Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has outlined the significant progress in the state’s infrastructure renewal programme, stating that the administration had reduced the infrastructure deficit by more than half since 2022.
Speaking during a live broadcast as part of the third anniversary of his administration on Wednesday in Osogbo, Governor Adeleke said the state’s infrastructure deficit had been above eighty per cent when he assumed office.
“Today, we have reduced the infra deficit by over 50 per cent. Osun has become one of the fastest growing states in road connectivity,” he said.
He explained that his administration prioritised infrastructure because it remained the smartest route to economic development and that road development across the state had accelerated substantially under the ongoing programme.
The governor disclosed that more than 255 kilometres of internal roads had been completed across both the urban and rural local government areas, while an additional 160 kilometres were under construction.
He provided updates on key road and bridge projects, listing, “the Ilesa dualisation at 99 per cent completion, the Ife flyover at 78 per cent, Ila dualisation at 25 per cent, Iwo dualisation at 20 per cent, Oke flyover at 99 per cent, Lameco flyover at 80 per cent, and Ofatedo road at 29 per cent.
“Our focus is clear: linking our communities for greater economic impact.”
He added that several rehabilitation works had helped reconnect farming communities to markets, schools and health centres.
“We expanded drainage systems to prevent flooding and protect our roads,” he said.
The governor also highlighted progress recorded under the Operation Light Up Osun initiative, noting that completed roads had been fitted with solar-powered streetlights.
“All major roads in the capital are already lit up,” he said.
He stated that the government had implemented an integrated infrastructure plan to reduce congestion, open new economic corridors and support urban renewal in major towns including Osogbo, Ikirun, Ile Ife and Ilesa.
Addressing residents, the governor said his administration was committed to ensuring that public resources remained within the state adding that local content was embedded across the infrastructure programmes
“My good people of Osun State, I have ensured that Osun money serves Osun people. Local content simply means giving priority to local people, businesses, and materials.
“The state government had taken steps to block capital flight and strengthen home-grown capacity.
“The administration consistently engaged local contractors, engineers and artisans while sourcing sand, stones and cement within Osun. Young artisans, bricklayers, carpenters and engineers are now finding work on state projects.
“Ongoing direct-labour approaches on road and school rehabilitation had ensured employment and skills development across communities. Ours is a people-centred development philosophy. It is development by the people and for the people,” he concluded.