of frequent repairs.

Oba Akanbi also praised the federal government’s financial reforms, particularly the increased allocations to local governments and traditional institutions, saying the reforms had strengthened grassroots development.

He urged traditional rulers to continue supporting the federal government’s programmes aimed at improving the welfare of Nigerians and tackling poverty.

In his own submission, the Olufi of Gbongan, Oba Adetoyese Oyeniyi, thanked President Tinubu for approving the reconstruction of the Gbongan–Osogbo Road and urged residents to reciprocate the gesture by supporting the APC at the polls.

Also, APC governorship candidate, Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji, appealed to party supporters to sustain their mobilisation efforts ahead of the election, expressing confidence that the APC would emerge victorious.

On his part, the national secretary of the APC, Senator Ajibola Basiru, said the Tinubu administration had embarked on over 800 road projects covering about 5,000 kilometres nationwide, describing the projects as evidence of the federal government’s commitment to infrastructure renewal.

Basiru also argued that increased federal allocations to states and local governments had created opportunities for improved governance, promising that an APC administration in Osun would prioritise road infrastructure, education, healthcare and prudent management of public resources.