In a swift response to Governor Seyi Makinde’s commitment, the state government has officially approved contracts for the construction and rehabilitation of 84.75km of internal roads within Ibadan.
The ambitious project involves collaboration with reputable firms such as KOPEK, RATCON Construction Company Ltd, Peculiar Ultimate Concerns Ltd, and Craneburg Construction Company.
During a press briefing at the Government House, Agodi, Ibadan, Commissioner for Public Works and Transport, Prof. Daud Shangodoyin, revealed intricate details.
The approvals encompass a diverse range of infrastructure initiatives, with the Oyo State Road Maintenance Agency (OYSROMA) allocated N553,604,734.3 for road rehabilitation and maintenance over three months.
Shangodoyin also provided a progress update on the 110 kilometers Senator Rashidi Ladoja Circular Road Project.
Notably, bridges and interchanges on the project have surpassed 90% completion, and the Executive Council has sanctioned the commencement of the 32km road infrastructure phase, entrusted to Craneburg Construction Company Limited and KOPEC Construction Company Limited.
In a related development, Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun, announced that the state government has given the nod for the release of its share of N2,791,569,918.28 for the 2023 Federal Government UBEC-OYOSUBEB special intervention counterpart fund.
These funds will be directed towards the construction and rehabilitation of educational infrastructure and other critical projects.
Dr. Olatunbosun further disclosed that N1 billion has been approved for the upgrade and operational commencement of Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Oyo.
Additionally, he shared the exciting news that UNESCO has bestowed global recognition on the annual Sango Festival as a world heritage.
In terms of road specifics, Shangodoyin outlined the roads marked for rehabilitation by OYSROMA, including U.I junction to Agbowo, Sango-Eleyele road, Zion Plaza to Olusoji Avenue, a culvert at Eleyele/Ologuneru road junction, and Eleyele roundabout, among others.
The Commissioner concluded by stating that the Executive Council has authorized the Ministry of Finance to negotiate the terms and conditions of a N150 billion facility from AFREXIMBank and Access Bank.
This substantial financial injection aims to fund the Circular Road, which, upon completion, will be concessioned to generate revenue for the state.
The multifaceted approach also includes the approval for the supply and installation of smart LED solar-powered streetlights along specific routes in Ibadan, highlighting a commitment to modern infrastructure development.
Moreover, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Mrs. Toyin Balogun, highlighted the compensation of N645 million for 692 residents of Ajia community, whose 100 hectares of land were acquired by the state government for various developmental projects.
