Tinubu flags off ₦216.7bn Osogbo-Iwo-Ibadan, Gbongan road projects
By Ismail Azeez
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday flagged off the construction of the Osogbo-Iwo-Ibadan Road linking Osun and Oyo states, alongside the reconstruction of the Gbongan-Osogbo Road in Osun State, describing the projects as critical infrastructure to boost connectivity and economic growth under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony in Osogbo, Tinubu said the projects represented a commitment by the Federal Government to connect communities, unlock economic opportunities, and restore confidence in public infrastructure.
The President, who was represented by Gboyega Oyetola, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, disclosed that the 82-kilometre Osogbo-Iwo-Ibadan Road awarded to Peculiar Concerns Limited at a cost of ₦114.85 billion will be completed within 24 months using Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP) technology to ensure durability.
He stated that the reconstruction of the 44-kilometre dual carriageway (88 kilometres in total across both directions) from Gbongan to Osogbo was awarded to Trucrete Solutions Limited for ₦101.81 billion, also with a completion period of 24 months.
He added that the scope of work includes rigid concrete pavement, drainage systems, solar-powered streetlights, CCTV cameras, landscaping, and other road safety features.
Tinubu urged the contractors to view themselves as development partners by engaging and training young Nigerians during the execution of the projects.
He expressed confidence that the roads would be completed successfully and would drive economic development across the affected states and the nation at large.
According to the President, the projects were approved by the Federal Executive Council to improve transportation, reduce travel time, and stimulate socio-economic activities in the benefiting communities.
“Today, we are not just turning soil; we are turning a page. Flagging off these road projects marks a clear commitment to connect our people, unlock opportunities, and restore confidence in public infrastructure.”
“The first project is the 82-kilometre Osogbo-Iwo-Ibadan Road, awarded to Messrs Peculiar Concerns Limited at a contract sum of ₦114,854,477,607.93. The road, which originates from the Dele-Yes Sir Roundabout in Osogbo, traverses the agricultural belts of Osun and Oyo States and serves as the shortest route from Osogbo to Ibadan. Major towns along the corridor include Osogbo, Ara, Awo, Ede, Telemu, Iwo, Lagun, and Ibadan.”
“The second project is the reconstruction of the 44-kilometre Gbongan-Osogbo Road, awarded to Messrs Trucrete Solutions Limited at ₦101,806,515,825.09. The road begins at the Old Garage Roundabout in Osogbo and passes through Owode Ede, Akoda Ede, Sekona, Oogi, and Odeomu before terminating at Gbongan on the Ife-Ibadan Expressway.”
“These roads are lifelines. They will enable farmers to move goods faster, allow children to get to school more safely, and feature CCTV cameras for security as well as adequate drainage systems,” he said.
In his address, the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, stated that the President’s intervention in quality construction has helped tackle insecurity in the country.
In his words, “Let me assure the people of Nigeria that since we started work on most of these roads, there have been no kidnappings along these corridors. The roads the President is building are tackling the insecurity and hunger we met on the ground, which is vital to our economic revolution. We have thousands of people along these routes benefiting from direct and indirect jobs.”