Adeleke promises completion of Iwo-Osogbo road, other projects at Iwo Day

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has reaffirmed his commitment to the completion of the Iwo-Osogbo road and other infrastructural projects in the state at the Iwo Day celebration on Saturday.

The governor, who was the chief guest of honour at the event, also praised the people of Iwo for their support and cooperation with his administration.

Speaking at the occasion, the governor said: “This annual celebration is a veritable platform to assess the journey of development and plan a new path for a sustainable future. Hence, town forum is a strong weapon to address the wishes and aspirations of residents.”

He thanked the people of Iwo for their massive support for him in the last election, recalling that they had also stood by him and his late brother, the first executive governor of Osun State, Alhaji Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke, in previous elections. He said he was grateful to them and would continue to serve their interests as their beloved son in government.

“That was not the first time I would be so honoured. During my run for senate, Iwo people stood by me and ensured my electoral victory. This same hand of support and brotherhood was enjoyed by my brother, the first Executive Governor of Osun state, Alhaji Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke. My family appreciates you all,” he said.

He added that he had delivered on his campaign promises and initiated several projects for the benefit of the people of Iwo and the state at large.

He mentioned the rehabilitation of the Iwo water works, the interfacing with the federal government on the Gbongan-Iwo-Oyo road project, the upgrade and rehabilitation of the Odoori market, and the plan for a commercial mall in the town.

He said the Iwo-Osogbo road, which links six local governments and serves as a gateway to Ibadan, the most populous city in Africa, would boost the economic development and social welfare of the state.

He said, “I have directed the Ministry of Works to look at possible expansion of the road from Odoori to Odooba. The planned expansion will also reach for some meters into Ejigbo road and a detour into town from Odoori with a befitting roundabout. Completing Iwo-Osogbo road is the starting point of infrastructure upgrade of Iwo town.”

He also addressed the issue of the Iwo-Ibadan boundary border dispute, saying he had reached out to his counterpart in Oyo State and agreed to allow the boundary commission to resolve the matter amicably.

He assured the people of Iwo that he would not allow any inch of their land to be taken from them.

He said, “I reached out to my brother, the Governor of Oyo state, and we both agreed to allow the statutory body, the boundary commission, to resolve the issue. I assure Iwo people that all efforts are deployed to ensure no inch of our land is taken from us.”

He further called on the leaders of Iwoland to create a development plan that could be co-implemented with the local and state governments, saying he was an advocate of community-led development. He urged them to come up with ideas and agree on formats for implementation.

“I am an advocate of community led development because the strategy ensures local ownership. Come up with ideas and agree on formats for implementation,” he added.