Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, yesterday flagged off dualization of 8.3km Akobo, Ojurin/Odogbo Barracks, Olorunda Abaa Junction in Lagelu Local Government Area, at a cost of N9.6 billion and named it after immediate past Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike.
Makinde, who said some property would be affected, while flagging off the road assured the affected property owners that the state government would compensate them.
He said 30 per cent of the total cost had already been paid to the contractor, promising that the project would be completed in 12 months, according to the specification.
The governor said, “The dualization of the road would improve the local commercial activities as well as local government’s economy which would in turn impact positively on the state’s internally generated revenue.
“We kept our promise and awarded the project and today, we fulfilled our promise and the reconstruction work has started. The project will be completed in 12 months,” he said.
The governor reaffirmed his commitment to the development of the state and to continue to put in place critical infrastructure that would open up the state for economic expansion and big time investors from both local and global business environments.
Reacting to speculations about his recent constant visit to the presidential villa, Abuja, Governor Makinde wondered where he should have gone when he knew where he could get a refund for federal government projects carried on by the state government.
Makinde said “As I go to Abuja to see the President, I know some people have been saying that since the inauguration of the new President, I have gone to Aso Rock about four times within a week.
“Where do you want me to go? Is it Yola you want me to go? Well, I will continue to go to where they will be able to refund Oyo State the monies we have spent on federal roads. So, I will continue to go to Aso Rock to plead for a refund.
“So, Mr Chairman of Lagelu local government, as soon as I collect my refund from the federal government, you too come and meet me to have your refund.”
Earlier, the local government Chairman, Kazeem Gbadamosi, described the project as historic as it marked the first of such since assumption of second term of the governor.
He said the road construction would ease the movement of goods and services of people in the neighbourhood and have an impact on the residents of the LGA.
The contractor handling the project, Samchase Nigeria Ltd., assured of 43 quality delivery and standard projects that would provide value for every penny spent on the project.
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