Ooni Rejoices as Adeleke  Begins Construction of   N14.9bn Flyover in Ile-Ife

Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, yesterday flagged off the construction of Lagere iconic flyover in Ile-Ife.

Also, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Sammya Nigeria Limited, Adigun Sammy Oreoluwa, expressed readiness to provide high quality and the best road infrastructure for the government and the people of Osun State in record time.

Adeleke, who noted the deep level of infrastructure deficit across the five local government areas in Ile-Ife, said he embarked on the project to address the challenges by applying a big view approach.

The governor said: “Ile Ife is the source of the Yoruba race. I understand the deep level of infra deficit across the five local government areas. Consequently, we decided as a government to address the challenges by applying a big view approach.

“The infra deficit covers roads, health, water and schools. In the multi-billion naira agenda, we earmarked specific projects for this ancient city. Many are ongoing and more are still coming.

Describing the flyover bridge as the first of its kind, Adeleke said: “The project location was justified on the ground of easing traffic, facilitating connectivity and attracting adjacent economic activities.

“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 12 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 completon period of 12 months.”

He, therefore, urged the contractors and the host communities to partner closely for successful execution of the projects, saying community relations must never be downplayed.

Speaking also, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, implored residents to join hands with the Osun State Government in making the project a success.

He 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.”

However, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Sammya Nigeria Limited, Sammy Adigun Oreoluwa, in his remarks said he would work towards the completion period of twelve months.”