Transforming Osun: A Closer Look at Governor Ademola Adeleke’s Infrastructure Revolution

By Ojuolape Odetola

Development is forever a work in progress. This is because socio-economic growth is a continuous process and an unfolding endeavour that never ends.

Looking at Governor Ademola Adeleke’s tremendous achievements as recorded in Osun State, one would not but acknowledge the fact that he is indeed here to serve the people.

As keen observers of the current political administration in the state, we have come to believe that the Asiwaju of Edeland has come with a genuine desire to liberate the people of Osun from the lack of social infrastructure and human capital development.

The people are no longer taken for granted. No wonder the Imole mantra of his administration.

Before the coming on board of Senator Adeleke, several strategic thoroughfares in Osogbo, Ife, Ilesa and other parts of Osun were begging for attention.

He started with road revolution and urban renewal to make the capital city of Osogbo a befitting location that one would be proud of.

At the moment, many roads linking local government areas of the state are either undergoing construction or have been rehabilitated and asphalted, together with the internal thoroughfares of adjoining towns across the senatorial zones of the state.

The projects include laying of asphalt at 5.68km Ẹrin Ọsun/Egbedi/Ede road, 1.8km road construction work in Ikire, 6.2km dualisation of Ereja Square-Imo-Ilesa/Akure Express Way project in Ilesa, Osogbo-Ikirun highway, among others.

Bridges and Flyovers are also being constructed. These include the ongoing 7-span Oke-Fia Flyover(Osogbo), Construction of 4 span bridge at Lameco intersection(Osogbo), Osun River Bridge at Oke Gada(Ede) and Lagere Flyover( Ile-Ife),Construction of 4-span bridge across Osun River and dual 2-span bridge across Erinle river,among others.

Receiving the State Governor at his palace during the flag off of Lagere flyover project in May 2024, His Imperial Majesty, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi showered praises on Senator Ademola Adeleke over his administration’s holistic infrastructure agenda for the state.

The monarch further analyzed the economic significance of Lagere Junction linking all major economic arteries of the state from Gbongan-Ikire axis in Osun West to Garage Olode on the route to Ondo as well as the direct linkage to Ijeshaland.

He added that the Lagere flyover when completed will boost economic activity in the immediate environment and Osun East in general.

Explaining his administration’s efforts to bridge the infrastructure gap during the visit to Ile-Ife, the 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.

“We are on a match to greater height for Ile Ife and Osun State as a whole.

“Additionally, I flag off the construction of Local Government Roads totaling 55.86 km at the cost of N30,677,814,099.42. This is also to have a completion period of twelve months”, the Governor stated.

The commencement of 55 kilometers of roads across the 30 local governments and the area office is unprecedented in the history of Osun.

In the same vein, the technical team of the Nigerian Society of Engineers NSE, led by its President, Engr. Margaret Aina during the recent audit and validation tour of Osun Infrastructure projects were impressed with what they saw during the visit.

Speaking to newsmen at the site of the ongoing Akoda-BHS-Oke Gada Road Dualization in Ede, Engr Margaret Aina Oguntala expressed satisfaction with the quality of work observed during the inspection.

Of course, performance assessment depends on the eyes with which individual views the development we see happening in the state under the present administration of Governor Adeleke.

The fact that we see a significant transformation of the infrastructure landscape in the three senatorial districts in the state today does not mean it will seem significant or even be noticeable to some other people because of the differences in our perception, our judgment, and our minds’ eyes.

We know some cynics will not even give a hoot about the current economic reality of our time as a basis for their judgements.

Regardless of individual opinion, bias and prejudice, there is no doubt that Adeleke, has raised the threshold of good governance in the state.

Osun is indeed a huge construction site, as the man at the helm has continued to complete abandoned projects and initiate new ones.

And it can only get better. It is impossible to do so in a swoop by anyone, no matter the quantum of resources available at a given time. But the working governor has consistently assured the citizens of continuity of investment in infrastructure as a catalyst for rapid industrial growth and economic prosperity for all and sundry.

He has consistently assured residents of his administration’s open and transparent process, grassroots participation in the decision-making process as well as even and equal distribution of developmental projects in the state.

We must commend the foresight and thoughtfulness of Mr. Governor. Your agenda to expand state infrastructure is impressive and unrivaled.

To make the implementation process less stressful we urge construction companies handling ongoing road projects to provide well graded alternative routes for the movement of commuters pending the completion of the activity.

This will ensure free flow of traffic and eliminate gridlock of cars on the stretch of the roads under construction.

Osun State Ministry of Works should also do all within its power to make sure that contractors steps up the pace of road construction work to ensure completion in record time.