The Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed, has said that the state government invested about N42.5m to reconstruct the Ohan Bailey Bridge along Ilorin-Igbeti road because of its strategic nature and importance to the area.

In an interview with our correspondent on Tuesday, he stated that the rehabilitation of the road would fast-track socio-economic development, boost agricultural activities and improve the welfare of the residents.

He added that the bridge links Ilorin, the Kwara State capital with the Oyo North, Cotonou (Republic of Benin) and many farmlands.

He said with the rehabilitation of the road, there would be easy transportation of foodstuffs from the farms to urban areas.

Ahmed, who was represented by the Commissioner for Works and Transport, Dr. Abubakar Kannike, speaking during the handover of the bridge, said it was reconstructed by Nigerian Army engineers.

He recalled that the bridge had been closed down since 2009 following a major accident, which resulted in the death of many people.

According to the governor, the bridge constructed 40 years ago, collapsed in 2009, causing untold hardships to thousands of people.

He said the state government would continue to upgrade deplorable federal roads in the state to enhance its economic activities.

He stated that the Nigerian army approached the state government with the financial proposal when the bridge was impassable.

He added that government would continue to partner the Nigeria army towards the development of the state.

Ahmed commended the engineers for the prompt completion of the project and appealed to the Federal Government to upgrade other federal roads in the state.