Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has commissioned the first phase of the 10-kilometre Ila-Orangun township road dualisation project, with the completion of a 3.5-kilometre stretch.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Governor Adeleke, according to a statement signed by his spokesperson Mallam Olawale Rasheed and made available to journalists, described the dual carriageway as more than just a road, saying it represents a vital infrastructure that will enhance commerce, improve mobility and guarantee the safety of residents.
According to the Governor, the project, alongside other township roads, market developments and healthcare facilities executed by his administration, reflects his government’s commitment to taking development to the grassroots.
“The 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 healthcare facilities, demonstrates our belief that development must reach every community.
“Ila-Orangun is a historic town and a centre of learning, culture and commerce. With this dualised road, we are opening the town to greater investment, easier transportation of farm produce and improved access to schools, hospitals and the palace.
“We also recognise the strategic importance of this road as a link to neighbouring communities. That is why we are simultaneously investing in intercity roads to ensure Ila is not left behind in Osun’s infrastructure development agenda.
“Beyond this dual carriageway, our administration has also completed more than seven kilometres of intra-city roads within Ila-Orangun,” the Governor said.
Earlier in his remarks, the Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr. Tokunbo Salam, commended Governor Adeleke for fulfilling his promise to complete the project within the stipulated timeframe.
He recalled that exactly 12 months earlier, the Governor had flagged off the project and directed the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure to deliver it within one year.
“Your Excellency, 12 months and two days ago, you were here to flag off this project and gave the ministry a clear mandate to complete it within 12 months. Today, we are proud to commission this first phase.
“This is one of several landmark projects under your administration, and the people are taking note. Your tenure will remain a defining period in the history of Osun State. What we have commissioned today is a remarkable feat that will stand the test of time.
“This project is part of the urban renewal programme of your administration. While this is the first phase, we are confident that subsequent phases will further transform Ila-Orangun,” he stated.
Providing a technical overview 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 disclosed that the first and second phases each cover 3.5 kilometres, while the final phase will span three kilometres, bringing the total length to 10 kilometres.
“Your Excellency approved the dualisation of the Ila road into a 10-kilometre project to be executed in three phases, with a mandate that the first phase be completed within 12 months.
“On July 21, 2025, we gathered here for the groundbreaking ceremony, and today, July 23, 2026, we are commissioning the completed first phase, covering 3.5 kilometres.
“It is the Governor’s vision that this road will extend to the Federal University of Health Sciences. The second 3.5-kilometre phase will be completed within the next 12 months, while the final 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 Osun State Executive Council, party leaders and other dignitaries.
