By Ismail Azeez
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, on Thursday officially commissioned the completed 3.5-kilometer first phase of the Ila township road dualization project.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, the governor described the dual carriageway as much more than physical infrastructure, calling it a vital artery for commerce, public mobility, and community safety.
He emphasized that the project, alongside other township roads, local markets, and healthcare facilities, reflects his administration’s firm belief in driving grassroots development across the state.
Governor Adeleke noted that the upgraded road network will attract new investments to the historic town while streamlining the transportation of farm produce and improving access to schools, medical centers, and the palace.
“The dual carriageway is more than a road; it is a lifeline for commerce, mobility, and safety for our people.”
“Ila is a historic town, a center of learning, culture, and commerce. With this dualized road, we are opening Ila to more investment, easier movement of farm produce, and better access to essential institutions. Beyond this project, my administration has equally completed over seven kilometers of intracity roads within Ila Orangun,” Governor Adeleke said.
He added that ongoing intercity road construction across the state will ensure Ila Orangun remains fully integrated into Osun State’s broader infrastructure development agenda.
Earlier in the event, the Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr. Tokunbo Salam, highlighted that the project was delivered within the governor’s strict 12-month timeline, praising the administration’s urban renewal drive.
Salam recalled that Governor Adeleke flagged off the construction exactly 12 months and two days prior, charging the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure to complete the first phase within a year.
He noted that the newly commissioned stretch represents the initial phase of the project, with additional transformation planned for subsequent phases.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by the Orangun of Ila, Oba Abdulwahab Olukayode Oyedotun (Bibiire I), alongside members of the Imole Campaign Council, state executive council officials, and prominent community leaders.