By Sunday Oguntuyi, Osogbo
Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State on Wednesday inaugurated the Lameco Flyover in Osogbo, describing it as a landmark achievement that heralds a new era of infrastructure renewal and sustainable development across the state.
The commissioning marks the beginning of the inauguration of several mega infrastructure projects executed by the Adeleke administration.
Speaking at the ceremony, Adeleke said the completion of the flyover represents another milestone in his administration’s commitment to transforming Osun through people-centred development.
He expressed appreciation to residents of Osogbo for their patience and understanding throughout the construction period, acknowledging the temporary inconveniences experienced by motorists, business owners and other road users.
The governor also commended the engineers, contractors and construction workers for their professionalism, dedication and commitment, noting that their efforts ensured the project was completed on schedule and in line with approved engineering standards.
Adeleke stressed that the Lameco Flyover is not an isolated project but the first in a series of completed mega infrastructure projects that will be commissioned across the state.
According to him, the projects are part of his administration’s broader agenda to rebuild Osun through strategic investments in roads, bridges, healthcare, education, water supply and other critical sectors.
«”This project is not isolated. Today marks the commencement of the unveiling for public use of several mega projects initiated by our government. This is part of our administration’s promise to rebuild Osun through infrastructure that touches everybody’s lives,” he said.»
The governor maintained that all projects executed by his administration were carried out in strict compliance with due process and transparency without compromising the state’s financial future.
He said the successful completion of the Lameco Flyover demonstrates that prudent management of public resources can deliver quality infrastructure while safeguarding the interests of future generations.
Adeleke described the bridge as a practical demonstration of the effectiveness of his administration’s local content policy, which prioritises the engagement of indigenous engineers and contractors.
According to him, the quality of the project proves that Nigerian professionals possess the expertise to deliver infrastructure that meets global standards.
«”The high quality of this flyover confirms the workability of our local content model. We have proven to the whole world that our local engineers can perform to world-class standards. The Lameco Flyover is proof that when resources and people are well managed, good governance is the outcome,” he stated.»
Highlighting other achievements of his administration, the governor disclosed that more than 27 kilometres of intra-city roads have been completed within the Osogbo metropolis.
He added that over 300 kilometres of roads have been constructed across different parts of Osun State, while more than 10 mega infrastructure projects have been completed and are awaiting commissioning.
Adeleke said his administration has deliberately ensured the equitable distribution of infrastructure projects across the state to promote balanced development.
«”We positively touch all major towns under our motto of equity and fairness in infrastructure innovation,” he said.»
The governor charged the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, community leaders and residents to protect the newly commissioned flyover from misuse and vandalism.
He specifically prohibited street trading on the bridge and beneath the underpass, warning against vandalising the railings, streetlights and other public facilities installed on the structure.
«”There should be no street trading on the bridge or underpass. There should be no vandalisation of the railings or lights. Let us own it, keep it clean and maintain it for the next generation,” he urged.»
Adeleke also appealed to motorists and other road users to obey traffic regulations and drive responsibly, emphasising that the bridge was constructed to save lives and improve transportation, not to become a source of accidents.
«”Our drivers and commuters must drive responsibly. This bridge was built to save lives, not to endanger them,” he added.»
Declaring the bridge open for public use, the governor described it as a collective asset belonging to all the people of Osun and urged residents to take ownership by ensuring its proper use and maintenance.
«”It is now my honour and privilege to formally declare the flyover bridge officially commissioned and open for public use,” he announced.»
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Idowu Bashir Bello, disclosed that the four-span flyover was designed and constructed by indigenous engineers using locally sourced materials under the supervision of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) and the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN).
He explained that the bridge has a total length of 672 metres, including retaining walls, dual carriageways measuring 5.5 metres each, solar-powered streetlights, traffic signals, cat’s eyes and reflective road studs to enhance visibility and improve road safety.
Bello assured residents that the bridge is structurally sound and capable of accommodating all categories of vehicles, describing it as another testament to the competence and capacity of Nigerian engineers.
The Lameco Flyover is one of the flagship infrastructure projects of the Adeleke administration and is expected to significantly ease traffic congestion, improve connectivity, enhance road safety and stimulate economic activities within the Osogbo metropolis and neighbouring communities.