Residents of Ebu Bridge Community have expressed appreciation to Hon. Temilolu Nurudeen Ashamu (Seun Ashamu) following the inspection visit by the Oyo State Project Implementation Team to the proposed reconstruction site of the long-awaited Ebu Bridge.
The visit has renewed optimism that the project, initiated during Ashamu’s tenure as Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, is moving steadily towards implementation.
Community leaders noted that the inspection represented the fruition of groundwork undertaken during Ashamu’s tenure, when the project was conceived, prioritised and advanced through the necessary government processes. According to community representatives, the inspection validates the extensive groundwork undertaken during Ashamu’s tenure and reflects the importance of sustained engagement in moving major public projects from planning to implementation.
One of the significant interventions during his tenure was the advancement of plans to reconstruct the critical bridge linking the Isale-Oyo, Awujoola and Saabo communities, which had deteriorated significantly over the years.
Recognising the importance of the bridge to residents of Isale-Oyo, Awujoola and Saabo, Ashamu ensured that the project was prioritised by the Ministry. Under his leadership, the necessary technical assessments, administrative processes and government approvals were completed to position the project for implementation under the Oyo State NEWMAP-EIB programme.
During Ashamu’s tenure, the Oyo State Government, under the leadership of His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, fulfilled its counterpart funding obligations, while engagement with project partners continued in line with the implementation process.
The project gained fresh momentum on Thursday when officials of the Oyo State Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources conducted an on-the-spot assessment of the bridge site. The visit demonstrates that the preparatory work undertaken during Ashamu’s tenure is now translating into implementation on the ground, underscoring the commitment of the Governor Seyi Makinde-led administration to addressing critical infrastructure challenges affecting residents and restoring safe access across the affected communities.
Residents of Isale-Oyo, Awujoola, Saabo, and adjoining areas had long appealed to the government for intervention on the deteriorating bridge, citing safety concerns and the socio-economic impact of its poor condition.
The Ebu Bridge reconstruction initiative reflects the work undertaken during Ashamu’s tenure to advance practical environmental and infrastructure interventions, with implementation now progressing under the continued commitment of the Governor Seyi Makinde-led administration.
Beyond the reconstruction of a bridge, the project illustrates the importance of leadership that listens to communities, understands how government works and patiently advances projects through the processes required to deliver lasting results.
As Commissioner, Ashamu identified the need, mobilised government action, secured the necessary approvals and positioned the project for implementation. The recent inspection represents another important milestone towards the delivery of the project, demonstrating the importance of leadership that understands government processes and remains focused on delivering practical outcomes for communities.
