Oko-Olowo Flyover: Saliu Mustapha recalls Senate motion, lobbying as construction begins

…says project reflects impact of sustained advocacy

Kwara Central Senator Saliu Mustapha has recalled his intervention in the Senate and subsequent engagements with federal officials that preceded the commencement of construction of the Oko-Olowo Flyover in Ilorin.

Mustapha said he raised the issue on the floor of the Senate exactly one year and 289 days before the commencement of construction, calling for urgent action to address persistent traffic congestion and recurring accidents at the junction.

He said his advocacy continued beyond the Senate motion, as he engaged the Minister of Works, David Umahi, and the Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, to push for the project’s inclusion in the Federal Government’s infrastructure programme.

“Today, I am delighted to share that construction work has commenced at the intersection. This is an important milestone, but it is also a reminder of what can be achieved when advocacy, collaboration and persistence come together in the service of our people,” Mustapha said.

The senator acknowledged the contributions of the Kwara State Government, members of the National Assembly from the state, officials of the Federal Ministry of Works, transport unions, traditional and religious institutions, community leaders and other stakeholders who supported efforts to secure the project.

He particularly commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the project, as well as Umahi, Goronyo and Kwara-born officials of the Federal Ministry of Works for facilitating its implementation.

Mustapha said the project would go beyond infrastructure development, noting that it was expected to improve road safety, reduce travel time and facilitate the movement of people and goods along the corridor.

“For the people who travel this route every day, the Oko-Olowo Flyover is much more than another government project. It represents safer journeys, reduced travel time, easier movement of goods and people, and greater economic opportunities for communities along this important corridor,” he said.

He expressed hope that construction would be completed on schedule so residents and other road users could begin to enjoy the benefits of the project.