An Ibadan-based construction company, Kopek Construction Limited, has reiterated its commitment to the infrastructural development of Oyo state.
It also expressed deep gratitude to the governor of the state, Engr Seyi Makinde, for the rare privilege of being part of the ongoing massive infrastructural development in the state.
The Managing Director, Kopek Construction Limited, Engr Issam Feghali, disclosed this while reacting to questions from journalists during the commissioning of the 38.48-kilometre feeder roads rehabilitated in the Ibadan metropolis, held at the former D’Rovans Hotel Bus Stop, Ring Road, Ibadan.
According to him, the company must put in all it takes to ensure quality and durable jobs in the state.
The Kopek Construction Limited boss affirmed that Oyo state remains their home and must continue to deliver quality jobs, adding that since 1988 the company has earned a reputation for delivering quality jobs all over the country.
He said ” Let me tell you something definitely Kopek Construction Limited since it was established in 1988, it is known for its quality jobs and we deliver on time, speedy jobs and quality jobs which stand the test of time.
“At the same time, we are part of Oyo State, we are an indigenous company, we are based in Ibadan, this is our place and we believe we are doing the job for ourselves, our neighbours, friends and brothers. “
Speaking on the challenges faced during the road rehabilitation, Engr. Issam noted that diverting traffic while working in a city like Ibadan which is highly populated was not easy.
“Well, that is a big challenge, when you’re working in a big city like Ibadan, highly populated, definitely you will have challenges. When you’re diverting the traffic on major roads, and you have to create space for you to work, well it’s a big challenge for us and at the same time for the citizens, even though the people are not finding it easy, we appreciate them for their cooperation and understanding, and we are doing our best to finish the work quickly so as not to prolong the job more than necessary,” he stated.
In his address, Governor Seyi Makinde reaffirmed his commitment to expanding the economy of the state through road infrastructure and interconnectivity of rural and city centres.
The rehabilitated feeder roads fall within Ibadan South West, Ibadan North West and Ibadan South East Local Government Areas of the state capital out of the total lots of 95.58 kilometres awarded in December 2023.
The governor noted that feeder roads play significant roles in encouraging businesses, improving the economy and making residents happier, assuring that the rehabilitation of inner roads would be extended to other zones of the state in the third quarter of the year.
He reiterated that the road leading to Ikere Gorge Dam from Iseyin would be constructed before the end of his administration.
The governor also directed that the road stretch from Bode to Challenge as well as the whole of Felele Straight and Felele RAB, which were not earlier slated for reconstruction, should be included in the list of roads to be reconstructed.
Makinde said, “As a government, our job is to do our best with the little resources we have to keep the residents happy and attract more people to come to our state. This is the way we grow our economy. We also acknowledge that we do not have all the resources at our disposal. So, we cannot meet all our needs at the same time.
“This commissioning today will be the first of many. Our administration earmarked an initial 95.58km of feeder roads for asphaltic improvement and reconstruction in December 2023. This is just half-way through it and they are to be completed within 12 months.
“We are now in July with over 38km completed and the remaining 57km ongoing. So, I can rightly say we are over halfway done.
“When we assumed office, I spoke about our plans and the direction that we wanted to go with construction, but many people did not understand it. But I need to also say that I feel embarrassed every time I have to come out to say we are commissioning roads. This, ideally, is something that should be routine, because we have bigger things to do.
“Also, we look forward to rehabilitating more roads within the state and I can say today that we are in Ibadan zone. There will be phase two of this project, which will be in other zones of the state. And we will start by the end of the third quarter of this year. So, we are coming.
“One road that I know I will do before I leave this state is Iseyin-Ikere Gorge Dam. I am saying this publicly and I want our people in various zones to hold me responsible to this promise I just made.
“Let me also reaffirm our commitment to moving our people from poverty to prosperity through interconnectivity and road constructions. We are determined to lay the right foundations so that whoever is coming after us will build on the template.
“That is why we will keep working. The benefits of some of the projects we are doing will immediately manifest but others are long-term. We only ask that you join us in staying with the vision.
“All the roads we have fixed are also coming with solar streetlights. From Oke-Adu to Aremo to Olorunsogo, we will install streetlights there.”
Governor Makinde added that though his administration has done so much in building roads, it would be most remembered for the institutions it has put in place to ensure good governance.