Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the commencement of construction work on the long-awaited Oko-Olowo Bridge in Ilorin.
The governor described the project as a significant intervention that would help protect lives and property while easing transportation challenges for residents and commuters along the Oko-Olowo axis.
The Oko-Olowo area has witnessed several fatal road crashes in recent years, with residents attributing some of the accidents to speeding and disregard for traffic regulations.
In a statement issued on Thursday, AbdulRazaq said the commencement of the bridge project demonstrated the President’s commitment to the welfare of Kwara residents.
He recalled that his administration began advocating for the construction of the bridge in 2019 and renewed the request after Tinubu assumed office in 2023.
“Our advocacy on this bridge began since 2019. We again renewed this advocacy as the President settled down in the office in 2023,” the governor said.
AbdulRazaq also recalled visiting the Minister of Works, David Umahi, in 2024 alongside Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, Hon. Mukhtar Shagaya and Hon. Ahmed Yinka Aluko to press for the urgent construction of the bridge and rehabilitation of the Ilorin-Lokoja Road through Omu Aran.
According to him, during a visit to Kwara in October 2025, Umahi assured the state government that construction of the bridge would commence soon.
“So what is happening today is a dream come true and promise kept by the President and Minister,” AbdulRazaq said.
“We are grateful and we see this as an intentional effort to protect lives and property.”
Relief for Residents and Commuters
The governor said the project would provide significant relief to thousands of residents living around the axis and motorists who regularly use the route.
“It is a relief to tens of thousands of our people who live in that axis or travel along that road every other day,” he said.
AbdulRazaq expressed confidence that the Federal Ministry of Works would also respond positively to the state’s other infrastructure requests, particularly the Ilorin-Lokoja Road through Omu Aran.
“We are also confident that the Hon. Minister will graciously expedite action on our other requests, including the Ilorin-Lokoja via Omu Aran, for the good of our people,” he said.
Governor Urges Support for Tinubu, APC
AbdulRazaq described the commencement of the bridge project as one of the dividends of democracy enjoyed by the people of Kwara State.
“This Oko-Olowo project is one of the many other dividends of democracy that our people have enjoyed, and it is another reason that the people of our state will vote massively for the President and all APC candidates in the coming election,” he said.
The governor said the project would not only improve road safety but also contribute to better connectivity and economic activity in the area.
