By Mary Agidi
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The need to get the approval of the Federal Government has been given as the reason behind the delay in the commencement of Ore flyover project, just as delegates of the state, led by the state Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Rt. Hon. Taofik Abdulsalam, will be in Abuja today for that purpose.

Regardless of the agreement of the Federal Government to promptly release fund for the construction of the Ore flyover bridge, being a Federal road, the State government has assured that there is no going back on the implementation of the project.

Rt. Hon. Abdulsalam made this disclosure during a stakeholders’ meeting in Ore in Odigbo local government area of the state held to intimate the people of the community about the decision of the government on the bridge and the method of compensation to those who will be affected.

He explained that though the Federal Government has not expressed readiness to render financial assistance, the state government is set to commence the project as soon as approval letter is given by the Federal government in order to fulfill the electioneering campaign promise of the current administration to the people of Ore and its axis.

According to him, one major reason for the construction of the flyover bridge is to fast track the approval of the proposed Seaport in Araromi as the bridge is one of the criteria for the establishment of the port as it would ease transportation.

Abdulsalam, who assured of the enormous benefits the project will bring to the people of the area in terms of job opportunities for unskilled workers also said with the presence of the flyover bridge, Ore will turn to an investment hub of the South-West Nigeria.

He, therefore, appealed to the people to cooperate with the government and ensure that contractors are provided a peaceful atmosphere to work.

Also speaking at the meeting, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Infrastructure, Works and Lands, Engr Raimi Aminu  assured the people of the area that the government will persuade the contractors to patronise sellers of materials in the community, adding that every interested and self-confident skilled workers who is interested in working with the contractors in Ore should liaise with the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure for interview and recommendation.

He, however, assured that the proposed seaport will get the approval before the end of the year, adding that the state government is planning to partner NDDC to construct a dual road from Epe to Ondo State.

The Olore of Ore, Oba Johnson Olatomide appreciated the governor for fulfilling his promise to the area, describing him as a God-sent, adding that the community will be ever grateful.

Chairman, House Committee on Works, Hon. Musa Mukaila noted that the flyover bridge is long overdue and a very important project, adding that the needed fund for the project has been included in the 2018 budget.

Chairman of the Corridor Acquisition and Compensation payment, who doubles as the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Lands, Engr Alex Aragbaiye explained that in as much as it has been established that a property belongs to an individual or family, irrespective of Certificate of Occupancy, compensation will be paid.

An elder in the community, Omoba Igbekele Akinrinmade expressed joy and happiness for the decision of the government to construct the flyover bridge.