As Osun opens Olaiya Flyover for public use.....By Adebayo Adedeji

 

TODAY, Monday, 28th February, 2021, the state government of Osun will open for public use the popular Olaiya Flyover. In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Works and Transport in the state, Engr Remi Omowaiye, Governor Adegboyega Oyetola will be on hand to conduct the "First Ride" on the flyover which started in February 2021.

Constructed through the Alternative Project Financing model by Peculiar Ultimate Concerns Limited, the project cost N3.1 billion ( including 13.5 percent statutory deductions). The Peculiar Limited is owned by Engr Olarenwaju Adeleke, an indigene of Osun State from Ile-Ogbo in Aiyedire Local Government Area.

When the idea of the flyover was first mooted by the Gboyega Oyetola-led government, it was all noise from the cynics and political charlatans. They fell over themselves to repudiate the proposal. But gladly, the government has delivered what it promised the people.. No deviation, whatsoever, from the initial drawings, left for, perhaps, the aesthetics that was added to it.

The site, which has now become a Jerusalem and Mecca of sort, because it is a beauty to behold, is a 4-span of 15m each, with two Underpass bays for U-turning to Fakunle/Justrite and MDS/Post Office. It is a 295.95m length of Bridge Approach Ramp, 196m long Fakunle Ramp, 99.95m long MDS Ramp, with slope of Ramp being 3 per cent. The width is 10m. 

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As opposed to rambling of the sneerers of the project, the wideness of Olaiya Flyover is enough to conveniently accommodate two articulated vehicles or trailers at a go. The width of an average car is 1.8m. The maximum width is 2.55m. The width of an average trailer is 2.4m, while the maximum width is 3m. In fact, the width of the flyover in Mokola, Ibadan, is less than 10m and that of Ikeja flyover in Lagos is about 9m.

According to the Nigerian Society of Engineers, the project is a celebration of standard and professionalism. According to Emmanuel Wale Alonge, the Chairman of the society in Osogbo, the controversies that trailed the construction at its initial stage have now been laid to rest by the quality of the project. In his words, "we have been part of this project from inception, and we can confidently attest to the quality of the project."

Similarly, the Chief Inspector of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), Osogbo branch, Engr Zakariyah Ademola, described the project as excellent both in process and output.

That the project has brought joy to the citizens of the state is an understatement. The laudation of the royal fathers from Olaoluwa, Iwo and Egbedore local governments buttresses the claim. The traditional leaders, numbering twelve, described it as a replica of what is obtainable overseas. They, as well, appreciated Governor Oyetola for patronising indigenous contractors. 

When  Osogbo NURTW Chairman, Kazeem Oyewale and other road transporters visited the site, it was, again, all commendation for the government of the day for initiating such an impressive project. Speaking during the tour, Oyewale, popularly called  Asiri Eniba, said " those who have been speaking of the bridge from the comforts of their homes without beholding it would do well to visit it. This is magnificent."

The opinion of Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba AbdulRasheed Adewale Akanbi, was not different from previous complimentary remarks . To Oluwo, the project is a feast for the eyes characterised with aesthetic features and the projection of the government to ease vehicular movement and reduce accident on the corridor would surely be met.

The Olaiya flyover, undoubtedly, is a confirmation of the  commitment of Oyetola to leaving an enduring legacy in the state.

Contact Oladimeji Lasore [email protected]

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