Umahi Assures Timely Completion of Osun–Oyo Road Projects, Defends Infrastructure Borrowing

Umahi Assures Timely Completion of Osun–Oyo Road Projects, Defends Infrastructure Borrowing

By Raphael Ekpang

Osogbo (Core Reporters) – Nigeria’s Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, has assured residents of Osun and Oyo states that the reconstruction of the Osogbo–Akoda–Gbangan and Osogbo–Iwo–Ibadan roads will be completed within the stipulated contractual period, while defending the Federal Government’s borrowing as a strategic investment in Nigeria’s infrastructure and economic future.

Speaking at the official flag-off of the projects in Osogbo, Umahi said the road reconstruction reflects President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to delivering critical infrastructure across the country under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

According to him, the President’s vision is to connect communities with comparative economic advantages through strategic road networks that promote trade, create jobs, strengthen security and accelerate national development.

He noted that the projects are designed to unlock economic opportunities, reduce travel time, lower transportation and vehicle maintenance costs, facilitate the movement of agricultural produce and other goods, enhance security and boost commercial activities. He added that the roads are being constructed with rigid concrete pavement to ensure durability and require minimal maintenance for decades.

Responding to concerns over the Federal Government’s borrowing, Umahi maintained that the loans are being channelled into productive infrastructure.

“For those questioning the 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 said.

The Minister appealed to host communities, traditional rulers and other stakeholders to cooperate with the contractors to ensure the smooth and timely execution of the projects.

Earlier, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, who represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the groundbreaking ceremony, described the projects as a major step in the Federal Government’s infrastructure renewal programme.

Oyetola expressed satisfaction that the two roads, originally initiated during his tenure as Governor of Osun State, are now being reconstructed by the Federal Government using rigid pavement technology.

He said the projects would improve connectivity, enhance road safety, stimulate socio-economic activities and create employment opportunities across the region.

He explained that the scope of work includes site clearance, removal of unsuitable materials, milling of the existing asphalt pavement, construction 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.

Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Works, Rafiu Adeladan, described the flag-off as another milestone in President Tinubu’s commitment to delivering quality infrastructure, noting that the roads would serve as vital socio-economic corridors.

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 projects nationwide.

They commended President Tinubu for prioritising infrastructure development and praised Umahi for the pace of road construction projects across the six geopolitical zones.

The contractors handling the projects—Managing Director of Trucrete Solutions Limited, Roze Mohammed Sherani, and Managing Director of Peculiar Ultimate Concerns Limited, Engr. Olanrewaju Abel Adeleke—assured the Federal Government that the projects would be delivered within the agreed contractual timelines.

Traditional rulers, including the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi, and the Alapomu of Apomu, Oba Kayode Adenekan Afolabi, thanked President Tinubu for reviving the long-abandoned road projects, describing them as transformational to the economic fortunes of the region.

The ceremony was attended by the governors of Kogi and Edo states, members of the National Assembly, senior government officials, traditional rulers, community leaders and other stakeholders.

The reconstruction of the Osogbo–Akoda–Gbangan and Osogbo–Iwo–Ibadan roads is expected to enhance regional connectivity, promote commerce and agriculture, improve road safety and support the Federal Government’s broader infrastructure development agenda.