Work Begins On Akure/Ado Ekiti Road, As FG Mobilizes Contractors, Flag Off Is Thursday

By Ayodele Oni

The new contractors handling the reconstruction of the Akure-Ado Ekiti road have mobilized to site ahead of the official flag off of the project by the federal government on Thursday.

This will be one of the parting gift of the outgoing Buhari administration to the people of Ondo and Ekiti states that have suffered series of kidnapping, accident and damaged vehicles due to the daoidated condition of the road.

A statement by Ebenezer Adeniyan, an Aide to minister of state for transportation, stated that the Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN and the Minister of State for Transportation,  Ademola Adegoroye, will be on ground to perform the official flag off in Akure.

Adegoroye had paid a ‘Thank You’ visit to the Minister of Works, Fashola, after the new contractors handling the project were presented their letters of award for the contract.

The Federal Executive Council had last month re-awarded the contract to two new contractors for a combined sum of N95.9 billion, so the project could be simultaneously taken off from Akure and Ado Ekiti ends separately to speed up completion.

The contractors, Messers Sam Chase Nig Ltd/Messers Horizon Construction Co Ltd and Kopek Construction Co Ltd were presented their award letters penultimate week and have since submitted the letters of acceptance.

Speaking during his visit to Fashola, Adegoroye, thanked the Works Minister for his efforts so far as both Ministers discussed the mobilization of contractors to site and the flag-off of the project.

According to him, “Honourable Minister, a few days after I assumed office as Minister last year, I was here in your office to make a case for this project which had been abandoned at that time by the former contractor.

“Then, you took your time to explain the issues involved and promised that you would personally monitor the resolution of those issues.

“Today, I am back in your office on behalf of the good people of Ondo and Ekiti States to say ‘Thank You’ for finally resolving all the knotty issues and we can now heave a sigh of relief that the project can finally take off to ease the pain of our people on that road.”

Responding, Fashola, said the Ministry is preparing for the official flag-off of the project as mobilization funds have been released to the contractors who have promised to do a good job and in good time.

Fashola said: “I also need to thank you Honourable Minister for the role you have played for us to get here.

“You have demonstrated your love for your people with your relentless efforts to see that this is done and I am happy that your efforts have not gone to waste.”

Speaking after the visit,  Adegoroye also commended the Governor of Ondo State, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, for the role he has played over the years, as well as the Governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji and his predecessor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, for their efforts.