THE Osun state governor, Ademola Adeleke, today unveiled the N14 billion flyover bridge project in Lagere in the Iremo area of Ile-Ife.
At the flag-off ceremony in Lagere, Governor Adeleke disclosed that the project would be completed in twelve (12) months as he charged the contractor, Messrs Sammya Nigeria Limited to partner with the host community for the successful execution of the bridge.
He said: “We are flagging off the flyover bridge at Lagere Junction as well as the commencement of 55 kilometres 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 N14,938,924,771.45.“
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, Engr Idowu Bello, explained that the flyover will take off at Lagere and land at the Iremo Road with a dualised carriageway.
He noted that the flyover is designed to be a 10-span bridge with retailing walls at the approaches, adding that the existing structure on the ground will be given a facelift to reflect the cradle of the Yoruba race when completed.
According to the governor,“Within the 17 months of this administration, we have completed the rehabilitation of 10Km lengths of roads spread across lle-Ife and another 5Km Local Government roads will be flagged off today.”
During the flag off, His Royal Majesty, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi commended Governor Ademola Adeleke for his infrastructural policy for the state, affirming that the Lagere flyover bridge will boost Osun East economy.
The Royal Majesty, described the Lagere flyover bridge as the coming of an economic hub which will expand the economic prosperity of not just Ife-land but Osun East and Osun state as a whole.
“I must commend the foresight and thoughtfulness of Mr. Governor. Your agenda to expand state infrastructure is impressive and unrivaled. This Lagere flyover bridge and its location touch the economic heart of our people. We deeply appreciate your vision of uplifting and transforming Ife-land, the cradle of Yoruba nation”.
“ We are convinced that you will complete it in record time. We are also assured that you will put to practice your avowed commitment to local content and stomach infrastructure. When you finish the Lagere project, we know you will commence another one at Mayfair. At least, Ife-land is the origin of all Yoruba people ”, the Royal Majesty echoed.
Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi also implored residents to join hands with the Osun state government over the project.
He said: “This is the economic hub of Ile-Ife. We have banks and all manner 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,” Ooni of Ife said.
Dignitaries present at the occasion, were; Deputy Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi; the House Speaker, Adewale Egbedun; the Deputy Speaker, Hon, Ireyode Abidemi Oyewusi ; the State Chairman of the ruling party, Hon Sunday Bisi; the Head of Service, Ayanleye Aina; and Chairman of Imole Leadership team, Prof Wale Oladipo.