Infrastructure: Adeleke Flags Off Lagere’s Iconic N14.9b Flyover In Ile-Ife

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, on Tuesday flagged off the construction of Lagere’s iconic Flyover in Ile-Ife.

Adeleke who noted the deep level of infra deficit across the five local Governments 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 governments. 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 Twelve 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 completion period of twelve 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, Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi implored residents to join hands together with the Osun State Government over the project.

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.”

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, Engr Idowu Bello, explained that the flyover will take off at Lagere and land at Iremo road with dualized carriageway.

He noted that the flyover is design to be a 10-Span bridge with retailing walls at the approaches, adding that the existing structure on ground will be given a facelift to reflect the cradle of Yoruba race when completed.

He said, “Within the 17 months of this Administration, Mr. Governor has completed the rehabilitation of 10Km length of roads spread across lle-Ife and another 5Km Local Government roads will be flagged off today.”