Five federal lawmakers from Osun State elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress have praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving Federal road projects valued at about N700 billion in the state.
They also cautioned against what they called misinformation surrounding the initiation and implementation of the projects.
The lawmakers include Senator Francis Fadahunsi (Osun East), Senator Olubiyi Fadeyi (Osun Central), Oluwole Oke (Oriade/Obokun Federal Constituency), Taofeek Ajilesoro (Ife Federal Constituency), and Olusanya Omirin (Ijesa Federal Constituency).
They made their position known in a statement released in Osogbo on Saturday.
According to them, the projects were secured through sustained legislative efforts and presidential approval, adding that there is a need to set the record straight on their origins.
They also urged Governor Ademola Adeleke to refrain from making conflicting claims regarding the road interventions.
“In 2024 Governor Ademola Adeleke met with Minister of work HE David Umani requested a refund of Federal roads his government did, particularly the Ede- Ofatedo road and Ikirun- Ila -Odo dualisation road.
It’s extremely saddened that the government of Adeleke is sharing pictures taken in 2024 on social media to represent recent pictures,” they said.
The Lawmakers further outlined their roles in pushing for federal intervention on major road infrastructure in Osun State.
“Last year the Senator Fadahunsi and Senator Olubiyi Fadeyi met with Mr President and requested for reconstruction of the dualization of Ibadan- Ife – Ilesa – Akure -Owo road.
Also, there was a motion on the floor of the Senate sponsored by Sen Ajagunnla Olubiyi Fadeyi and co-sponsors by south west Senators in that corridor for the attention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR administration to award the road. Today the road has been awarded and funds released,” they said.
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They added that other key road projects in the state also benefited from federal intervention and coordination efforts.
They added, “The Gbongan – Akoda – Osogbo just awarded and Ibadan- Iwo – Osogbo road was initiated by the Hon Minister of Blue Economy HE Gboyega Oyetola CON which Mr President instructed Sen Umahi to speed up and award it.”
The lawmakers also commended former Osun State Governor and current Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, for his role in facilitating federal infrastructure projects, stressing the importance of proper attribution.
“Also our appreciate to the President and commander in- chief , President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for awarding the total sum of 700billion naria Federal roads project in Osun State,” the lawmakers said.
They further advised the state government to ensure accuracy in public communication regarding project ownership and execution.
Meanwhile, Governor Ademola Adeleke had earlier acknowledged the Federal Government’s approval of road rehabilitation projects in Osun State, while expressing appreciation to the presidency and the Ministry of Works.
“I received the news of the FG through the Federal Executive Council (FEC) of the approval of two key federal roads in Osun State.
The rehabilitation of Osogbo – Gbongan road and Osogbo – Iwo – Ibadan road will no doubt bring great relief and enhance economic development of Osun state.
“During my official working visit to the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi on 18th October, 2024, I presented these roads and pleaded for urgent intervention.
I applaud the listening ears of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister and pledge the support of our government during the period of executing these projects,” the statement said.