Hundreds of residents of Iseyin, Ogbomoso, and environs have submitted that 76.7km Iseyin-Ogbomoso road embarked upon by Governor Seyi Makinde-led administration would boost commercial activity in the area.

They described the project as historic and earthshaking achievement noting the state of the road prior to the assumption of office of Gov. Makinde.

The residents also hailed the construction firm, Messrs Kopek Construction Limited for its meticulous job, especially the construction of 60meter Odo – Ogun bridge that links Iseyin with Ogbomoso.

The 76.7km Iseyin – Ogbomoso road project was flagged off in 2021 and is expected to be completed in May 2023.

Governor Seyi Makinde had told the residents of the state that his administration is committed to developing road infrastructure to boost the socio-economic growth of all five zones of the state.

A lecturer, Dr Abib Adewale who is one of the community leaders in Iseyin expressed satisfaction with the quality of work on the project and hailed Governor Seyi Makinde for his insight and determination to see to the completion of the project.

According to him, the project is targeted at the state’s economy and links the five zones of the state to increase economic activities and stem rural-urban migration.

Similarly, a community leader, Pa Odumosu Ajayi in Ogbomoso was full of joy when he expressed excitement on the project.

Pa Ajayi who described Governor Makinde as his ‘hero’ said the road has taken away the stress associated with plying having to reach Ogbomoso from Iseyin taking a long route and reduced travel time between Iseyin and Ogbomoso.

Site Manager, Kopek Construction Limited, Engr Tony Khairallah underscored another unique aspect of the project as he said the new Iseyi – Ogbomoso high was completely a virgin project.

Speaking on behalf of the management of KOPEK Construction Limited in an interactive session with newsmen in the Iseyin, Iseyin Local Government, Area of the state after a tour of the road, Engr Khairallah said they had to navigate through the forest, chatting a new road from Iseyin-Ogbomoso.

” Yes, we encountered a major challenge in the course of the project. We had to construct a bridge of 60m at KM 15 of the road before we were able to cross to the other side and complete the project as there was no existing means to cross the river before,” he said.

Speaking further on the major components of the project, the site Manager disclosed that the project which was awarded in December 2021 to Kopek Construction firm and Cranebung,  has a binder course of 50mm, wearing course 40mm, and asphalt on shoulders 30mm.

Speaking on the Iseyin – Ogbomoso road, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Seyi Makinde, Mr Sulaimon Olarenwaju said Governor Makinde resolved to construct the new road due to its importance to the economy of the state.

He said; “In fulfillment of his promise to focus on road projects, which targets the state’s economy and links the five zones of the state to increase economic activities and stem rural-urban migration, Makinde is currently constructing the 76.7km Iseyin-Fapote-Ogbomoso road. This is a completely new road, which links the Oke-Ogun and Ogbomoso zones of the state. The road is slated for commissioning in May ending “.