BREAKING: FG Greenlights Oko Olowo Flyover as Umahi, AbdulRazaq Inspect Eiyenkorin–Offa Road

Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, on Thursday flagged off the construction of the 15.15km Ojoku-Ilemona road in Oyun Local Government Area, describing it as part of his administration’s effort to open up communities for economic growth and improved travel.

Speaking during the flag-off, Governor AbdulRazaq highlighted that over 100km of roads have already been delivered in Kwara South, alongside ongoing investments in health, education, water, and social protection. According to a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, additional road projects spanning 109km are either under construction or about to be awarded, including RAAMP initiatives.

He urged residents to support and take ownership of public infrastructure to ensure longevity.

The flag-off coincided with the inspection of the Eiyenkorin-Afon-Ojoku-Offa road by the Minister of Works, David Umahi, and a delegation from BUA Conglomerate led by Group Executive Director, Alhaji Kabir Rabiu, contractors of the 42.6km road linking Kwara Central to the South and Osun State. Both leaders praised the quality of the road, which is expected to last between 50 and 100 years.

Governor AbdulRazaq also received confirmation from the Federal Government approving a flyover at Oko Olowo, aimed at ending the frequent accidents in the busy corridor. He further reminded the Minister of other priority projects, including the dualisation of the Ilorin–Lokoja road, Share–Patigi Road, and Moro Bridge.

“This road opens up agrarian communities and facilitates movement of goods and services. Traffic has already begun to flow efficiently, even though it is only 45 percent complete. We are also flagging off a new 15km road to connect additional communities and link to Osun State,” the Governor said.

Minister Umahi commended Governor AbdulRazaq’s consistent support for President Bola Tinubu and his leadership in the Nigeria Governors’ Forum. He assured that the Ministry would review these projects in the coming fiscal year and noted that the road, awarded on May 22, 2023, and commenced in September 2023, is funded through the tax credit scheme.

The flag-off ceremony was attended by lawmakers, cabinet members, local government chairmen, traditional rulers, government officials, and party leaders. The Commissioner for Works, Engr. Abdulquawiy Olododo, described the Ojoku-Ilemona road as a corridor of growth that would transform livelihoods and accelerate commerce in the region.

Traditional leaders, including the Elerin of Erin-Ile, Oba Adesoye Adebowale Jimoh, and the Olojoku of Ojoku, Oba Abdulrazaq Adegboyega Afolabi, praised the Governor’s developmental initiatives, with the latter conferring on him the title “Aare Bobaselu Ojoku.”

Dr. Johnson Bamidele Adewumi, Convener of the Kwara South Development Initiative, hailed the road as critical infrastructure that will dramatically reduce travel time and improve access to markets, while APC chieftain Oloriewe Raheem Adedoyin commended the Governor for his focus on legacy-driven development rather than political gains.