In another bold move towards improving transportation and stimulating economic growth across the country, the Federal Government has officially flagged off the construction of the Osogbo–Akoda–Gbangan and Osogbo–Iwo–Ibadan Roads in Osun and Oyo States in the South-West geopolitical zone.
The Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, who performed the ground-breaking ceremony in Osogbo, on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, expressed delight that the two road projects executed during his tenure as Governor of Osun State are now to be reconstructed by the Federal Government, using rigid pavement. He commended President Tinubu for embarking on bold endeavours that directly improve the lives of Nigerians. “These roads are very critical to the Federal Government’s infrastructure renewal, aimed at enhancing connectivity, improving road safety and stimulating socio -economic activities,” he emphasised.
He outlined the scope of work to include site clearance, evacuation of unsuitable materials, milling of the existing asphaltic pavement, provision of a 100mm wet-crushed stone base, a 200mm cement-stabilised base course, and a 200mm continuously reinforced concrete pavement (CRCP) for both carriageways and shoulders.
The Presidential Representative disclosed that the projects, when completed, “would unlock economic opportunities, create employment, improve the transportation of agricultural produce and other goods, and enhance the overall quality of life.” He urged the contractors to deliver the jobs within the agreed engineering standards and timelines.
Speaking earlier, the Honourable Minister of Works, Sen. Engr. David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE said “The projects reflect the avowed commitment of the President to delivering critical road infrastructure across the Federation under the Renewed Hope Agenda.”
The Minister said President Tinubu’s vision is to connect communities with comparative economic advantages through strategic road networks that promote trade, create jobs, enhance security, and accelerate national development. He added that the projects are “designed to unlock economic opportunities, reduce travel time, lower transportation and vehicle maintenance costs, facilitate the movement of agricultural and other goods, strengthen security, as well as boost commercial activities.” He further stated that the roads are being constructed with the highest standards and are expected to require minimal maintenance for several decades.
Responding to concerns about the Federal Government’s borrowings, Engr. Umahi maintained that they are strategic investments in the country’s future. “For those questioning government borrowing money, this is the answer. The funds are being invested to revive and complete strategic road projects that have remained abandoned for decades,” he stressed.
Minister Umahi assured the people of Osun and Oyo States that the projects would be completed within their stipulated contractual terms. He, however, appealed to the host communities, traditional rulers, and other stakeholders to cooperate fully with the contractors to ensure the smooth and timely execution of the projects.
In his Opening Address, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Works, Mr. Rafiu Adeladan, described the flag-off as “another milestone in President Tinubu’s commitment to delivering quality infrastructure under the supervision of the Honourable Minister of Works. He explained that the roads would serve as vital socioeconomic corridors. He urged the contractors to adhere strictly to quality standards and delivery deadlines.
The Chairman, Senate Committee on Works, Senator Allwell Onyesoh, and the Chairman, House of Representatives’ Committee on Works, Honourable Akin Alabi, reaffirmed the commitment of the National Assembly to adequate appropriation of funds and effective legislative oversight of road projects nationwide.
They unanimously commended President Tinubu for prioritising infrastructure development and praised the Honourable Minister of Works for the unprecedented progress being recorded on road development across the six geopolitical zones.
In their separate remarks, the Contractors, the Managing Director of Trucrete Solutions Limited, Mr. Roze Mohammed Sherani, and the Managing Director of Peculiar Ultimate Concerns Limited, Engr. Olanrewaju Abel Adeleke, assured the Federal Government and Nigerians that the projects would be completed within the stipulated contractual parameters.
Traditional rulers at the event, including His Imperial Majesty, the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi, and the Alapomu of Apomu, Oba Kayode Adenekan Afolabi, expressed gratitude to Mr. President for reviving the critically failed road projects. They described the projects as transformational and commended the administration’s unwavering commitment to repositioning Nigeria’s road infrastructure.
The ceremony was graced by the Governors of Kogi and Edo States, His Excellency Usman Idodo and Sen. Monday Okpebholo, members of the National Assembly, senior government officials, traditional rulers, community leaders, and other key stakeholders.
The flag-off marks another significant step in the implementation of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which places strategic infrastructure development at the forefront of national economic growth, regional integration, and inclusive prosperity.
Mohammed A. Ahmed,
Director, Information and Public Relations.
7 August, 2026.
