Oyo State Acting Governor, Barr. Abdul-Raheem Adebayo Lawal, has said the ongoing circular road project will drive development across six local government areas in the Ibadan metropolis, including Oluyole, Ido, Egbeda, Ona-Ara, Lagelu and Akinyele.
He stated this on Monday while addressing journalists after inspecting the ongoing Phase 2 of the 110-kilometre Senator Rashidi Ladoja Circular Road in Ibadan.
Barr. Lawal said the inspection was to assess the pace and quality of work to ensure the project meets approved specifications.
According to him, about 32km of dual carriageway has been completed and asphalted, with streetlights and toll gates already installed.
He said: “This is still an ongoing project. We are doing a 110km road, and with dualization, that’s 220km. By the grace of God, we will complete it before the exit of this administration.
“The whole essence of this inspection is to let our people know that the circular road is a mega project this state has not witnessed in a long time, both in old and present Oyo State.
“People must know that the circular road is about the development of Oyo State, not the speculation that Governor Seyi Makinde is taking people’s land. I have come to establish the fact that this project is not about taking anybody’s land. It’s about the development of this city.”
The Acting Governor however assured that arrangements have been made for compensation for affected landowners who have registered.
According to him, no inch of land acquired through this project will be left uncompensated. As long as our people get registered, all lands affected by the project will be compensated.
He added that funds for compensation would be released very soon once cost figures are collated and submitted.
While urging residents to get proper information about the project instead of spreading falsehoods, the Acting Governor stated, “It is important for our people to go round and see the project for themselves. It speaks for itself,”.
He noted that the circular road now covers six LGAs previously referred to as “less city” but now part of a “greater city” due to the Makinde administration’s infrastructure drive.
“This is good for development, investment and social cohesion,” he said.
Barr. Lawal disclosed that contractors have assured that the 32km section at Badeku will be completed by the end of September and ready for commissioning.
Adding that Work on hydraulic bridges has also been completed, while clearance is ongoing for the next stage, the Acting Governor said: “The goal is that before the exit of this administration, we would have completed Phase 2”.
He equally described the circular road as a world-class project equipped with facilities including lay-bys, toll gates, and a medical bay.
The Acting Governor also inspected ongoing projects at the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport, Ibadan, which are expected to be completed by November.
He was accompanied on the inspection by the Commissioner for Works and Transport, Hon. Magbonjubola Jagaban’*, and other government officials.
