From Lateef Dada, Osogbo
Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has directed the contractor handling the Osogbo-Iwo-Ibadan road to return to the site and ensure the completion of the project.
The project was flagged off by the former Governor of Osun, Adegboyega Oyetola, and Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, in October 2022, with a promise to complete it within 18 months. The project had stopped following Adeleke’s direction since his assumption of office.
Traditional rulers and the people of the affected communities have appealed to Adeleke to release funds for the completion of the Osogbo-Iwo section, particularly as the Oyo government has intensified efforts on its section of the Iwo-Ibadan road.
Speaking at the 2024 Iwo Day at the weekend, Adeleke promised that the contractor would fully mobilise to the site in January 2025, and the 91km road would be commissioned within the lifespan of his administration.
Represented by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Adeleke also promised the dualisation of the Adeeke-Odoori road within Iwo township, with full solar lighting.
“On Iwo-Osogbo roads, all the impediments delaying early completion are now cleared. A fast-tracked implementation plan is now in place. The contractor, who is your own son, will fully mobilise to site from January 2025.
“I want to assure you that our government will complete and commission that road within the lifespan of this administration.
“Now, there is the icing on the cake. In line with our commitment to equity and fairness, our administration has approved a dual carriageway for Iwo. The dualisation of Adeeke-Odori road will be done in two phases. The first phase will run from Odoori to the Post Office, with a branching to the front of the palace from the Roundabout. The second phase will run from the Post Office to Adeeke junction.
“I hereby direct the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure to host community engagement events with stakeholders on the proposed highway. Additionally, the Ministry is further directed to mobilise to site in January to commence the dualisation project.
“We will deliver all these under record time with direct emphasis on local content. We will ensure we use local personnel, local suppliers, and local engineers. Our goal is to deepen prosperity by ensuring that Osun money circulates within Osun,” Adeleke said.