Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has formally unveiled the 9.3-kilometer Ede dual carriageway on Tuesday, declaring that the project met high construction standards.
In his address at the event, the governor described the road as strategic to the Ede community, noting that it links major residential areas, schools, and markets and connects to the roads leading to Osogbo and Ibadan.
The governor also said that for a long time residents of Ede have suffered traffic flooding and a poor road network within the town, adding that the completion of the project will ease the transportation challenges associated with commuting around the town.
“This is part of our administration’s agenda of infrastructure renewal across all zones of Osun. What we are doing in Osogbo, we are doing in Ila, in Iwo, in Ile Ife, in Ilesha and now in Ede.
“It is noteworthy to inform the gathering of today that our engineers have delivered quality work in line with the best standard. I commend the Ministry of Works and the contractor for a job well done.
“It is therefore my honour and privilege, by the grace of God and with the support of the people, to officially commission the Dualised Akoda – Cottage – Oke Gada Road for public use,” Adeleke said.
Giving a brief history of the road, the director of highways, Osun State Ministry of Works, Mr Maruf Ojebode, said the project was constructed to solve the perennial traffic congestion and flooding within the heart of Ede.
Ojebode said, “The project consists of two phases, which were awarded in November 2023 for a one-year contract duration. Phase 1 is 5.4 km – Akoda – Baptist High School, Ede, contracted to Great Enyork Technology Ltd.
“Phase 2 is 3.6 km, Baptist High School – Oke Gada Ede, awarded to Messrs. Engineec Integrated Engineering Ltd.; both phases were completed in December 2024. The dual carriageway is 9.3 m on both sides with a 1.5 m walkway on either side and a 1.2 m center median that houses solar-powered streetlights for proper illumination.
“The design of the road was done to meet federal and Osun State highway standards. Geotechnical investigation, traffic counts, and hydraulics studies were conducted before the commencement of work. This project is clear evidence of the present administration’s commitment to infrastructure development in all parts of Osun.”
Addressing the gathering, the Timi of Ede, Oba Munirudeen Lawal, called for a free and fair governorship election and frowned at what he regarded as hate speech targeted at his community over the governorship contest.
Speaking in the Yoruba language, Oba Lawal said, “We are using this opportunity to appeal to President Bola Tinubu to allow for a credible governorship election. They should allow each of us to vote for whoever we prefer.”
Packaged by Lanre Olabisi
