The All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial candidate for Oyo South, Hon. Aderemi Oseni, has flagged off the reconstruction of two collapsed bridges in Ibadan Southwest and Ido Local Government Areas of Oyo State, pledging to personally finance both projects.
The bridges, located at Poopola in the Bolumole area of Ringroad and Oloruntumo in Apata, have remained in disrepair for years, disrupting movement and economic activities in the affected communities.
Speaking during the flag-off exercises on Tuesday, the lawmaker representing Ibarapa East/Ido federal constituency said his decision to undertake the reconstruction was informed by the hardship residents had endured and the need to restore vital access routes.
“I am here to ensure that this collapsed bridge, which has remained unattended to since 2021, is reconstructed and that our people are relieved of the difficulties they have faced over the years,” he said.
Oseni disclosed that both projects would be handled by Menza Iffany Construction Company, with work scheduled to commence simultaneously and completion targeted within two to three months.
The APC chieftain said preliminary activities would include the removal of collapsed materials and excavation for the construction of retaining walls, adding that technical guidance had been provided to ensure proper execution.
Describing the projects as practical interventions with direct benefits for the affected communities, he said infrastructure challenges that hinder people’s movement and livelihoods deserved urgent attention.
“Development should translate into tangible improvements in the lives of the people. These bridges are important to the communities they serve, and I am committed to ensuring that the work is completed within the stipulated period,” he added.
The Poopola Bridge, which collapsed in 2021, connects Old Nepa to Adeoyo State Hospital, Orita and Oluyole, while the Oloruntumo Bridge, which has been broken for about 15 years, serves Oloruntumo, Aba Ayinde and other neighbouring communities.
Oseni said his intervention in Oloruntumo followed earlier support for the renovation of the community hall. He explained that after receiving photographs showing the deplorable condition of the bridge, he considered it necessary to visit the community and personally assess the situation before committing to its reconstruction.
Community representatives at both locations welcomed the intervention, expressing optimism that the reconstruction would ease transportation difficulties, improve access and stimulate economic activities.
The Poopola community chairman, Pa Alex, recalled that residents had sought government assistance since 2021, while the Oloruntumo youth leader, Rasheed Adewale Opakan, described the proposed reconstruction as a welcome development that would open up the community.
In a statement announcing the flag-off, Oseni’s Media Aide, Idowu Ayodele, said the intervention reflected the lawmaker’s commitment to responding to pressing community needs through practical development initiatives.
