Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has launched the construction of the Lagere flyover in Ile-Ife, Osun State, committing to completing it within 12 months.

Additionally, he has initiated road projects totaling N30.6 billion, spanning 55.86 kilometers across all local government areas in the state.

Adeleke emphasizes the importance of enhancing Ile-Ife’s status as a tourism capital through significant upliftment efforts, recognizing the divine significance of the town.

This significant infrastructure development was part of the highlights at the official flag-off ceremony held on Tuesday, May 6, 2024, at Lagere Junction.

In addition to the flyover, Governor Adeleke also flagged off the construction of local government roads across the state, totaling 55.86 kilometers at a cost of N30,677,814,099.42.

Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Adeleke highlighted the historical significance of Ile-Ife as the source of the Yoruba race.

He acknowledged the deep infrastructural deficit across the five local governments in the area and emphasized the need to address these challenges through a comprehensive approach.

The governor emphasized that Ile-Ife not only deserves an upgrade in infrastructure but also a classical upliftment to enhance its status as a major tourist destination in the region.

This initiative is part of the government’s efforts to revitalize the town’s economy and promote its rich cultural heritage.

This is coming a week after the Governor flagged off the Ilesa road dualisation.

Governor Adeleke said, the infra deficit covers roads, health, water and schools.

He said “in the multi-billion naira agenda, we earmarked specific projects for this ancient city. Many are ongoing and more are still coming.

“This iconic bridge, the first of its kind in this land of the source.

“The project location was justified on the ground of easing traffic, facilitating connectivity and attracting adjacent economic activities.

“This is what our government is launching today. We are in a match to greater height for Ile Ife and Osun State as a whole.

” I want to use this platform to assure elders, sons and daughters of Ile Ife that our government is committed to solving the many developmental issues facing this city.

‘We are applying phased project implementation strategies due to the huge infra deficit with attendant low funding capacity.

“We however assure all and sundry that our strategy will eventually fulfill the yearnings and aspirations of all our people.

“Even with funding constraints, our government has delivered on various fronts for the Ife area.

Governor Adeleke therefore listed areas of achievements and plans for the future across the five local government areas of Osun state which includes:

IFE EAST LOCAL GOVERNMENT

1 Asphaltic Tarring of Oriyangi- Oke Atan – Ogbedu Road
2 Tarring of Ife City – Benediction to Olasode
3 Renovation of Yekemi Maternity
4 Renovation of 3 Buildings of a Block of 3 Classrooms at LA Primary School Ilode
PROPOSED
1 Asphaltic Tarring of Olurin Road _1.5km(Ife East and Ife Ooye)
2 Renovation of Ifelodun Maternity

IFE NORTH LGA

Provision of seven boreholes across the LGA
Renovation of schools across the lGA
Commencement of three road construction across the LGA

IFE SOUTH WEST LCDA

Proposed renovation of garage olode Health center,
Proposed renovation of one block of class room in united Anglican primary school garage olode,
Proposed renovation of one class room in ara Alubati in Osi ward in ife south west LCDA awolowo town garage olode ife

IFE NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Renovation of 5 blocks of classroom at L.A.pry. school, Ipetumodu
Provision of 4 motorized water borehole
Approval for the construction of 1.5 km Akinlalu township road.

IFE NORTH AREA COUNCIL, OYERE ABORISADE

6 Motorized borehole at :
Molodo, Oyere Ward 1
Okuomo Famia Ward
Atowo, Oyere Ward 2
Fadehan, Oyere Ward 2
Isanlu, Oyere Ward 2
Womonle, Oyere Ward 2

IFE NORTH WEST LCDA EDUNABON

Renovation of 3 blocks of 3 classrooms each at C A C pry. School Edunabon
Renovation of 4 blocks of 3 classrooms each at L.A pry. School, Edunabon
Provision of 3 motorized borehole at Edunabon and Moro
Area Office, Modakeke
1.Rehabilitation of schools
2.Rehabilitation of health centre
Ongoing reconstruction of local road

“Our good people of Ile Ife and Osun as a whole, we are here for two in one event. We are flagging off the flyover bridge at Lagere Junction as well as the commencement of 55 kilometers 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 Fourteen Billion, Nine Hundred and Thirty Eight Million, Seven Hundred and Seventy One (N14,938,924,771.45). The completion period is Twelve Months,” he said

He also confirmed that he has also flagged 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 completion period of twelve months.

Adeleke therefore urged the various contractors and the host communities to partner closely for the successful execution of the projects.

He also noted that the Community relations must never be downplayed.