Gov. Adeleke flags off N14.9bn flyover bridge in Ile-Ife
By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has flagged off the construction of the flyover bridge at Lagere Junction, Ile-Ife, worth N14.9billon.
Speaking at the ceremony, Adeleke stated that his Government understand the deep level of infra deficit across the five local governments of the ancient town, hence the need to construct the flyover bridge.
He said, ” the project location was justified on the ground of easing traffic, facilitating connectivity and attracting adjacent economic activities. Ile Ife deserves not only an infra upgrade but a classical upliftment to enhance the tourism capital of this divine town. This is what our government is launching today. We are on a match to greater height for Ile Ife and Osun State as a whole.”
The Governor stressed that the ancient town deserves not only an infra upgrade but also a classical upliftment, adding that he has also commenced no fewer 55 kilometers roads across the 30 local governments and the area office.
His words: “Our good people of Ile Ife and Osun as a whole, we are here for two in one event. We are flagging off the flyover bridge at Lagere Junction as well as the commencement of 55 kilometers of roads across the 30 local governments and the area office.
“After compliance with the due process and procurement laws, the flyover bridge is awarded to Messrs Sammya Nigeria limited at a total project cost of Fourteen Billion, Nine Hundred and Thirty Eight Million, Seven Hundred and Seventy One (N14,938,924,771.45). The completion period is Twelve Months.
“Additionally, I flag off the construction of Local Government Roads totalling 55.86km at the cost of N30,677,814,099.42. This is also to have a completion period of twelve months.
“I urge the various contractors and the host communities to partner closely for the successful execution of the projects. Community relations must never be downplayed.”
In his remarks, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, appreciated the Governor for the project, however pleaded with the Governor not to deceive the town us with the flag.
Oba Ogunwusi said, “This is the economic hub of Ile-Ife. We have banks and all manners of businesses here. All the residents of neighbouring communities including Gbongan and many more towns do come to Lagere for trading. People do come from Modakeke to trade here.
“When the governor proposed this project I was very happy. Ile-Ife is the origin, despite that the Governor is from Ede, he remembered his ancestral home. I want to plead with the governor to remember Mayfair Road.”
“I want to plead with the governor not to deceive us with the flag off but please help us to complete this project. Don’t just come here to cut the ribbon but please complete this overhead bridge you unveil today.
“Also, help us to rehabilitate bad roads in Ile-Ife and expand them if need be. Please don’t neglect us and we will continue to pray for you.”
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, Engr Idowu Bello, explained that the flyover will take off at Lagere and land at Iremo road with dualized carriageway.
He noted that the flyover is design to be a 10-Span bridge with retailing walls at the approaches, adding that the existing structure on ground will be given a facelift to reflect the cradle of Yoruba race when completed.
