In a major effort to transform travel and trade between Osun and Oyo States, the Osun State Government has strategically divided the 55.6-kilometre Iwo-Osogbo-Ibadan road project among three different contractors. This move is specifically designed to speed up the construction process, ensuring that the critical highway is delivered on time to ease the daily struggles of commuters and boost the local economy.
The project is being handled by Peculiar Ultimate Concerns, Kimzee Global Resources, and A’skorg Integrated Service Limited. The Director of Highways, Engr. Moruf Ojebode, confirmed during a recent inspection that these contractors will be fully mobilized this month to begin work on their respective sections.
While the inter-state highway is a major focus, the people of Iwo are already celebrating a historic milestone in their own backyard. For the first time, a 3.6-kilometre dual carriageway is being constructed within the ancient town, stretching from the Odo-Ori market through Oja-Oba to the post office. This first phase is already about 50% complete, with the drainage systems finished and work currently progressing on the walkways and the central median.
Residents and community leaders have been vocal in their appreciation of Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration for this “infrastructural revolution.” Beyond the main dualization project, several internal roads in Iwo have already been completed, including the Ansarudeen-Puti road, Fesu Agbowo road, and the route from the post office to Oke-Ifa. These upgrades are effectively turning what were once neglected pathways into modern, accessible roads.
Professor Lai Olurode, Chairman of the Iwo Board of Trustees, shared with Reports that the project represents a fulfillment of the social contract between the government and the people. While he acknowledged the sacrifices made by residents whose properties were affected by the expansion, he praised the Governor for delivering on his promises. He noted that the quality of roadwork seen in Iwo mirrors the massive infrastructural drive happening across the entire state.
The economic impact of these projects is already being felt by traders and transporters alike. The Iyaloja of Iwo Land, Chief Mujidat Sarumi, expressed optimism that the new roads will open up the local economy to more diverse opportunities. Meanwhile, members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) highlighted how the improved road surfaces will save them from the high costs of vehicle repairs caused by the previously deplorable state of the roads.
As work continues, residents like Mrs. Taofeekat Iris are encouraging the contractors to maintain their speed so that business activities along the corridors can fully return to normal. With the second phase of the township road set to extend toward the Iwo/Ibadan axis, the Adeleke administration appears determined to leave a lasting legacy of modern infrastructure in the region.
