FIRST ANNIVERSARY: Ondo Gov Aiyedatiwa Commissions Road, Water Projects In Akure

The Governor of Ondo State, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, on Thursday commissioned major road projects across Akure metropolis, including the Igoba Township Road and the Alagbaka Extension Road, as part of activities marking the first anniversary of his administration.

The Governor described the occasion as both joyful and symbolic, expressing gratitude to Almighty God and emphasising the transformative impact of the projects on residents, traders and road users last.

“These projects are critical infrastructure initiatives that connect communities, facilitate commerce and reflect our commitment to delivering the dividends of good governance,” he said.

The completed road projects include Gbangbalogun–Odole–Odiolowo Road, Lao–Oke Padre–Odopetu Road, Eco Bank–Oke Arata Road, Ajegunle Road, Oja Oshodi Road, SK Bright Street, Ayeloro Street and Igoba Road.

Governor Aiyedatiwa highlighted Igoba Road as a reference point for the administration’s broader infrastructural agenda, noting its role in linking communities, supporting trade and driving socio-economic development.

Reflecting on the achievements of his first year in office, the Governor cited significant progress in education, healthcare, agriculture, security and other sectors.

“Farmers have been empowered, small businesses supported and infrastructure enhanced, providing a strong foundation for sustainable development and a viable economy,” he said.

He added that the projects form part of his administration’s OUR EASE policy, aimed at growth, job creation, better living conditions and equitable development.

While commissioning the Alagbaka Extension Road, the Governor described it as a strategic urban infrastructure project designed to improve connectivity, ease traffic congestion and enhance the functionality of the Alagbaka axis.

“The importance of this road cannot be overemphasised. It links adjoining streets and estates with major access routes and provides alternative access to Akure Airport,” he said.

The Governor explained that the project was executed in accordance with standard engineering specifications, including pavement thickness, drainage, load-bearing capacity and long-term durability.

At the commissioning of the Omi Irorun O’Datiwa Water Scheme held at the Federal University of Technology Teaching Hospital, Akure, the Governor, who was represented by his deputy, Dr Olayide Adelami, said although the hospital had been handed over to the Federal Government, the state chose to execute the project under its own budget in the interest of the people.

He said the intervention would enhance healthcare delivery, reduce water-borne diseases, improve hygiene standards and increase operational efficiency within the hospital.

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In his remarks, the Commissioner for Infrastructure, Lands and Housing, Engr Abiola Olawoye, said the governor had fulfilled his promise to prioritise infrastructural development.

“Upon assuming office, the governor pledged to prioritise infrastructure, especially road projects. After 12 months in office, he has delivered on these promises,” Olawoye said.

He described Igoba as one of the largest and fastest-growing communities in Akure and noted that the 5.5-kilometre single carriageway would significantly contribute to the community’s socio-economic growth.

Olawoye explained that time would not permit the commissioning of all road projects completed within the first year.

He listed ongoing works, including Oke-T Road (10km), Okitipupa–Igbokoda Road (24km), Imafo Road (9.5km) and Akungba Road (6.7km), highlighting the administration’s large-scale infrastructural drive.

Also, the Commissioner for Water Resources, Public Sanitation and Hygiene, Ayodele Akande, described the water project as a landmark intervention reflecting Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa’s commitment to water, sanitation and hygiene development.

He said the scheme, designed to advance Sustainable Development Goals 6, 1 and 2, features a 1m³ tank on a 12-metre-high extension, a 2.2-kilometre distribution network and a hybrid 10.2kW solar-powered system with groundwater discharge of 15m³ per hour.

According to him, the facility will supply 150m³ of clean water daily to about 6,000 residents.

Akande added that within one year, over 50 boreholes had been constructed across the state and earth dams rehabilitated, providing clean water to more than one million people and increasing access by 12 per cent.

In his welcome address, the Chairman of Akure North Local Government, Johnson Ogunbolude, appreciated the governor for the road network in Igoba, noting that the governor always fulfils his promises.

In his goodwill message, the Obaloogun of Igoba, Oba John Adeniyi Adinlewa, expressed gratitude to the governor, recalling when he led a delegation to advocate for Igoba Road and commending Aiyedatiwa for fulfilling his promise.

The Chairman of Alagbaka Extension Landlords Association, Fred Ojo, described the project as “embodying the spirit of progress and development”, noting that it had transformed the area from neglect into a functional, accessible and pride-inducing community.

The governor, through his deputy, also commissioned Adegbola Health Centre in Akure and Surulere Health Centre in Ondo town.