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AIYEDATIWA INAUGURATES ODA ROAD, VOWS TO COMPLETE IJOKA ROAD, ONYEARUGBULEM FLYOVER PROJECTS
The Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has reiterated his administration’s resolve to complete all inherited infrastructure projects across the state, declaring that neither the popular Ijoka Road nor the Onyearugbulem/Shagari Flyover in Akure will be abandoned.
Governor Aiyedatiwa made this known while commissioning the newly completed Oda Road in Akure South Local Government Area, describing the event as a major milestone in his administration’s commitment to impactful development.
The Governor acknowledged the efforts of his predecessor, late Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, who initiated and flagged off the dualisation of the road.
“This project is a testament to meticulous planning, dedication, and the collective will of our administration to deliver on promises made to the people. When I assumed office as the seventh democratically elected governor on February 24, 2025, I pledged to prioritize infrastructural development and enhance the welfare of our people. Today’s commissioning is a fulfillment of that pledge,” the Governor said.
The Governor emphasized that his government will not abandon projects started by his predecessors, stressing that both the Ijoka Road and Onyearugbulem/Shagari Bridge will be completed despite public concerns.
“I want to tell the good people of Ondo State that those roads will be completed. There might be delays because they are inherited projects, and we had to first verify the financial commitments, review contractor engagements, and ensure prudence in spending. But we are moving forward,” he stated.
He disclosed that the Oda Road project, though inherited, was completed after a rigorous auditing process with the contractor, Dortnud Construction Company, which he commended for its understanding and cooperation.
According to the governor, the road project aligns with the 2025 Budget of Recovery, which allocates a huge percentage of the state’s budget to capital expenditure. He added that this approach is designed to unlock the economic potential of communities through improved infrastructure.
Highlighting the economic and social benefits of the Oda Road, Aiyedatiwa noted that the completed road had already eased traffic congestion, improved access to public institutions, and boosted the value of real estate and small businesses in the area.
He urged residents to take ownership of the project, stressing the importance of proper maintenance and discouraging practices that damage public infrastructure, such as burning tires on asphalt roads or improper disposal of waste.
Governor Aiyedatiwa also used the occasion to reaffirm his administration’s broader development agenda, promising that more life-changing projects will be executed across the state in the months ahead.
In his welcome address, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Infrastructure, Lands, and Housing, Engr. Olawoye Abiola, described the occasion as a strong testament to the State Government’s unwavering commitment to infrastructural development across all 18 local government areas of the state.
Engr. Abiola emphasized that the Oda Road project, which spans a total length of 7.8 kilometers, is a vivid example of the government’s resolve to transform critical infrastructure and ease the movement of people and goods within the state.
He explained that the project consists of two sections: a dual carriageway stretching 4 kilometers, which has been fully completed, and a single carriageway covering 3.8 kilometers, which is also now ready for public use.
Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of Akure South Local Government, Hon. Gbenga Fasua, noted that the road serves as a critical access route to several essential facilities within the area. According to him, the road passes through a number of schools, healthcare centers, residential communities, and commercial areas, making it a vital corridor for both social and economic activities.
Hon. Fasua commended the state government for prioritizing infrastructure that directly impacts the lives of the people and expressed optimism that the project would contribute to the socio-economic growth of the local government.
Also, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi Odundun II, the Deji of Akure, expressed profound appreciation to the Ondo State Governor on behalf of the people of Akure Kingdom.
He commended the governor for the successful completion of the Oda Road project, describing it as a landmark achievement that reflects the administration’s responsiveness to the needs of the people.
Meanwhile, Hon. Oguntodu Olajide Johnson, a member of the Ondo State House of Assembly representing Akure South Constituency 1, lauded Governor Aiyedatiwa for fulfilling his promise to complete the road.
Those in attendance at the event included the Deputy Governor, Dr. Olayide Adelami; the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti, the Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa; and the Head of Service, Mr. Bayo Philip, well as members of the Ondo State House of Assembly, members of the State Executive Council, top government functionaries, and other dignitaries.
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