Olushola Omogbehin
In the effort to close infrastructure gaps in Ondo State, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has approved the construction and rehabilitation of 101.036 kilometres of roads across the state including Omotosho-Igbotako-Iju-Odo Road that has been abandoned for long.
This was part of the major decisions taken at the State Executive Council meeting held on Monday in Akure.
The Commissioner for Infrastructure, Lands and Housing, Engr. Ayorinde Abiola Olawoye, told journalists that the projects would cover both new constructions and rehabilitation works in different locations across the state.
He said that the Council approved 66.421 kilometres of new roads and 34.615 kilometres of rehabilitation and reconstruction works, bringing the total to 101.036 kilometres. He explained further that the projects were approved to ease vehicular movement, enhance commerce as well as open up communities for development.
“The Council also approved the construction of a 216-bed hostel at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Permanent Orientation Camp in Ikare-Akoko, to improve accommodation for corps members posted to the state.
“In addition, the government will embark on the construction of a two-storey building for the Ondo State Public Complaints, Financial Crimes and Anti-Corruption Commission, as well as the renovation of office buildings belonging to the Hospital Management Board (HMB), Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, and the Ministries of Water Resources, Women Affairs and Lands and Housing.”
Ondo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr Idowu Ajanaku, said the latest approvals reflect the administration’s resolve to continue with its developmental agenda aimed at ensuring that governance impacts every part of the state.
“This government is focused on projects that touch lives directly. Governor Aiyedatiwa is determined to deliver visible results through massive infrastructure renewal,” Ajanaku said.
Among the road awarded for construction of are the Dual Carriageway of College Road – Okoga Junction – Irewole Roundabout, Igbokoda. (Length: 8.5 km), Re-Construction of Omotosho – Igbotako – Iju-Odo Road (Length: 21.2 km), Construction/Rehabilitation of Akure – Ijare Road with spur to Ikota Township Road (Length: 8.8 km).
Also approved are the Re-Construction of Akure – Imafon Road; Danjuma – Bolajoko with spur to Isikan and Asphalt Overlay of Investment Junction – Shoprite Roundabout – Federal Secretariat with spur to SIIB, Alagbaka, Akure. (Total length: 15.720 km), Construction of Afunbiowo Estate Roads, Alpha 3D Estate Roads and Asphalt Overlay of failed section of road to Alpha 3D Estate. (Total length: 6.201 km).
Among the road construction contracts reviewed are the construction of a flyover and junction improvement at Onyeagbulem – Shagari/Irese Road along Ilesha-Akure-Owo Expressway Akure, Ondo State, construction of 8.135 km Dual Carriageway from Oba Adesida (A Division) – Oba Osupa (Hospital) Road – Oluwatuyi – Ijoka (Oke Iya Junction) with spur to Alafiatayo Roundabout and Idiagba Titun Roads.
The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Amidu Takuro, also announced the appointment of three new traditional rulers across the state.
Prince Emmanuel Adetutu Ifasole was appointed as the Akinuwa of Ipindo in Ondo West Local Council Area, Prince Bamikole Adeyefa, as the Elemure of Emure-Ile in Owo Local Council Area, and Prince Akintoye Felix Adeoye, as the Oloke of Okeigbo in Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo Local Council Area.
