Tinubu Flags Off Strategic Osun–Oyo Highway Reconstruction, Says Infrastructure Is Restoring Confidence, Expanding Economic Opportunities
” WE ARE NOT JUST TURNING SOIL, WE ARE TURNING A PAGE OF OPPORTUNITIES AND RESTORING CONFIDENCE”- President Tinubu
By Pan Afric Reporters ABUJA/OSOGBO
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to using strategic road infrastructure as a catalyst for economic growth, regional integration and national development, declaring that the Federal Government is “not just turning soil, but turning a page of opportunities and restoring confidence” across Nigeria.
The position was contained in a press statement issued by the Federal Ministry of Works and signed by Mohammed A. Ahmed, Director of Information and Public Relations.
Representing President Tinubu at the official flag-off of the reconstruction of the Osogbo–Akoda–Gbangan and Osogbo–Iwo–Ibadan roads in Osun and Oyo States, the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, described the projects as critical components of the Federal Government’s infrastructure renewal programme aimed at improving connectivity, enhancing road safety and stimulating socio-economic activities.
Oyetola noted that the two highways, originally executed during his tenure as Governor of Osun State, would now be reconstructed using Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP) to ensure durability and minimal maintenance for decades.
He said the projects would include site clearance, evacuation of unsuitable materials, milling of existing asphalt pavement, construction of a 100mm wet-crushed stone base, a 200mm cement-stabilised base course and a 200mm continuously reinforced concrete pavement for both carriageways and shoulders.
According to him, the roads will unlock economic opportunities, create employment, facilitate the transportation of agricultural produce and other goods, and improve the quality of life of residents in the affected communities.
“These roads are very critical to the Federal Government’s infrastructure renewal, aimed at enhancing connectivity, improving road safety and stimulating socio-economic activities,” Oyetola said.
The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, said the projects reflect President Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to delivering strategic infrastructure under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He explained that the President’s vision is to connect communities with comparative economic advantages through quality road networks that promote commerce, strengthen security, create jobs and accelerate national development.
“The projects reflect the avowed commitment of the President to delivering critical road infrastructure across the Federation under the Renewed Hope Agenda,” Umahi stated.
The Works Minister said the reconstructed roads would reduce travel time, lower transportation and vehicle maintenance costs, facilitate the movement of agricultural produce and commercial goods, improve security and stimulate economic activities across the South-West corridor.
He also defended the Federal Government’s borrowing strategy, insisting that funds obtained through loans are being invested in productive infrastructure capable of delivering long-term economic benefits.
“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,” Umahi said.
He assured residents of Osun and Oyo States that the projects would be completed within the stipulated contractual period while appealing to host communities, traditional rulers and other stakeholders to cooperate with contractors to ensure smooth execution.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Works, Rafiu Adeladan, described the flag-off as another milestone in President Tinubu’s commitment to quality infrastructure delivery, noting that the roads would serve as vital socio-economic corridors for the region.
He urged contractors to maintain strict compliance with quality standards and contractual timelines.
Also speaking, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Senator Allwell Onyesoh, and Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Works, Hon. Akin Alabi, reaffirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to providing adequate funding and effective legislative oversight for road infrastructure nationwide.
The lawmakers commended President Tinubu for prioritising infrastructure development and praised Senator Umahi for what they described as unprecedented progress in road construction across the country’s six geopolitical zones.
In separate remarks, the Managing Director of Trucrete Solutions Limited, Roze Mohammed Sherani, and the Managing Director of Peculiar Ultimate Concerns Limited, Engr. Olanrewaju Abel Adeleke, assured Nigerians that the projects would be delivered in accordance with contractual specifications and within the agreed timelines.
Traditional rulers, including the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi, and the Alapomu of Apomu, Oba Kayode Adenekan Afolabi, expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for reviving the long-abandoned highways, describing the intervention as transformative for the economic fortunes of the region.
The event was attended by the Governors of Kogi State, Usman Ododo, and Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, members of the National Assembly, senior government officials, traditional rulers, community leaders and other stakeholders.
The Federal Ministry of Works said the reconstruction of the Osogbo–Akoda–Gbangan and Osogbo–Iwo–Ibadan roads represents another significant milestone in the implementation of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which places strategic infrastructure development at the centre of Nigeria’s economic transformation, regional integration and inclusive prosperity.
