His Royal Majesty, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi has showered praises on Governor Ademola Adeleke over his administration's holistic infrastructure agenda for the state, affirming that the Lagere flyover bridge flagged off today will deepen Osun East economy.
Receiving the State Governor, his team and leaders of Ifeland at his Palace and addressing the public at the Lagere Junction, the global monarch analyzed the economic significance of Lagere Junction linking all major economic arteries of Osun State from Gbongan-Ikire axis in Osun West to Garage Olode on the route to Ondo and the direct economic linkage to Ijeshaland.
His Royal Majesty, a toprank businessman before his ascension to the throne of Oduduwa, described the Lagere flyover bridge as the coming of an economic hub which will expand the economic prosperity of not just Ifeland but Osun East and Osun state as a whole.
“I must commend the foresight and thoughtfulness of Mr. Governor. Your agenda to expand state infrastructure is impressive and unrivaled. This Lagere flyover bridge and its location touch at the economic heart of our people. We deeply appreciate your vision of uplifting and transforming Ifeland , the cradle of Yoruba nation.
“ We are convinced that you will complete it in record time. We are also assured that you will put to practice your avowed commitment to local content and stomach infrastructure. When you finish the Lagere project, we know you will commence another one at Mayfair. At least, Ifeland is the origin of all Yoruba people '', the Royal Majesty who spoke in Yoruba language noted.
Flagging off the project at a ceremony attended by top leaders of the state including the Deputy Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi; the House Speaker , Adewale Egbedun; the Deputy Speaker, Hon,Ireyode Abidemi Oyewusi ; the State Chairman of the ruling party, Hon Sunday Bisi; the Head of Service, Ayanleye Aina; and Chairman of Imole Leadership team, Prof Wale Oladipo, Governor Adeleke said his infra agenda is primed to change the economic fortunes of the state for the better.
The State Governor said he adopted a big view approach to the huge infra deficit he inherited from his predecessor, noting that his team understands the deep level of infra deficit which covers roads, health, water and schools.
Explaining his administration's efforts to bridge the infra gap, the Governor recalled the flag off of road dualisation last week at Ilesa, adding “we are here to bring to reality the construction of a flyover bridge, 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. Ile Ife deserves not only an infra upgrade but a classical upliftment to enhance the tourism capital of this divine town. This is what our government is launching today. We are on 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.
“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.
“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”, the Governor stressed.
Earlier, Prof Oladipo had expressed appreciation to Governor Adeleke for his wonderful performance in office and affirming that the Governor had made all members of the Imole team proud by proving himself worthy of the office of a Governor.
“ On this occasion, we thank the Governor as the Prince of Ife and as the Chairman of the Imole Leadership team. You make us proud and we are proud of you. Today, Ile Ife and Osun State will not forget your legacy decisions and actions.”, Prof Oladipo noted.
