………Flags off Artillery flyover
Seyi Makinde, the governor of Oyo State on Tuesday said his administration will continue to deliver dividends of democracy to Oypeople as is being done in Rivers State.
The governor stated this when he flagged off the construction of a flyover at Artillery junction in Port Harcourt.
The flyover is one of three flyovers to be constructed simultaneously by the Governor Nyesom Wike led administration in Rivers State. Two others would be located at Garrison and Rumuokoro and would gulp N21 Billion.
The three projects would be handled by the construction giant, Julius Berger.
Makinde said: “One political party unites Oyo State and Rivers State, so do not be surprised that we will always exchange visits and celebrate each other’s achievements.
“Secondly, my beloved wife, Ominini, is from here. So, the good people of Rivers State are my in-laws.
“Today, we are flagging off the flyover project in Artillery, one of three flyovers to be constructed simultaneously within sixteen months. This is what my brother, His Excellency, Governor Nyesom Wike has promised the people of Rivers State. 70% advance payment has been made.
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“[G]ood roads mean an easier commute for residents in Rivers State; goods and people can be moved from one place to the other thereby, facilitating trade resulting in economic development.
“Bad roads mean wastage of working hours. The time that should be productively used is lost.
“Also, any medical professional will tell you for free that traffic congestion increases stress and leads to all kinds of stress-related ailments.
“Therefore, investments in roads are good investments. Progressive people appreciate this and celebrate it.
“Back in Oyo State, we are doing as Rivers State has done. Expanding the Interchange at Iwo Road is one of our top priorities… Iwo Road is a major road linking Ibadan to Osun State, Lagos State and is also a gateway to the North. So this interchange is strategic.
“The Bus Terminal and the road construction which will be completed within a year will aid interstate trade and build our economy. I am happy I have secured the co-operation of the good people of Oyo State and this project will soon commence.
“We have heard that some people are saying it is a misplaced priority. They have insinuated the people of Oyo State cannot differentiate between a State Government project and a Federal Government project.
“Or how else will you explain the statement that the Lagos-Ibadan Express Road will “take care of” the interchange project and so we are planning to embezzle funds?
“What we know is that we will continue to deliver the dividends of democracy to our people. As is being done in Rivers State, so will it be done in Oyo State. We will leave a legacy of promises kept”.
Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, in his address, informed that the Rivers State Government has released 70 per cent of the total contract sum to Julius Berger.
“We will pay the balance when the construction work gets to 90 per cent. We have paid you during the rainy season. So you will work during the rainy season. The 16months slated for the completion of the three flyover bridges started on the day we paid. That is our agreement with Julius Berger “, he said.
Governor Wike announced that the bridge will be called Rumuogba Flyover bridge. He said Artillery is a military concept, pointing out that the Rivers State Government is committed to promoting names of communities where projects are sited.
The Governor charged Julius Berger Nigeria Plc to use Rivers People as sub-contractors for the projects.
“We have sourced money to pay for these projects. Therefore, all the sub-contractors should be from Rivers State. You will not be happy with Julius Berger if they do anything different “, he said.
He urged the Traditional Ruler of the area to work hard to ensure that the youths cooperate with the contractor to deliver on the project.
He said that he will personally supervise the project to ensure that Julius Berger does not face any hindrance.
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