Army To Build Bridge In Osun Communities
As part of Nigerian Army corporate social responsibility, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai has approved the construction of a bridge across Osun river to boost the economy of communities in Iwo, Ayedire, Ede North and Ede South local governments of Osun State.
Speaking shortly after monarchs in the area led the 12-member Army team drawn from Force headquarters and Army Engineering Regiment Ede to kuta/Ede boundary site of the project, the Olowu of Kuta, Oba, Adekunle Makama Oyelude said the construction of the bridge would be the manifestation of over 70 years yearnings of Ede, Kuta, Ile-Ogbo, Olupona, Iwo communities.
Flanked by traditional rulers of the benefiting communities at Kuta, Oba Oyelude noted that the bridge when constructed will boost the economy of the area.
The monarch disclosed that the compassionate appeal he sent on behalf of the communities to the Nigeria Army informed the visit of the Army inspection team.
“If the bridge is constructed, the economic impact can not be over-emphasized. The IGR of the state will also improve because human and goods could be moved easily.
“Our forefathers that started the bridge knew it’s economic importance. We thank the Chief of Army Staff for the move to complete the bridge. Military are not only fighting insurgency, they are opening up access roads”
According to him, being an agrarian community, farmers have had to contend with untoward hardship in the transportation of farm produce adding that the resultant effect had forced up prices of farm produce.
He praised General Buratai for the kind gesture saying that the communities and Osun State in general will ever be grateful to him.
Speaking, the Timi of Ede land, Oba Munirudeen Adesola Lawal, lauded the army for the step to make ‘unforgettable’ history in the communities.
He assured that the bridge would not cause any conflict between the two towns, stressing that it would further promote cordial relationship between them.
The monarch who explained that the bridge has been the boundary for Ede and Kuta, noted that it would be impossible to have land dispute because there is no land to fight over.
He lauded Olowu Kuta for using the relationship he enjoyed with the army chief to facilitate development that would be of benefit to the coming generation.
A representative-elect in Iwo federal constituency, Mr. Amobi Yinusa, explained that several attempts have been made with series of letters written to the federal government since the administration of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, but all to no avail.
He commended Oba Olowu Kuta for his intervention, noting that the bridge would be a benefit for, not only Ede and Kuta, but all other communities in the area
ENDS
