In a progressive development, the Oyo Metropolitan Development Association, under the leadership of the forum’s spokesperson, Archbishop Prince Ayo Ladigbolu, and other executive members, paid a courtesy visit to Reynolds Construction Company (RCC), the contractors responsible for the Oyo-Ogbomoso Section II dual-carriageway Expressway. The purpose of the visit was to discuss safety matters and the quality of work completed thus far.
The forum commended the Federal Ministry of Works and RCC for their excellent work on the Oyo-Ogbomoso section of the road. They also made a few requests, including the need for a U-turn diversion to Obada Market, to improve traffic flow to and from the market.
Archbishop Prince Ayo Ladigbolu, acting as the spokesperson of the Oyo Metro, accompanied by Chief Oyeleye Baale Akeetan and other members of the Oyo Metropolitan Development Association, praised the Federal Ministry of Works and Infrastructure for the high-quality road. They emphasized the critical role that good infrastructure plays in fostering development and attracting investors. They stated that the expressway has opened up Oyo township to prioritize investor interests.
“We traveled on this same road to Owode Elete this morning and found it to be affordable, without bumps, potholes, or stress. Our visit was prompted by recent developments on this road, and we apologize for the short notice. We consider RCC as part of our community.”
“Our visit was prompted by recent events, notably the tragic incident on October 14th when many lives were lost. We must all take responsibility for road safety. On our way here, a vehicle crossed into our lane, highlighting the bad driving habits of some private and commercial drivers.”
“We don’t want such incidents to create fear among commuters regarding road quality and safety. We urge the Federal Ministry of Works and RCC to take necessary steps to prevent future accidents.”
Prince Ayo Ladigbolu also reminded RCC of the late Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III’s request for a U-turn to Obada Farmers Market, stressing the importance of their visit to ensure the contractor’s commitment to this U-turn, as approved by the Federal Ministry of Works.
He also requested the rehabilitation of the Oolo-Owode section of the Oyo-Ogbomoso old road, which has become dangerous. He mentioned that the federal representative for Oyo federal Constituency confirmed that the federal government has allocated funds for its immediate rehabilitation.
The RCC project manager, Engr. Israel, and Engr. Chucks, representing the Federal Ministry of Works, expressed their appreciation for the Metropolitan Development Association’s timely courtesy visit. They announced that sections 44, 45, and 46 of the expressway have been completed and are ready for commissioning, with the remaining sections to Ogbomoso nearing completion.
Engr. Israel confirmed the company’s commitment to the U-turn at Obada Market and explained that the KM-44 section of the road has been temporarily closed to prevent accidents similar to the one on October 14th and to protect the newly constructed road. He also assured the Oyo Metro of a positive relationship with the local community.
Mrs. Oyelami, representing the Federal Ministry of Works, encouraged the Oyo Metro to organize a comprehensive awareness campaign, especially for residents and motorcycle and vehicle drivers on the expressway, which was primarily designed for trailers. She also assured that the overhead bridge on the expressway would soon be completed to alleviate traffic congestion and reduce the risk of accidents.
