By Sunday Oguntuyi, Osogbo
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, on Thursday commissioned the 3.5-kilometre Phase One of the Ila Township Road dualisation project, describing it as a major step towards improving infrastructure and boosting economic activities in the area.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Adeleke said the dual carriageway was more than just a road, describing it as a lifeline for commerce, mobility and public safety. He noted that the project, alongside other township roads, markets and healthcare facilities being executed by his administration, demonstrates the government’s commitment to taking development to the grassroots.
According to the governor, the road will enhance investment opportunities, facilitate the movement of agricultural produce and improve access to schools, hospitals and the palace in Ila-Orangun.
“This dual carriageway is more than a road; it is a lifeline for commerce, mobility and safety for our people. This project, alongside other township roads, markets and health facilities, shows that this administration believes development must reach the grassroots.
“Ila is a historic town and a centre of learning, culture and commerce. With this dualised road, we are opening the town to more investment, easier movement of farm produce and better access to schools, hospitals and the palace.
“We also recognise that this road connects Ila to neighbouring towns. That is why we are working on intercity roads to ensure that Ila is not left behind in our infrastructure agenda. Beyond this dual carriageway, my administration has completed over seven kilometres of intracity roads in Ila-Orangun,” he said.
The governor also appealed to residents to support his administration’s bid for a second term, assuring them that more developmental projects would be delivered across the state.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr Tokunbo Salam, described the Adeleke administration as a landmark era in Osun’s history, noting that the project was completed within the 12-month timeline set by the governor.
“You will recall that 12 months and two days ago, Your Excellency flagged off this project and directed the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure to complete it within one year. Today, we are here commissioning the road in fulfilment of that mandate.
“This is just one of several projects delivered by this administration. Your tenure is a landmark era that history will not forget. What we are witnessing is urban renewal, and this is only the first phase. I believe that when Your Excellency returns for a second term, Ila will witness total transformation,” Salam said.
Providing details of the project, the Director of Research and Planning in the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Olalekan Salami, explained that the governor approved the construction of a 10-kilometre dual carriageway to be executed in three phases.
He said the first and second phases would each cover 3.5 kilometres, while the final phase would span three kilometres, bringing the total length of the road to 10 kilometres.
“Your Excellency approved the dualisation of the Ila Road to cover 10 kilometres in three phases and directed that the first phase be delivered within 12 months.
“On July 21, 2025, we flagged off the project, and today, July 23, 2026, we are commissioning the completed first phase of 3.5 kilometres.
“It is the governor’s vision that this road will extend to the Federal University of Health Sciences. Another 3.5 kilometres will be completed within the next 12 months, while the remaining three kilometres will complete the 10-kilometre dual carriageway,” he said.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by the Orangun of Ila, Oba Abdulwahab Olukayode Oyedotun (Bibire I), members of the Imole Campaign Council, members of the State Executive Council, party leaders and other dignitaries.