Adeleke commissions dualised Akoda–Oke Gada road in Ede

Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, on Tuesday commissioned the newly dualised Akoda – Baptist High School – Oke Gada Road, a 9-kilometre project carried out by his administration.

Speaking at the commissioning programme, the governor said the installation of solar lighting along the road would also improve nightlife and security in the area.

According to him, the project was part of his administration’s agenda of infrastructure renewal across all zones of the state.

“What we are doing in Osogbo, we are doing in Ila, in Iwo, Ile Ife, Ilesha and now in Ede,” he said, and commended the Ministry of Works and the contractors for delivering quality work in line with best standards.

Governor Adeleke, who described the commissioning as another historical day for Osun State and for the good people of Ede, called it a “promise kept” and “governance that touches the heart.”

“This road is very strategic to Ede,” the governor said. “It links major residential areas, schools, market, and connects to roads leading to Osogbo and Ibadan metropolis.”

He noted that for too long, residents of Ede, a town he described as one of “scholars, warriors and entrepreneurs,” had suffered from poor road network and traffic congestion.

“With this dualised road, movement within Ede will be faster and safer; business along Akoda, Cottage, Oke Gada will grow; students and workers will get to school and work on time,” Adeleke stated.

Also speaking, the Director of Highways, Engr. Maruf Ojebode, provided technical details of the project, saying it was awarded in November 2023 for a one-year duration and was completed in December 2024.

“Phase 1 is 5.4km from Akoda to Baptist High School, contracted to Messrs Great Enyork Technology Ltd. Phase 2 is 3.6km from Baptist High School to Oke Gada awarded to Messrs Engineec Integrated Engineering Ltd,” Ojebode explained.

He disclosed that the dual carriageway is 9.3 metres on both sides, with a 1.5-metre walkway on either side and a 1.2-metre centre median that houses solar-powered streetlights for proper illumination.

The Director said geotechnical investigation, traffic counts and hydraulics studies were conducted before work began, and that the design meets Federal and Osun State highway standards.

“This project is clear evidence of the present administration’s commitment to infrastructure development in all parts of Osun,” he said, while appealing to residents to protect the road by avoiding dumping refuse in drains and trading on walkways.

In his own remarks, Timi of Ede, Oba Munirudeen Lawal, used the occasion to address the August 15 governorship election, making a direct appeal to President Bola Tinubu.

“We are using this opportunity to appeal to President Bola Tinubu not to rig the governorship election; he should leave us alone and allow each of us to vote where we so desire,” the monarch said, declaring that “by the grace of God, the Accord Party will be victorious.”

Oba Lawal, however, stressed, “My people of Ede, this August 15 election, we must vote massively. We will use Ede’s vote to pay deficit from other local government areas of Osun state.”