Osun, Oyo Governors flag-off reconstruction of road linking state capitals

The Governor of Osun state, Adegboyega Oyetola and his Oyo state counterpart, Seyi Makinde, on Thursday, jointly flagged off the reconstruction of 91km Ibadan-Iwo-Osogbo road for a total sum of N24 billion.

 

The road which was described by the two governors as critical to the economy of their states had been in a deplorable condition for more than 40 years.

 

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony in Osogbo, Osun state capital, Governor Oyetola said it took the tenacity of the two state governors working together with a unity of vision to bring the flag-off to reality.

Oyetola, who disclosed that the road contract was awarded through an e-procurement process, said the Osun part of the road contract, measuring about 55km was awarded at the sum of N11,309,932,939.00.

 

He stated further that the reconstruction of the Osun state section of the road had been divided into two segments and would be completed within 18 months.

 

Road Specifications

 

Oyetola said the road was projected to have the best alignment in the entire south-western region and would be completely overlaid after all the problematic sections had been treated.

 

He said: “The first segment, the dualisation of Osogbo (Dele Yes Sir Roundabout) to Sawmill, (Ido Osun) has a total length of about 2.8km, 7.3m width carriageway on either side of the road separated by 2.0m width median, 1.0m width hard shoulders on either side of the carriageways, and 1.5m width walkway on either side of the road, furnished with solar powered street lighting. 

 

“The Dele Yes Sir Roundabout and the islands shall be adorned with a spectacular landscape that will bring out the beauty of Osogbo as the capital city of Osun and the home of culture.

 

“The second segment which shall begin from the Sawmill (Ido Osun) and end at the Oyo State Boundary, with a total length of 52.6km, shall be of Single Carriageway with a width of 7.3m and 1.5m width hard shoulder, he added.

 

A Revolution

 

In his remarks, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state described the project as a revolution aimed at strengthening the bond of unity between Oyo and Osun states.

 

He said since both states were one and the same before Osun was carved out of Oyo in 1991, the Ibadan-Iwo-Osogbo road would serve as a bridge of reintegration between both sister states.

 

The Governor added that the revolution both states had started would see them collaborate more for the benefit of their people and the region in general.

 

He disclosed that Oyo state would spend N12.5billion to reconstruct the section of the road belonging to it, adding that it would be worth every naira since the larger aim was regional integration and commerce.

 

Makinde said: “So, I am joining Governor Oyetola, and together today, we are making history. We will be linking our dear states with road projects. I need to acknowledge the fact that we both demonstrated the fact that politics should be put behind while governance and people’s interest must be given priority. 

 

“The revolution we are leading is a revolution of thought, ideas and we are saying governance must top history by putting the interest of our people first. 

 

“This is the revolution we are talking about. This latest collaboration will come with dividends of democracy that will enhance trade and commerce. 

 

With its completion, we are saving lives and time of people traveling through Osun to Oyo and indeed we are putting money into the pocket of our people,” the Governor said.

 

The 91km Ibadan-Iwo-Osogbo road is said to be of great economic importance to both states as it links Ibadan, the Oyo State capital with Osogbo, capital of Osun state via several towns and villages, including the ancient town of Iwo.