Date: 2019-05-28

COURTESIES

Today marks a significant milestone in the infrastructural growth of our dear State and indeed its overall development. This event is also notable as we are simultaneously commissioning several road projects initiated and completed by my administration.

Indeed, The Geri Alimi Split Diamond Underpass, which we are commissioning today, is the first infrastructure project of its kind and scale in the North Central, outside Abuja, The Federal Capital.

I am therefore delighted to formally welcome you all to this epoch-making moment in Kwara State's history. Undoubtedly, the Geri Alimi Split Diamond Underpass is a potent symbol not only of my administration's numerous accomplishments despite immense financial challenges but also of our vision of a more developed and aesthetically pleasing state.

Indeed, I am proud of the excellent work we have done in the State in the last eight years, including but not limited to this project, which is inspiring testimony to our vision and resourcefulness.

Besides its historical and economic significance, therefore, this ceremony is an exciting moment for all of us. The Geri Alimi Split Diamond Underpass will reduce the traffic burden experienced by our people, particularly during peak-hours and raining season. The project will also give our dear State a new look, enhance commercial and investment activities and boost the inflow of goods and services into the State.

Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, as we are commissioning the Geri Alimi Split Diamond Underpass, several other completed road projects are being simultaneously commissioned today.

The roads are

1. Sofoluwe Road, off Lajorin Road (Ilorin South LGA)

2. Catchment Road linking pipeline and GRA, (Ilorin South LGA)

3. Asa-Dam Egbejila Road (Phase 1) and the flag off of Egbejila – Airport Road (Ilorin West LGA)

4. Sannu Shehu–Aduralere Road (Ilorin East LGA)

5. Oloro palace Road in Oro Town,( Irepodun LGA)

6. Anilelerin-Ita-Erin-Agun Road (Offa LGA)

7. Taoheed Oke-Andi Road (Ilorin East LGA)

8. Ipee Township Road (Oyun LGA)

9. Offa- Irra Road (Oyun LGA)

10. Erin-Ile - Ilemona Road (Oyun LGA)

11. Arandun- Rore-Ipetu-Aran-Orin Road (Irepodun LGA)

12. Share-Oke-Ode Road ( Ifelodun LGA)

13. Mission Road, Lafiyagi ( Edu LGA)

14. Gerewu Road Phase I ( Ilorin West LGA)

15. Guniyan - Abayawo-Isale Asalapa Road

16. Alagbado Bridge ( Ilorin East LGA)

17. Oko Bridge, Oro Ago ( Ifelodun LGA)

18. Ogbondoroko Township Road ( Asa LGA} and several others across the State.

It is noteworthy that the Kwara State Infrastructure Development Fund (IF-K) financed these completed projects including the Geri Alimi Split Diamond Underpass to completion. Indeed, the Geri Alimi Split Diamond Underpass and the other road projects commissioned today provide the most persuasive answer to those who question the utilisation of taxes paid by the hardworking residents of Kwara State. As part of the efforts to ensure sustainability and security at the Underpass, a Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) system is installed at strategic locations at the Underpass and the roundabout.

A standby automatic generating set is also installed to provide power and electricity at night and for the CCTV operation at Geri-Alimi area. Equally, a reputable maintenance firm had been engaged to handle maintenance at the Underpass. In the same manner, a Media Firm also handles advertisements and lamppost advert locations at the Underpass to further beautify the edifice.

Besides, the state government has awarded the contract for the second section of this three-phase project. Subsequently, the contractor has mobilised to site and is already working on the drainage at the designated parts of the project. Distinguished guests, I must not end this speech without expressing my profound gratitude to the people of Kwara State for granting me the opportunity to serve.

I must also thank our revered traditional rulers, and all other stakeholders in the State for their immense contributions to the successes we have attained."eeping in mind this unique privilege to serve as your Governor, I gave this job my all, knowing that the lives and livelihoods of millions of people depended on my decisions and priorities.

While I have no regrets, and I am proud of my accomplishments as your governor, my only wish is that that my government had access to more financial resources to have done more for my people.

I now have the singular honour to commission this project to the glory of God and for the benefit of our people.