The Federal Government on Wednesday flagged-off a N12 billion road construction in Eti-Oni, Atakumosa East Local Government Area of Osun after 40 years.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the construction of the 56 Kilometer road, which was to be supervised by the Federal Ministry of Works, was greeted with jubilation by residents of the town.
Mr David Umah, the Minister of Works, said that the roads were three in number and would be executed in phases to ensure early completion within 12 months.
The minister was represented by Mr Oluseyi Adedipe, the Acting Controller of Works, Osun field office.
Umahi said the road project, under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, would open up economically viable regions to enable communities to move their farm produce with ease to commercial centres.
The minister said that the road, after completion, would boost the economy of Eti-Oni town, which was a major cocoa producer in the state.
He, however, urged the contractors to follow the ministry’s standard and specification in the construction of the roads.
Umahi said that this was necessary to ensure that there was value for tax payers’ money spent on the road projects.
Also, Oba Dokun Thompson, the Oloni of Eti-Oni, said that the road, which had been abandoned for 40 years, had been a source of worry for the residents.
Thompson, who could not hide his joy, said after completion, the road would open up the town and showcase the cocoa production and other agricultural produce of the town.
“The joy, the happiness is tremendous and we cannot explain it because this road has been neglected for more than 40 years.
“When you have a fertile land but without access, it is like a cemetery and that is how this place looks like before, but it is coming back to life.
“What we are witnessing today is a renewed hope for the future generations and I believe with this happening now, many youths will be incentivised to be able to come into agriculture”, he said.
Thompson appreciated Tinubu for approving the construction of the road, adding that it was a perfect gift for the town as it celebrates its cocoa festival
“We are grateful to Mr President for this gesture. It is not only a gesture but also a gift to us, people of Atakumosa East, Eti-Oni and the entire Osun state.
“If the president can remember this community, which is very rural, it means that other areas that are even more in the open will benefit more in this renewed hope season,” he said.
A residents of the town, Chief Musibau Gbadamosi, said that the community was blessed with cocoa and other agricultural produce, and the road would boost the economic activities in the town.
He appreciated the president for the gesture, adding that they would continue to support his administration.
